Australia is rich with wildlife, and among these are reptiles such as snakes. There are many types of snakes in Australia, but only a few are venomous. One of the most venomous snakes is the eastern brown snake. It is a defensive and highly dangerous reptile that people should be made aware of, especially children, since they are smaller and more vulnerable to venom than adults.
The best way to protect children and adults from the eastern brown snake is to learn what it looks like and where its habitat is, so that people can avoid contact with it.
What You Need to Know about the Eastern Brown Snake
Unfortunately, most deaths by snakebite in Australia are caused by the eastern brown snake. However, thanks to snake education and awareness programs and seminars, and the knowledge and use of first-aid treatment and antivenom, there are now far fewer deaths per year than before.
The adult snake can exceed two metres in length, and can move swiftly at surprising speed. It is difficult to see among rocks, dirt and foliage because its colour ranges from tan to dark brown and yellow to darker shades of orange. This allows it to blend in with its surroundings perfectly.
Eastern brown snakes gravitate towards scrubby brush, woodlands, grasslands, swamps, and can also be found along coastal areas. They are very adaptive and will venture onto farmlands and even into suburban areas. Like most snakes, they will seek shelter under logs and rocks, and will take up residency in holes dug by other animals.
As diurnal creatures, they are active during the daytime, which is why people need to always be on the lookout for them when travelling along trails, and when walking near logs and rocks. When surprised, the snake can become very defensive. Although its fangs are small and the bite may not hurt much, its venom is powerful and can result in death if a person does not receive proper first aid for venomous snake bites.
The best way to keep people safe from venomous snakes is through educational classes and seminars about snake safety.
Snake Safety Seminars
At Black Snake Productions, we offer snake safety seminars to help people better understand venomous snakes like the eastern brown snake. The seminars include venomous snake bite first aid, and attendees have the opportunity to interact with non-venomous snakes as they learn about the diets, habitats and behaviour of Australian snakes.
Snake safety seminar topics include:
- Snake safety awareness and preventative measures
- First aid treatment of venomous snake bites
- Emergency response procedures
- Identifying snakes and their habitat
- Making your workplace “snake safe”
Does your team work where eastern browns live?
Our 2-hour snake safety training covers identification, bite prevention and pressure immobilisation first aid, with live snakes shown safely in an approved enclosure.
