Venomous Snakes

The most dangerous land snakes in NSW include the Eastern Tiger, Eastern Brown (common Brown), Death Adder, Mulga and King Brown snake.

Snakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat. They will only attack humans if injured, threatened, or provoked and most bites occur when people try to kill or capture them. When walking in the bush, make sufficient noise to scare snakes out of the way.

If you do come across a snake, just calmly walk the other way.

Eastern_Brown_Snake

Venomous Spiders

Funnel-web Spider

The Sydney Funnel-web spider is considered the most venomous spider in the world. A large, bulky spider, with females reaching over 35mm in body length and males around 25mm.

The head region is characteristically glossy black, while the abdomen is dark brown or purplish in colour.

The body and legs are covered with fine hairs. These fine hairs are able to trap tiny air bubbles and as a result, Funnel-webs are able to live underwater for up to 14 days. Therefore, you are urged to thoroughly check swimming pools prior to entering, including under edge lips and inside the filter/skimmer box.

Since the inception of the Australian Reptile Park’s Funnel-web spider antivenom program in 1981, zero deaths have been recorded due to a Funnel-web spider bite.

If you find a Funnel-web spider, call the Australian Reptile Park on 02 4340 1022

sydney_funnel_web

Redback Spider

Despite their potent venom, Redback spiders aren’t particularly aggressive. They prefer to hide from threats. Most bites occur when humans accidentally disturb their hiding places and possibly dislodge them.

redback

First aid for all venomous snakes and funnel web spiders

First aid for venomous bites

If you have been bitten by a snake or spider, please follow the first-aid techniques listed below and call 000 immediately.

Do not attempt to identify the species before going to hospital, they are able to test the venom to determine the species.

  1. Keep the bite victim calm and immobile.
  2. Apply a pressure-immobilisation bandage to the bite site and adjacent on the limb. This should be the same tension / tightness as a sprain.
    Wrap around the bite site 3 times, then wrap the rest of the limb.
    For example, a bite on the finger should be treated by bandaging the finger first and then the entire arm.
  3. Further restrict movement by applying a splint (only if option is available).
  4. Go straight to hospital.

 

First aid for Redback spiders

  1. DO NOT use the Pressure Immobilisation Technique.
  2. Keep the bite victim calm and immobile.
  3. Apply ice pack to the bite site to reduce the pain.
  4. Go straight to hospital.

For your convenience, the Australian Red Cross has developed a First Aid app for your smartphone.

Download here: https://www.redcross.org.au/firstaid/firstaidapp/