EASTERN BROWN SNAKE

Pseudonaja textilis

If we take in to consideration how often we would be in the close proximity to a snake if you happen to live in the bush, we realise just how shy snakes are, they have no benefit in trying to bite us, it is only done as a last resort out of fear.
It can be very hard to identify a snake positively, so treat them all with respect and caution.The Eastern Brown snake is found right throughout NSW, also through Queensland, Victoria, and south- eastern South Australia. Isolated populations can be found in areas of the Northern Territory to the north- eastern corner of Western Australia.
The Eastern Brown snake is an egg layer and may lay up to 30 eggs in a clutch. The eggs will hatch after 11 weeks after which time the young hatch measuring about 27cm.
Prey consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
It is a very fast moving snake active in both day and night time.

First aid if bitten by a venomous snake:
Do not wash the wound site.
Do not cut the wound.
Place an elastic bandage over the wound site and bandage as far down the limb as possible, then back up the limb as far as possible.
Keep the patient as quiet as possible. This can be hard, but remember stress and fear will be the most visible signs in most cases of snake bite and should be treated accordingly.
Call an ambulance and get to a hospital immediately.
Do not ask the patient to walk to a vehicle for transport, bring the vehicle to the patient, the less movement on the part of the patient, the better.
Identification of the snake is not necessary, so do not attempt to capture or kill the snake to take to the hospital, most hospital staff cannot positively identify a snake.
The Commonwealth Serum Laboratories have produced a snakebite detection kit, which has been issued to all major hospitals through out Australia. This kit enables the hospital staff to safely take a swab from the wound site and after testing they are able to tell which anti-venom is the correct one to use. If the test is inconclusive, then a polyvalent serum may be administered.
I feel very sorry for our venomous snakes, most of us are frightened of them, and in many cases the snake suffer due to our fear. They are not interested in attacking us; they will usually try as hard as they can to get away.
If you find a snake inside, if possible leave it an avenue of escape, close the room of if you can, and leave doors and windows open so the snake can leave when it no longer feels threatened.

When walking outside at night or in the bush wear suitable footwear.

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Reference: Graeme Gow’s complete guide to Australian Snakes.
WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care manual.


 

 

  
 

©Wildlife Mountain 2000 - 2008

 

We would also like to acknowledge the amazing support and help we have had from the Lismore Vet Clinic who have been an invaluable support to both us and the native wildlife of this region.


All native birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles are proteced under the Wildlife Act 1975, they may not be captured or harmed in any way without an authority issued under the Wildlife Act.