Australian Snakes, Sharks and Spiders and what to do if you meet one

The cast of Australian Villains

Australian Snakes, Sharks, Spiders and other nasties are responsible for ten of thousands of nightmares and spine tingles every week. Thankfully, the number of actual encounters, bites and fatalities is significantly less.

Sharks

The fact is you are far more likely to be hurt in a car accident than getting nibble on by a shark. If you were to stay on the beach and never cross the road you’d still more likely to be attacked by a beach buggy, a 4wd, jet skis or errant surf board than chewed up by Aussie Jaws. Another way of looking at it, more people die eating shark (food poisoning / choking etc) than being eaten by one.

The World’s deadliest Spiders

You could just stay indoors but Australia boosts some of the world’s most deadliest and poisonous spiders and they aren't all the outdoor type. Australia has world class hotels and better than B&Bs but it still seems a waste to spend all your days inside - although there's skin cancer to consider.

Terrorist Attack

If you are really having a bad day you could be abducted by aliens or subject to a terrorist attack. These things happen to people (with the possible exception of alien abduction but who knows, and if they do, they aren't telling.) and maybe that’s the point. You should be mindful of the risks but don't let it spoil your holiday.

She’ll be right

You can't protect yourself against every potential hazard so it is a little daft to worry over it or another of putting it - 'she'll be right - no worries'

The Facts

So what are the risks? Here are the stats:

Human Deaths in Australia Between 1980-1990, Inclusive (from Stevens & Paxton, 1992)

No deaths by Spider bites?

In Australia, only male Sydney Funnel Web Spiders and Redback Spiders have caused human deaths, but none have occurred since anti venoms were made available in 1981. Each year in Australia as many as 4,000 people are bitten. Of these 200 require anti venom treatment and one bite proves fatal

No deaths from Snake bites?

Less than eight presumably. You should also bear in mind that some of the snake attacks would be of people who handle snakes, keep them as pets or other wise live in close proximity to the beasties. Another point is, in the extremely unlikely you are bitten or witness someone else being bitten, do not try to attack the snake as it moves faster then you do and will probably have another go. More people die worrying about snakes (‘I think I saw a snake’, heartache –thud) than actually get bitten by them - just a thought.

Alien Abductions

There are few stats on this one but if you do get abducted at least let them know you are on holiday. There are no space tours that I’m aware of and potential for great photography should not be squandered.

What should you do if you witness a Snake, Spider or Shark attack?

If you'd feel more comfortable knowing what you should do here a few tips. In most cases dial '000' and ask for the most appropriate emergency service. (For alien abductions - grab some hard evidence before you call). For more informed advice we have included the opening few lines and links to two excellent articles by apparent experts on the things that bite, sting and swim and then bite.

Article One - The Scoop on Australia's Deadly Animals Cathy Hanan

Sharks, crocs, snakes and spiders — everyone wonders when they come to Australia. But before you get all worked up, it’s important to look at the statistics. Precautionary measures implemented in the last 70 years mean it’s more likely you’ll be killed by lightening or fatal bee sting than by a croc or shark attack, spider or snake bite.. Between 1980 and 1990 only 11 people were killed in shark attacks in Australia. In that same time period, 20 were killed by bee stings and another 19 by lightening. On average there are approximately 3000 reported snake bites in Australia every year, of those, only one is fatal. Since introducing spider anti venom in 1956, there have been no deaths attributed to the highly dangerous red-backed spider.

The “nasties” aren’t waiting around every corner to get you in fact, you’ll probably never encounter them, but if you do, remember most of Australia’s dangerous animals are only unsafe if provoked. Here’s the scoop.

Article Two - Safety Tips for Traveling in Australia By Richard Moore

Australia is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations with everything travelers want from a holiday spot. Spectacular landscapes, some of Nature's greatest creations, sun, surf, beaches, great food and wine, friendly people and relative safety.

However, Australia is also one of the harshest of lands with a climate that can be unforgiving for those who are careless, or who don't prepare themselves well.

And if you think we're exaggerating then keep this in mind - almost 400 tourists die each year in Australia.

There were 363 deaths in 2002 and over the previous six years the annual average is around the 370.

Okay, almost 40 per cent of those were for people older than 55 who had heart attacks or strokes, but that still leaves some 240 people a year who meet their ends in other ways.

It seems that car crashes and drowning account for at least 60 tourists annually, almost four a year die after being assaulted and eight a year kill themselves while here.

But when you consider that more than 400,000 visitors hit Australian shores every month the death rate - a miniscule 0.01% - is statistically harmless.

Still, Australian has more poisonous and bitey nasties than any other nation in both the sea and on land - crocodiles, jellyfish, snakes, sharks and spiders, to name but a few - as well as the occasional felons who set fire to backpacker hostels or ambush tourists on lonely outback roads.

The main thing about traveling around this Great Southern Land is to think about what you are doing and be prepared. Here are a few tips:

Stories

As one guide once told me - if you are lucky enough to see a snake or spider – it is just a friendly aussie saying G'day just don't try shaking hands or sticking around for a yarn.

Don’t Provoke the Natives

Another story I was told whilst in the Northern Territory was of a tourist who was bitten by a freshwater / Johnson crocodile (which is unusual – Salt water Crocs are usually considered to be the dangerous ones). The park rangers were going to destroy the animal to prevent further attacks until they discover the tourist had been throwing rocks at the Croc so it would move to make holiday video more interesting. The Croc moved alright directly for the tourists leg. Remember wherever you end up – it is their home and you are just visiting – so please don’t provoke the natives.

Your Say

If you have more useful facts on Australian nasties, or if you have encounter one, please let us know what happened. Your experience, or knowledge, could be of great value to visitors and residents alike.

comments@sydney100.com

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