20ten Killers

Australia is known for having killer wildlife. That is not the “these animals are awesome, they’re killer” type of killer. If not treated with care and respect they can actually kill you. Steve Irwin made a career of showing Australia’s unique and deadly wildlife to the world and unfortunately also proved just how deadly they can be.

These species can be safely observed in zoos and conservation parks around the country, but they also live in the wild. Australia’s animals come in a wide range of shades of brown to camouflage into the environment of the driest continent on earth. While the old adage might be true that the animals really are more scared of you than you are of them, they often find attack to be the best form of defence.

Here are 10 of the deadliest.

1. THE BOX JELLYFISH
The box jellyfish is one of the deadliest animals on the world. The stings are extremely painful and often fatal. If stung vinegar is the best treatment before removing the stings with a towel. If stung definitely seek medical advice. This creature does not attack humans, the sting occurs by merely coming in contact with its tentacles which can be up to 3m long. Just to make things more interesting it is almost transparent.

They are found in the northern oceans of Australia, particularly in Queensland and Northern Territory. They are most numerous between October and April.

2. SALTWATER CROCODILE
The largest of all reptiles, the saltwater crocodile is often described as being a living dinosaur. They can grow up to 5.5m (18’) in length. The power of the jaw is in its closing, exerts a force of up to 5000psi. It may appear sleepy and lazy but can move remarkably quickly. In the water they can move with such stealth that they can be barely detectable. They are also able to launch themselves from the water to catch prey on the beach. Its most famous killing move is the “deathroll” where, with prey securely in its jaws, it rolls over repeatedly until the prey drowns. A protected Australian species found across northern Ausralia.

3. BLUE RING OCTOPUS
The luminescent blue rings are extremely attractive, but don’t be fooled, they are a mechanism to show that it is angry. It is an small octopus and there is currently no known antidote to its venom. Its poison can cause paralysis, which can lead to cardiac arrest. If stung apply pressure, a victim may also require assistance breathing, sometimes for hours.

The blue ring octopus is most commonly found in the southern waters of Australia.

4. STONEFISH
It is a fish that looks like a stone! It is also the deadliest fish in the world. It lives on the bottom of reefs in the shallow waters around northern Australia and blends in with the other rooks on the reef. Stings normally occur when someone accidentally steps one or more of the poisonous spines that cover its dorsal area. A sting will cause shock, paralysis and death of the affected soft tissue. If stung immobilise the affected area and apply pressure. The affects of the sting may require the affected limb to be amputated. People are encouraged to wear footwear when snorkelling and exploring rock pools in stonefish habitats.

5. RED BACK SPIDER
The Australian folk song says that although one may not see the red back on the toilet seat at night you will sure feel it bite. The female spider is black with a striking red stripe on its back. The male is a browner colour with a white/grey stripe, much smaller and not harmful to humans. They are found all over the country often in dark corners. Although its bite can result in death, this is rare, in fact only approximately 20% of victims even require medical treatment. The bite can be extremely painful.

6. BROWN SNAKE
There are many types of brown snakes, they are typically a large snake (1.5 to 2m) and brown. The back often has a lighter brown stripe bordered by dark brown spots. They are found all over the country and not just in the bush. To keep everyone on their toes brown snakes also live in wetlands, grasslands and forests. Every year there are examples of them being found in the backyard shed or under the house or in a kitchen cupboard. The venom kills quickly if not treated. The venom of a young snake is reportedly even more deadly than an adult snake.

7. TIGER SNAKE
This snake is found in southern Australia including Tasmania. It prefers to live close to water and is therefore found in coastal environments, wetlands and along creeks and rivers. It gets its name from the distinct stripes on its back. The tiger snake can grow up to 2m in length. Although it has one of the deadliest bites (approximately 45% of untreated bites result in death) there is antivenom available. The venom will cause respiratory problems and paralysis.

Despite its deadly reputation, it is a protected species in most states and large fines apply for harming or injuring this snake.

8. GREAT WHITE SHARK
As deadly as the putter on Greg Norma’s chances of winning a major, the multiple rows of teeth of the world’s largest predatory fish make short work of it prey. Found in the waters off the southern coasts of Australia, it can grow up to 6m in length. This shark is also known as the White Pointer