Things that are trying to kill you: Snakes

Australia is a wonderful place full of things that are trying to kill you. On the average day, you will not come across any of these dangerous animals, but anyone travelling here should be forewarned.

Snakes

While writing this post, we thought it best to look up facts about snakes to confirm our general knowledge. At this point, we should mention that Kidge is incredibly snake-a-phobic (hence the cartoon picture), and will quite possibly cry if she has to look at a picture of one, let alone see one in the flesh. Aimes, on the other hand, is quite happy to have a python slung around her shoulders. Something she has done on several occasions, to the horror of Kidge.  

Kidge’s reaction after glimpsing a giant sized snake head on the screen was: “Jazzy [our cat], come here. You’re cute and fuzzy and not trying to kill me”. *picks her up for snuggles*

Out of the top ten most poisonous snakes in the world, Australia has a mere 6 of them. Yes you read that correctly. Not only do these reptilian creepy crawlies live on land, but you can also find them in the water - as if you didn’t need another reason not to throw yourself into our sparking blue oceans.

Although it would seem like we are simply infested with the creatures, it is not that common to see a snake. It is very rare to see one in suburbia, but the closer to bush you are, the more likely you will come across one of the less harmful varieties (meaning you have a little more time to get yourself to a hospital and get injected with anti-venom before you start fertilising daisies).

It should comfort you to know that in an average year, there are only 4-6 deaths by snake bite in the whole of Australia, and these normally occur through unwise interactions with the beady eyed coils of death.

Course of action if you are unlucky enough to run into a snake? Freeze like a statue. 

To those of you thinking we are kidding, think again. Snakes have very poor eyesight, so unless you move quickly, they will more than likely assume you are a tree and hopefully slither along their merry way. This does not apply if you are more than approximately 6 metres away. In that circumstance, we give you permission to turn yourself around and walk swiftly in the other direction.

The general rule is, if you don’t bother a snake, they will normally pay very little attention to you. So if you come across one, leave it alone and call for the snake removalists (these really do exist). Wear appropriately thick shoes when walking in the bush. Keep your eyes peeled, and as us Aussie’s say, “You’ll be right mate.”