Reasons for snake bite

A snake will only bite an animal that is not a food item in an act of self defence. This means that if a person accidentally steps on a snake they may be bitten as the snake will assume it is being attacked. Not surprisingly the majority of snakebites occur when people try to catch or kill them.

Incident of snakebite in Australia

There are around 2000 snakebites recorded in Australia every year. Of these 200 require administration of antivenom.

Deaths Attributed to Snakebites in Australia

On average 2-3 people die from snakebite in Australia every year. The number of fatalities attributed to snakebite in Australia is low because of the following reasons:

1. Snakes are shy animals - Snakes will only bite as a last resort
2. No venom injected - Very few snake bites result in envenomation
3. Public education - People generally know to treat snakes with respect
4. First aid - Development of effective first aid procedure
5. Medical technology - Development of effective antivenom

It is important to treat all snakebites seriously to prevent complications arising through incorrect identification. This venomous Broad Headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) has been confused with the non-venomous Diamond Python (Morelia spilota) because they are both found in the same range.