Eastern Brown snake spotted near your home? What you should (and shouldn’t) do

One of the most dangerous snakes in Australia is the eastern brown snake, which is, however, one of the most misconceived.The Australian Museum claims that the species is the cause of a high percentage of serious snakebites in the nation. But the majority of these incidents do not happen because the snake is actively aggressive, but rather when approached or disturbed, the snake reacts in a defensive manner.The danger of the eastern brown snake is the strength of its venom. Studies used by the Australian wildlife authorities indicate that its venom has neurotoxins and procoagulants which are capable of influencing the nervous system and blood clotting. Even a comparatively small dosage can lead to severe symptoms with no treatment. That is why the bites of this species are medical emergencies.The most usual errors made by people are that the snake is not a threat when it is in motion.The Eastern brown snakes have been known to stay still when they sense motion. This is considered to be a defensive behaviour and not a passivity. The snake is very vigilant at this period and may attack very fast when in danger.The majority of bites occur when individuals attempt to intervene. Australian health and wildlife sources of information show that a lot of snake bites happen when people are trying to capture, kill or relocate the snake.When it is cornered, the species is also very responsive, and its speed is hard to predict. That is why the government is constantly urging people not to interact in any way.Attempting to regulate the movement of the snake can be risky.According to wildlife experts, the eastern brown snakes are more of avoiders than confronters. But they can take a defensive stance and attack when their way is impeded.The safest method of minimizing the risk of escalation is to provide the snake with space.High risk species such as the eastern brown snake are managed by professional snake catchers who have been trained to deal with the snake.They can evaluate the situation, safely snare the animal and move it without causing damage. Local wildlife control agencies advise that one should contact licensed handlers instead of general pest control or trying to eliminate the pests on their own.Eastern brown snakes are usually found in the eastern part of Australia especially where open land intersects with suburban development.They are also drawn to areas that have prey like rodents. With urbanization, there has been an expansion of the overlap between their natural habitat and residential zones; thus, making sightings more common.The sighting of an eastern brown snake is severe, but the threat is usually in the reaction of people.The most favorable solution is maintaining distance, not intervening, and calling on trained professionals, which is the best course of action in order to keep people and the animal safe.