DEADLY COMPANY: OUTBACK ANIMAL GUIDE
1 SALTWATER CROCODILES
Saltwater crocodiles aren’t fussy when it comes to their prey, and will take the opportunity to launch their powerful jaws in your direction if you get too close. They inhabit the coastal waters of Australia, but also venture inland to swamps, marshes and lakes. They’re expert ambush hunters and are well-camouflaged in the muddy waters, lurking just below the surface. As they are difficult to see in a landscape, avoid swimming in waters of unknown risk – especially in Northern Australia, where these crocodiles are most common.
LIFE-SAVING LESSON
The jaws of a crocodile are near-impossible to escape from. But if a crocodile has hold of you, your best chance of survival is to aim for vulnerable body parts like the eyes and head. If you are dragged underwater and are spun in a move called a ‘death roll’, you should try to roll with the crocodile to prevent your limbs from being damaged. If you survive a crocodile bite, the immediate first-aid response is to stop the bleeding and remove infection through antibiotics.
3 WIDESPREAD ARACHNIDS
The redback spider is one of Australia’s most poisonous spiders. They can be encountered in urban areas as well as the extreme climates of the Outback. Distinguished by the red stripe stretched over its back, the spider is responsible for around 2,000 reported bites annually. The females are capable of the nastiest bites, but they don’t typically cause death in adults. Instead, the venom attacks the nervous system and causes intense and long-lasting pain.
LIFE-SAVING LESSON
The bite of a redback has more severe consequences for children, so younger victims need to seek medical attention with more urgency. The bitten individual should lie down and rest, while another person can apply a cold object to soothe the pain. Antivenom is given by doctors to treat this bite.
2 DEADLIEST SNAKE
The inland taipan is the most venomous snake in the world, trawling the Australian Outback for its next prey. This hardy reptile is well-adapted to high temperatures and dry landscapes. Beware of small cracks and crevices in the ground and rocks, as they shelter in these spaces, away from the sunlight and your gaze. Just one bite from the inland taipan releases enough venom to kill 100 people. To identify this snake, look out for large to medium-sized snakes of yellow or brown colour, a rectangularshaped head and large, dark eyes.
LIFE-SAVING LESSON
Despite their deathly reputation, the inland taipan doesn’t typically approach humans. However, if you get bitten, remain as calm as possible and at rest. This prevents venom from travelling quickly around the body. Apply tight bandages to the bite site or firm pressure if the site can’t be bandaged.
4 AGGRESSIVE STINGERS
The desert scorpion is one of the most aggressive scorpions in Australia. They measure around 8 to 11 centimetres long and are widespread in the central Outback regions of the country. The scorpion makes deep burrows in the sand to protect itself from the Sun and emerges mostly after nightfall. If provoked, this animal is known to be highly aggressive towards humans, unleashing a sting from its tail and causing inflammation that remains for many hours. Signs of a defensive scorpion include standing upright, a high tail and open pincers, ready to snap.
LIFE-SAVING LESSON
Scorpion stings in Australia don’t typically cause death, but it’s possible for them to instigate a deadly allergic reaction. You should wash a sting straight away and apply antiseptic to prevent any infection. A cold pack and painkillers can be used to reduce the pain, though you should seek medical assistance if the pain doesn’t subside.