Leslie Massey
Australia is home to a wide variety of unique wildlife, and while many of these animals are harmless, some can be dangerous. Wildlife attacks in Australia occur annually, and they are carried out by various native species, including snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks, kangaroos, and more. In this article, we will explore the small animals that pose a threat to humans in Australia and discuss safety measures to prevent attacks.
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What You'll Learn
Kangaroos can be dangerous, but moving out of their kicking range is a defence
While it is rare for kangaroos to attack humans, it is technically possible and can be dangerous. Kangaroos are wild animals and their behaviour is driven mostly by instinct. They are large animals with powerful arms, massive feet, and sharp claws. Their kicks can cause severe bruising and internal injuries, and they may perceive humans as rivals or predators. Therefore, it is important to know how to defend yourself and escape from an attack safely.
If a kangaroo comes close to you, maintain your distance and avoid invading its territory. If the kangaroo has not yet attacked, back away slowly while maintaining your composure and establishing distance. Talk to it in a soothing tone to signal that you mean no harm. Avoid making eye contact, as this can be perceived as a threat. If the kangaroo does attack, refrain from running away, as this may provoke it to act more aggressively. Instead, try to get to a safe location, such as behind a car or up a tree.
One strategy to protect yourself from a kangaroo attack is to intimidate the kangaroo by making yourself appear larger. Spread your arms wide and make noise to startle the kangaroo and hopefully cause it to flee. You can also try to throw pebbles or sticks at it to drive it away. Additionally, carrying a stick or long object can help create space between you and the kangaroo. However, it is important to note that you should never hit or hurt a kangaroo, as they are a protected species in Australia.
If a kangaroo does attack, use your hands and arms to block its kicks and protect yourself from its sharp claws. If necessary, curl up in a fetal position with your arms protecting your head. It is important to remember that humans are not physically equipped to fight a kangaroo, and even if you defend yourself initially, the kangaroo may return once it regains its strength. Therefore, the best defence against a kangaroo attack is to avoid confrontation altogether by moving out of its kicking range and respecting its territory.
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Snakes are common attackers
Australia is known for its dangerous snakes, with around 170 species of land snakes, some equipped with venom more toxic than any other snakes in the world. However, snake bites are quite rare in Australia, and since the development of anti-venom, fatalities have been low, with only around four to six deaths per year.
The most dangerous snakes in Australia include the Coastal Taipan, the Inland Taipan (also known as the fierce snake or lignum snake), and the Eastern Brown Snake. The Eastern Brown Snake is responsible for more deaths every year in Australia than any other group of snakes. Its venom causes progressive paralysis and stops the blood from clotting, which may take many doses of antivenom to reverse. The Eastern Brown Snake is widespread over most of mainland Australia, thriving in populated areas, particularly on farms in rural areas.
The Inland Taipan is considered the world's most venomous snake, but due to its remote habitat, not many people are bitten by it. The Coastal Taipan, on the other hand, inhabits the coastal areas in Australia's north and northeast, from Brisbane to Darwin. When it feels threatened or cornered, it defends itself without warning, striking with a large amount of venom.
Other large venomous snakes in southern Australia include the Tigersnake, Copperhead, and Death Adder. While these snakes can deliver a fatal bite, they rarely do so. Bites from Australian snakes are generally rare, and most snakes would rather slither away from humans than fight them. Additionally, the availability of medical care, transport infrastructure, and effective antivenoms in Australia has contributed to the low number of fatalities from snake bites.
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Stonefish are a small marine creature that can be harmful
Stonefish are small, venomous marine creatures found in the coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in tropical waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are a type of ray-finned fish, belonging to the subfamily Synanceiinae, or scorpionfish and relatives. Stonefish are considered the most venomous fish in the world, with stings that can be fatal to humans. The stonefish's sting can cause intense pain and, in some cases, death if not treated. Stonefish are extremely well camouflaged and resemble rocks or coral, making them difficult to spot. They are usually found in coral reefs and coastal regions, and can sometimes be found on beaches as they can survive out of water for up to 24 hours.
There are two main types of stonefish found in Australia: the Estuarine Stonefish and the Reef Stonefish. The Reef Stonefish is widely distributed throughout the tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and northern New South Wales. The Estuarine Stonefish is found in rivers and estuaries. Stonefish typically feed on small fish and crustacea, using their speed to strike when prey swims by. They are also known to eat sashimi, with raw stonefish being safe for human consumption if the dorsal fins are removed first.
