Go to Section: Dealing with Nature whilst Camping | Bears | Crocodiles | Snakes | Dangerous spiders | Dangerous plants
Snakes
Australia is home to nine out of the world's top ten deadliest snakes. There are some precautions to consider when camping and walking.
Wear strong, sturdy walking boots when walking, ideally covering your ankles as this is the most common snake bite area. This is because many people accidentally tread on snakes and they react by attacking what has just landed on them.
Keep a close eye on the track you are walking. If a snake is in your path, stop and remain still. If it is curled up or lying quietly, you may be able to detour around it, leaving it plenty of space.
If the snake is moving or looks as if it may move, remain still and keep quiet. Most snakes are not aggressive, and are more likely to flee than fight. If they feel threatened, however, they may attack a moving target, so even if the snake is moving toward you try and stay still. When the snake has moved a safe distance away, move off slowly and quietly.
If you or someone you are with gets bitten by a snake
- Try not to panic, a high proportion of bites do not result in venom entering the body
- The victim should be kept calm and lay down to stop the spread of venom
- Allow the bite to bleed freely for 30 seconds
- In Australia, the area should not be cleaned unless the snake has been firmly identified as identification can sometimes be done by samples from the skin surrounding the wound
- Wrap a light bandage above and below the wound
- Remove any jewellery or tight fitting clothing
- Immobilize/splint the bitten limb and keep it at heart level [gravity-neutral] if possible. Too high causes venom to travel to the heart, too low causes more swelling
- Do not drink alcohol, or take any medicine or food
- Get victim gently to medical facilities. Inform them in advance of the creature's identity if possible