5 Most venomous snakes in Australia commonly found near homes and gardens

There are many unique animals and reptiles in Australia, including snakes. Many of them reside in remote forests and deserts, but some of the deadliest ones tend to live closer to residential areas. Backyards, gardens, sheds, and garages can serve as great shelters for them where they can find food and water. As humans continue to develop new territories, their contact with snakes becomes more common.

The Coastal Taipan is one of the most venomous snakes on land. It is known for its fast and agile movement along with its powerful venom, which attacks the nervous system and affects blood coagulation. Coastal Taipans are typically located near the coastline, but the snakes have been known to move into urbanized locations in search of food, such as rats. They are drawn to gardens that are poorly managed and harbor plenty of mice. Although Coastal Taipans will normally try to avoid contact with humans, they can become highly dangerous when they do.

Urban environments tend to have what snakes require for survival in abundance. Food sources including rodents, amphibians, and other small animals act as bait. Cluttered areas, such as piles of timber, rocks, unused items, and dense vegetation, create an environment that is perfect for hiding.

Disclaimer:

This article aims to provide general information and increase awareness about snakes that are most toxic in Australia. However, it is not meant to take the place of professional advice regarding wild animals in terms of training and emergencies.

Tiger Snakes are extremely venomous creatures commonly spotted near any body of water. Examples include backyard ponds, stormwater drainage, swamp areas, and any garden area with enough moisture. Tiger Snakes got their name because of the bands across their bodies. Their aggressive nature makes them a threat, as they are known to stand their ground when confronted.

Eastern Brown Snake is considered one of the most dangerous snakes not only in Australia but around the world due to its highly toxic venom. It is responsible for the most fatal snakebites across the country. Eastern Brown Snakes can be found all over Australia, especially in the suburbs, fields, and open spaces. They often take shelter in backyards and like hiding in dry areas, such as piles of wood, garbage, and sheds, or even unused spots in the garden. Even though they are very dangerous, Eastern Brown Snakes prefer to keep away from people and avoid confrontation.

One of the most deadly snakes is the Common Death Adder, which has an ambush method of attacking prey. Unlike other snakes that quickly escape from their attackers, the Death Adder normally remains motionless in order to camouflage itself in its surroundings. This snake is commonly seen in the leaf litter, garden beds, shrubs, and dry landscape gardens. Due to its ability to stay camouflaged in a stationary position, unsuspecting humans might come closer to or stand on them, thus raising the likelihood of being bitten.

The Red-Bellied Black Snake is perhaps one of the most common snakes in suburban Australia. They prefer wetter regions and can easily be spotted in close proximity to water bodies, mulch gardens, thick plantations, or compost heaps in residential yards. Though it is venomous, it tends to be rather docile than the other types of snakes and normally flees at the sight of disturbance. Nevertheless, its presence must be treated with caution because under favorable conditions, they might live in numbers. For example, there have been instances where several Red-Bellied Black Snakes have been spotted in a single garden area.