If you plan on living in Australia, you’ll need to get familiar with the many dangerous creatures that call the country home. Redback spiders, venomous snakes, and even kangaroos could pose a threat if you’re not careful. Let your guard down, and you might find yourself in trouble. Okay, we’re being a little dramatic—but it’s true that Australia’s bushland is full of potentially deadly wildlife.
One major challenge is how well these animals have adapted to blending into their environment. Take this eastern brown snake, for instance, which was spotted by Snake Out Brisbane Snake Catchers. Can you see it? If you can, you’re ahead of most people. Snake Out shared the photo on their Facebook page. Look closely at the left side—if you’re struggling to spot it, surviving in the Australian bush might not be your calling. Let’s help with a circle—there it is! That’s the snake’s little face peeking out.
Adorable, right?
The snake catchers posted the picture online, highlighting the fact that eastern brown snakes are found across eastern Australia, the Northern Territory, and Papua New Guinea. Though a bite from one can cause seizures, heart failure, or even death, the handlers seemed relaxed about it. They explained on Facebook that these snakes prefer to avoid confrontation and that most human encounters happen by accident.
They added, “Even brown snakes will try to escape first. If cornered, they’ll put on an intimidating display rather than immediately bite. It’s all meant to scare off predators—and it usually works!”
With spring bringing warmer temperatures to Brisbane, eastern brown snakes and other species are actively searching for food and mates. While accidents are possible, Janne Torkkola, owner of Snake Out Brisbane, told IFLScience that snakes typically avoid people and will only attack if they feel threatened. He also warned that unless you’re trained, it’s best to leave snake handling to professionals, who are available 24/7.
While snakebites are a defense mechanism, the first bite often isn’t fatal because it contains little venom. Even untreated, the fatality rate is only between 10% and 20%, meaning that even if you’re unlucky enough to be bitten without noticing, your odds of survival are fairly good.