Snake Species Found in Australia | Venomous & Safe Snakes

Introduction: Why Australia’s Snakes Are So Special
Quick Facts & Numbers
Venomous vs Non-Venomous: What’s the Difference?
Some Famous and Dangerous Snake Species in Australia
- Inland Taipan
- Eastern Brown Snake
- Coastal Taipan
- Tiger Snake
- King Brown (Mulga) Snake
- Red-Bellied Black Snake
- Death Adders
- Others (Ringed Brown, Blue-Bellied Black, etc.)
Comparison Table: Key Snake Species in Australia
Habitat, Behavior & Diet
Snakebite Risk, First Aid & Prevention
Conservation & Threats
Interesting Facts & Myths
Wrap Up & Final Thoughts

1. Introduction: Why Australia’s Snakes Are So Special

You know, Australia has this reputation for housing some of the most dangerous creatures on Earth, and snakes are no exception. When I first started reading about them, I couldn’t believe how many species there are, how potent some venoms can be, and how well adapted these slithery reptiles are to every corner of the continent — from deserts and woodlands to rainforests and coastal zones.

In other words, if you’re in Australia (or just curious), snakes are never boring. Let’s peel back the scales and see what’s really going on.

2. Quick Facts & Numbers

Here are some headline numbers and facts (because who doesn’t love a good fact list?):

Australia hosts around 140 species of land snakes plus about 32 species of sea snakes. (Backyard Buddies)
Of those, about 100 species are venomous. (Backyard Buddies)
But—and this is key—only a subset can inflict life-threatening bites on humans. (Australian Museum)
According to Snakes of Australia (Wikipedia), there is a wide diversity of genera and species across states and territories. (Wikipedia)
Some sources say there are 94 species recorded in certain listings. (animalia.bio)
The Australian Museum notes: “Australia has nearly 200 known species of snake, only 25 of which are considered potentially deadly.” (Australian Museum)

So, bottom line: there’s great diversity, and while many snakes have venom, not all are a severe danger to humans.

3. Venomous vs Non-Venomous: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into individual species, it helps to understand what “venomous” really means and how you can tell (or at least approximate).

Venomous snakes inject toxins via fangs, used to immobilize prey or defend themselves.
Non-venomous snakes might constrict or simply swallow prey alive (or kill them by pressure) but don’t inject toxins.
In Australia, most venomous snakes belong to the Elapidae family (elapids) — these are front-fanged snakes.
A few features often differentiate venomous from non-venomous species (though no rule is 100 % safe in the field):
- Head shape: sometimes more triangular or distinct from the neck (but this is not foolproof).
- Pupils: venomous snakes often have elliptical (slit) pupils, but in Australia many have round pupils, so that’s not always helpful.
- Behavior and locale: venomous snakes may adopt threat postures, flatten bodies, hiss, etc.
- Coloration and patterns: but many harmless snakes mimic dangerous ones.

Because identification is tricky, the safest rule is: if you see a snake, give it space and don’t try to handle it unless you’re a trained herpetologist or snake catcher.

4. Some Famous and Dangerous Snake Species in Australia

Let me walk you through several of the best-known or most medically significant snake species in Australia. I’ll mix in facts, behavior, and “wow” tidbits.

Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

Often hailed as the world’s most venomous land snake. (A-Z Animals)
Found in remote semi-arid regions near the borders of Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. (Australian Geographic)
Relatively reclusive; encounters with humans are very rare.
Its venom is extremely potent: just one bite, untreated, could be fatal. (A-Z Animals)
Because it lives in remote and harsh terrain, many people never cross paths with it.

Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)

This is one of the most notorious snakes in Australia (and frequently mentioned in snakebite reports). (Australian Geographic)
Widespread — found across eastern and southern Australia, even close to human settlements. (Aussie Animals)
Its venom causes coagulopathy (blood not clotting properly), progressive paralysis, and can be lethal if not treated. (Australian Geographic)
Because of its speed and tendency to occur near farms and houses (chasing rodents), it accounts for a large share of snakebite fatalities. (Aussie Animals)

Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)

Highly venomous and among the longest venomous snakes in Australia. (Wikipedia)
Found in coastal northern and eastern parts of Australia (Queensland, New Guinea too). (Wikipedia)
Venom acts rapidly: neurotoxins that affect nerves, muscular paralysis, etc. (Wikipedia)
Despite its fearsome reputation, it tends to avoid humans when possible.

Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)

Found in southern and southeastern Australia, including Tasmania. (Australian Geographic)
Its body often shows banded patterns (stripes) — hence the name “tiger.” (Australian Geographic)
Venom is a mixture: neurotoxins, hemotoxins, myotoxins. It can cause muscle damage, clotting disturbances, nerve issues. (Australian Geographic)
Tiger snakes have been responsible for significant numbers of bites because they live near wetlands and populated areas. (Australian Geographic)

King Brown or Mulga Snake (Pseudechis australis)

Also known as Mulga snake, though it’s actually more closely related to black snakes (genus Pseudechis). (Wikipedia)
It’s one of the largest terrestrial venomous snakes in Australia. (Wikipedia)
Wide distribution: northern, western, central Australia. (Wikipedia)
Its venom is less “fast-acting” than some other elapids, but it can cause serious local and systemic symptoms, especially because this snake can deliver large quantities. (Aussie Animals)

Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)

Native to eastern Australia; quite well known and often encountered near water bodies. (Wikipedia)
Glossy black on top with red or pink underside (ventral scales) — striking contrast. (Skills Training College)
Generally more docile than many others; fatalities are rare, but the bite can still require medical attention. (Wikipedia)

Death Adders (genus Acanthophis)

These are ambush predators (rather than active hunters), often buried in leaf litter, waiting for prey. (Living with Wildlife)
Multiple species: common death adder, northern death adder, desert death adder, etc. (thailandsnakes.com)
Their venom is neurotoxic and can cause paralysis. Because they are camouflaged and strike quickly, they pose a stealth risk. (Living with Wildlife)

Others (Ringed Brown, Blue-Bellied Black, etc.)

Ringed Brown Snake (Pseudonaja modesta): Found in inland parts of Australia, smaller size (~50 cm), may not bite often. (Wikipedia)
Blue-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis guttatus): Inhabits parts of Queensland and New South Wales. (Wikipedia)
There are many more lesser-known species, including small blind snakes (e.g. Anilios australis). (Wikipedia)

These are just a selection — Australia’s snake diversity is huge.

5. Comparison Table: Key Snake Species in Australia

Here’s a comparison table summarizing some of the species we discussed — their venom risk, distribution, behavior, etc.

Common Name / Species	Venom Potency & Danger	Distribution / Habitat	Behavior / Notes
Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)	Extremely venomous; among the highest potency of land snakes	Remote semi-arid zones (central regions)	Elusive, little human contact
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)	Very venomous; causes many snakebite fatalities	Eastern & southern Australia, rural and urban outskirts	Fast, alert, aggressive when cornered
Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)	Highly venomous; neurotoxic effects	Coastal northern & eastern Australia	Large, quick, dangerous if provoked
Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)	Highly venomous; mixed toxins	Southeastern Australia, Tasmania	Often near water, variable color bands
King Brown / Mulga (Pseudechis australis)	Venom moderate-high; high volume	Northern, central, western Australia	Big snake, slow acting venom but dangerous
Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)	Moderately venomous; rarely lethal	Eastern Australia, near water	More docile, fewer fatalities
Death Adders (Acanthophis spp.)	Neurotoxic; rapid paralysis possible	Many habitats, leaf litter, forests	Ambush predator, camouflaged
Ringed Brown Snake (Pseudonaja modesta)	Moderate; less often implicated in serious bites	Inland Australia	Smaller size, less aggressive
Blue-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis guttatus)	Moderate	Parts of QLD & NSW	Less encountered, regional

That table gives a quick glance — you can see which snakes are of greatest concern and where.

6. Habitat, Behavior & Diet

Snakes in Australia occupy nearly every habitat you can think of:

Deserts and arid zones: Many snakes here are adapted to extreme heat, little water, and nocturnal activity.
Woodlands, forests, scrublands: Provides cover, leaf litter, logs—ideal for ambush predators like death adders.
Wetlands, riverbanks, marshes: Many snakes (especially black snakes, tiger snakes) are found near water.
Suburban / rural areas: Some species, like the eastern brown snake and red-bellied black snake, come close to human dwellings, farms, gardens, chasing rodents or frogs. (Aussie Animals)
Sea / coastal zones: Sea snakes live in marine environments (reefs, shallow coastal waters). For instance, Pelamis platurus (yellow-bellied sea snake) is recorded off NSW coasts. (Environment and Heritage)

As for diet, most Australian snakes eat:

Small mammals (e.g. rodents, bandicoots)
Reptiles (lizards, smaller snakes)
Frogs, fish (especially for those near water)
Birds and eggs in some cases
Insects in smaller species

Behaviorally:

Some snakes actively hunt (e.g. brown snakes), while others ambush (e.g. death adders).
Many are nocturnal (active at night), others diurnal depending on temperature and prey availability.
Some camouflage themselves or bury under leaf litter for protection and surprise.
Swallowing prey whole is normal — they rely on strong muscles and flexible jaws.