Stonefish stings are caused by the fish's thirteen stout spines in the dorsal fin, which can inject a highly toxic venom. The venom is a mix of enzymes and non-enzymatic proteins, including a potent neurotoxin called verrucotoxin (VTX). This neurotoxin modulates Ca2+ channel activity through the β-adrenoceptor-cAMP-PKA pathway. The amount of venom injected is proportional to the amount of pressure applied to the stonefish, and the sting can be extremely painful and potentially lethal. Stonefish stings most often occur when someone steps on the creature, forcing the venom into their foot.
The most recommended treatments for a stonefish sting are the application of heat to the affected area and, in more extreme cases, antivenom. Hot water, at a temperature of at least 45 °C (113 °F), can be used to denature the stonefish venom and relieve pain. Antivenom for stonefish stings was developed in 1959 and has further reduced the likelihood of death. Stonefish antivenom is the second-most administered in Australia. Additionally, vinegar is provided on some Australian beaches as it is believed to lessen the pain of stonefish stings.
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Magpie attacks have caused three known deaths
In Australia, wildlife attacks occur every year, and they are caused by a variety of native species, including snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks, kangaroos, and magpies. While magpies are widely loved in Australia and known for their melodious voices, they have also been implicated in several attacks on humans, resulting in three known deaths.
The first recorded death from a magpie attack occurred when a person contracted tetanus, likely from a magpie-inflicted wound. The second death happened when an elderly cyclist crashed his bicycle while attempting to evade a swooping magpie. This type of behavior is not uncommon among magpies, as they are known to swoop and dive-bomb passersby, particularly during their breeding season from late August to early October.
The most recent fatality involving a magpie occurred in August 2021 when a baby died as a mother tried to protect them from a swooping magpie. This incident highlights the aggressive nature some magpies can exhibit during the breeding season. While magpies are protected by law in Australia, provisions are made in certain states to allow for the killing of particularly aggressive birds that pose a threat to humans.
It is worth noting that the majority of magpie attacks do not result in fatalities. However, they can cause injuries, especially when the birds target vulnerable areas such as the eyes. In some cases, magpies have been known to scratch and peck at people's faces, leading to hospitalizations. To minimize the risk of magpie attacks, it is recommended to wear broad-brimmed hats or use umbrellas when walking near their nests.
While magpie attacks have resulted in three known deaths in Australia, it is important to recognize that other animal attacks have also led to fatalities. For instance, snake bites from highly venomous species like the eastern brown snake have caused a few fatalities each year, despite the wide availability of antivenom. Additionally, crocodile attacks, predominantly by saltwater crocodiles, have been reported in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
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There have been no Tasmanian devil fatalities, but they have a fearsome reputation
Despite their fearsome reputation, there have been no recorded fatalities from Tasmanian devil attacks in Australia. In 1899, it was reported that:
> Many ghastly stories were afloat of their attacks upon escaped convicts who had taken to the bush.
However, these stories have not been substantiated. While Tasmanian devils are the largest surviving carnivorous marsupials, they are relatively slow, with a top speed of 13 km/h (8.1 mph) over short distances. They are also generally solitary hunters, although there have been some unproven claims of communal hunting strategies.
Tasmanian devils are known to scavenge on dead animals, including washed-up fish, and will even eat the bones and fur of carcasses. This habit has earned them the gratitude of Tasmanian farmers, as their efficient cleaning of carcasses helps prevent the spread of harmful insects to livestock. Devils have also been observed stealing and chewing on shoes near human habitation, and eating the legs of sheep that have become trapped in shearing sheds.
While Tasmanian devils have powerful jaws, they typically use them to escape from metal traps rather than to attack prey. Their diet consists of about 15% of their body weight per day, although they can consume up to 40% of their body weight in a single sitting if given the opportunity. This means they can become very heavy and lethargic after eating, waddling away slowly and lying down, making them easy to approach. This habit has led some to speculate that the lack of a predator to target bloated individuals has contributed to their eating patterns.
In summary, while Tasmanian devils have a fearsome reputation, there is little evidence to support claims of their involvement in attacks on humans. Their slow speed, solitary nature, and preference for scavenging over hunting suggest that they pose little threat to humans.
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