If you've decided to visit Australia, I'm sure there is a slight amount of nervousness setting in about some of its creatures. No doubt someone has told you a little horror story that has set your mind racing. This article will tell you more about some of these nasty creatures. It also aims to reassure you that there is a VERY low chance that you will encounter one of these dangerous Australian animals.
Australia has more than its fair share of nasty creatures that can in fact kill you. Some are so poisonous that you could be dead in less than 3 minutes. There are at least 10 deadly animals that are found in Australia ranging from the very large to the very small. The Great White Shark and the Funnel Web Spider are often the ones that travellers have heard of or been scared half to death by horrible stories.
The truth is that there is a very slim chance that you will encounter any of the dangerous Australian animals. There have only been 11 shark fatalities in Australia over the last 50 years. These tended to be by those who did not follow the basic rules. There have been no deaths from funnel web spiders over the same time period as there is now an anti-venom available. So, as long as you follow some practical advice you should not feel threatened or in danger when here in Australia.
So, lets meet some of these dangerous Australian animals.
The Great White Shark
Did you know that sharks have an extra sense? They can detect electromagnetic fields that are emitted by the movement of living animals. They are also huge. The great white shark can be as long as 6m and can weigh over 2,200kg. Clearly not something you would like to see whilst you are out swimming.
It's a fact that there are sharks in Australian waters but most of them are harmless. Don't be put off for going for a swim as part of your holiday. Just take some sensible precautions. These include not swimming at dusk or dawn when sharks are more active. You should also avoid swimming too far out or near schools of fish. Don't go in the water if you have an open cut that is bleeding either.
It's true that over recent years there has been a slight increase in shark attacks although no-one has actually died. Experts can't seem to agree why this may be but it is believed to be due to an algae that is now in our waters as well as the fact that our waters are getting cleaner. Both these factors could be bringing sharks further into our bays.
The funnel web spider
This spider looks like something you might find in a joke shop as it's very black and can be glossy. You are unlikely to see one on the grass as they prefer to create little burrows in places like garden rockeries or garages. They are fond of water so are sometimes find floating in swimming pools when they have accidentally fallen in. The Sydney funnel web is so called because it lives in and around Sydney.
If you see any spider in Australia, it's best to keep away. Most are in fact totally harmless but it's better to be safe than sorry. If the funnel web is going to bite you, he'll lift up onto his back legs and show you his fangs. Now would be a good time to run!
Sometimes the funnel web will give a dry bite i.e. no venom. So, only 25% of their bites contain venom. You'd feel pain pretty much straight away and you'd need to get yourself to hospital in case you need anti venom. There are ways to stop the venom from spreading through your blood stream, giving you more time to get to the hospital. These are detailed on the website (see bottom of this article)
Saltwater Crocodile
There are in fact 2 reported deaths from crocodiles every year. That makes them the most dangerous animal in Australia from a statistics point of view. They are found in the very north of Australia but can be seen as far down as Broome to the west and Tropical Queensland in the East. It's easy to avoid an encounter with a croc by following some simple rules.
Firstly don't be fooled by their name, these crocodiles prefer to live in freshwater rivers and lakes. They are extremely territorial, ferocious and can grow very large.
If you do plan to visit the top end, obey any NO SWIMMING CROCODILES signs. The government may not have put signs up in the less visited areas. Keep this in mind if you decide to explore of the beaten track.
If you do decide to camp in this area, don't camp too near to the waters edge and don't wash etc at the same point near the water every day as one day you may have an unexpected guest!
There are 7 other dangerous Australian animals to find out about. Which one could kill you in less than 3 minutes? What would you do if you got bitten by a snake? For more information go to the Real Australia Travel Website.
Australia has more than its fair share of nasty creatures that can in fact kill you. Some are so poisonous that you could be dead in less than 3 minutes. There are at least 10 deadly animals that are found in Australia ranging from the very large to the very small. The Great White Shark and the Funnel Web Spider are often the ones that travellers have heard of or been scared half to death by horrible stories.
The truth is that there is a very slim chance that you will encounter any of the dangerous Australian animals. There have only been 11 shark fatalities in Australia over the last 50 years. These tended to be by those who did not follow the basic rules. There have been no deaths from funnel web spiders over the same time period as there is now an anti-venom available. So, as long as you follow some practical advice you should not feel threatened or in danger when here in Australia.
So, lets meet some of these dangerous Australian animals.
The Great White Shark
Did you know that sharks have an extra sense? They can detect electromagnetic fields that are emitted by the movement of living animals. They are also huge. The great white shark can be as long as 6m and can weigh over 2,200kg. Clearly not something you would like to see whilst you are out swimming.
It's a fact that there are sharks in Australian waters but most of them are harmless. Don't be put off for going for a swim as part of your holiday. Just take some sensible precautions. These include not swimming at dusk or dawn when sharks are more active. You should also avoid swimming too far out or near schools of fish. Don't go in the water if you have an open cut that is bleeding either.
It's true that over recent years there has been a slight increase in shark attacks although no-one has actually died. Experts can't seem to agree why this may be but it is believed to be due to an algae that is now in our waters as well as the fact that our waters are getting cleaner. Both these factors could be bringing sharks further into our bays.
The funnel web spider
This spider looks like something you might find in a joke shop as it's very black and can be glossy. You are unlikely to see one on the grass as they prefer to create little burrows in places like garden rockeries or garages. They are fond of water so are sometimes find floating in swimming pools when they have accidentally fallen in. The Sydney funnel web is so called because it lives in and around Sydney.
If you see any spider in Australia, it's best to keep away. Most are in fact totally harmless but it's better to be safe than sorry. If the funnel web is going to bite you, he'll lift up onto his back legs and show you his fangs. Now would be a good time to run!
Sometimes the funnel web will give a dry bite i.e. no venom. So, only 25% of their bites contain venom. You'd feel pain pretty much straight away and you'd need to get yourself to hospital in case you need anti venom. There are ways to stop the venom from spreading through your blood stream, giving you more time to get to the hospital. These are detailed on the website (see bottom of this article)
Saltwater Crocodile
There are in fact 2 reported deaths from crocodiles every year. That makes them the most dangerous animal in Australia from a statistics point of view. They are found in the very north of Australia but can be seen as far down as Broome to the west and Tropical Queensland in the East. It's easy to avoid an encounter with a croc by following some simple rules.
Firstly don't be fooled by their name, these crocodiles prefer to live in freshwater rivers and lakes. They are extremely territorial, ferocious and can grow very large.
If you do plan to visit the top end, obey any NO SWIMMING CROCODILES signs. The government may not have put signs up in the less visited areas. Keep this in mind if you decide to explore of the beaten track.
If you do decide to camp in this area, don't camp too near to the waters edge and don't wash etc at the same point near the water every day as one day you may have an unexpected guest!
There are 7 other dangerous Australian animals to find out about. Which one could kill you in less than 3 minutes? What would you do if you got bitten by a snake? For more information go to the Real Australia Travel Website.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in travelling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your trip to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more information on the 10 most dangerous Australian animals
0 comments:
Post a Comment