7. Snakebite Risk, First Aid & Prevention

Let’s talk safety (because this matters). Snakes don’t typically bite humans out of malice — most bites happen when people accidentally step on them or try to handle them.

Risk & Statistics

Only a small fraction of Australian snakes are truly deadly to humans. (Australian Museum)
Thanks to good medical care and antivenoms, fatalities are very rare in modern Australia. (Wikipedia)
But that doesn’t mean bites are harmless — they can cause pain, swelling, tissue damage, blood clotting problems, paralysis, organ damage.

First Aid (Basic Guidelines)

If someone is bitten by a snake (or suspected):

Stay calm — panic makes things worse.
Don’t move the bitten limb (if possible).
Apply a pressure immobilization bandage (i.e. a firm, unbroken bandage over the bite site and up the limb, plus immobilize with splints). This helps slow venom spread.
Keep the patient as still as possible (minimize movement, which spreads venom).
Call emergency services immediately — antivenom may be needed.
Do not:
- Cut the wound
- Suck out the venom
- Use a tourniquet
- Drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks
- Delay getting professional medical care

These guidelines align with many Australian snakebite protocols. (131acu.files.wordpress.com)

Prevention Tips

Be cautious and attentive in snake habitats (long grass, under logs, rocky crevices).
Wear protective clothing (long pants, boots).
Don’t put hands or feet where you can’t see.
Don’t disturb snakes or corner them.
Clear around homes (remove debris, woodpiles, rocks) to reduce hiding spots.
If you see a snake, give it room — don’t try to handle or kill it yourself.
Educate yourself about local snake species if you live in or visit snake country.

8. Conservation & Threats

Snakes often get a bad rap, but they’re important for ecosystems (controlling rodents, balancing food webs). Sadly, they face several threats:

Habitat loss and fragmentation (agriculture, urbanization)
Road mortality (snakes killed by vehicles)
Persecution by humans (people killing snakes out of fear)
Climate change altering habitats, temperature, prey availability
Invasive species (predators or competitors)
Illegal trade / collection (for pets)

Some species, especially ones with restricted range (e.g. certain sea snakes, or regional subspecies), are considered threatened or vulnerable. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, public education, and monitoring populations.

An example: the dusky sea snake (Aipysurus fuscus) has been flagged as a threatened species, with habitats near reefs under pressure from climate, industrial development, and pollution. (The Guardian)

9. Interesting Facts & Myths

Because snakes are so captivating, here are a few fun or surprising tidbits:

Many Australian snakes are shy and prefer to flee rather than confront humans. (Australian Geographic)
Some fatalities in the past made headlines, but modern antivenoms and healthcare have drastically reduced deaths. (Wikipedia)
The inland taipan is sometimes called the “fierce snake,” but despite its venom, it rarely bites people because it lives in remote terrain. (Australian Geographic)
Local myths sometimes exaggerate snake behavior (e.g. “snakes chase you”) — most snakes just try to avoid conflict.
Sea snakes are amazing: some species can stay submerged for long periods and hunt fish and eels underwater.

10. Wrap Up & Final Thoughts

Wow — we’ve covered a lot together. Australia’s snake fauna is incredibly rich and diverse. From the ultra-venomous inland taipan to the more common but still dangerous eastern brown snake, each species has its niche, behavior, and role in the ecosystem.

If I were giving you some “takeaway advice,” here it is:

Respect snakes. They’re not “out to get you,” but you share habitat with them.
Learn to recognise local snake species (especially venomous ones) if you live in or visit snake country.
Always err on the side of caution. If you see a snake, keep distance and call professionals if needed.
Support conservation — snakes are integral to controlling pests and maintaining ecosystem health.

If you like, I can also generate version of this blog post optimized for a particular region (e.g. Queensland snakes) or even write a shorter summary you can publish quickly. Do you want me to polish this further (SEO title, meta, images)?