14 Venomous Snakes of New South Wales
New South Wales, a state in Australia, is home to an array of venomous snakes, each with unique characteristics and habitats. This article delves into the details of 14 such snakes, including their distribution, appearance, behavior, and the potential risks they pose. From the coastlines to the arid inland regions, these snakes represent a significant aspect of the region's natural fauna. Understanding their traits and behaviors is crucial not only for safety but also for appreciating the ecological roles they play in their respective environments.
Blue-Bellied Snake (Spotted Black Snake)
The Blue-Bellied Snake, also known as the Spotted Black Snake, is primarily found in northeastern inland New South Wales, extending down to the Hunter Valley, and parts of southeast inland Queensland. This snake can vary in color, featuring a glossy black, dark brown, or cream background with potential dark markings around its scales, and a darker head. It may exhibit cream spots, while its belly ranges from blue-grey to blue-black, occasionally dotted with yellow. Typically, this species has a heavy build, a narrow head, and is not particularly distinguishable from its neck. Adults generally measure between 1.25 to 1.5 meters, with some reaching up to 2 meters. The Blue-Bellied Snake inhabits grasslands, rocky hills, floodplains, coastal forests, swampy, and sometimes drier areas. It is diurnal but may hunt at night in hot weather. While its bite is moderately dangerous and rarely fatal, prompt and correct first aid, followed by antivenom treatment in a hospital, is crucial.
King Brown Snake (Mulga Snake)
The King Brown Snake, also known as the Mulga Snake, boasts a broad distribution across Australia, encompassing most of Queensland, inland New South Wales, the far northwest of Victoria, northern South Australia (excluding coastal and southeastern tips), most of Western Australia, and the entirety of the Northern Territory, including several islands. This snake displays variable coloration, from light to dark copper brown, reddish brown, or dark olive, occasionally showing a netted greenish pattern and may darken further in southern specimens. Adults can reach up to 3 meters, but typically measure 1.5 to 2 meters. The King Brown inhabits diverse, mainly drier environments like forests, woodlands, and plains, utilizing rabbit holes and under-rock shelters. It adapts to nocturnal hunting during hotter periods, particularly in northern regions. Known for its potential aggression, it can deliver multiple, chewing bites when it strikes, which, although not always venomous, can be severely debilitating or fatal if envenomation occurs. Immediate, correct first aid and hospital treatment with antivenom are critical for bite victims.
Red Bellied-Black Snake
The Red-Bellied Black Snake is prevalent along the eastern parts of Queensland, extending through New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, much of Victoria, and parts of southeastern South Australia. This species is recognized by its shiny black back, visibly reddish sides, and a dull red or pink underside, with the underside of the tail being black. It can grow up to 2.5 meters, with an average adult length of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Known for inhabiting areas near water bodies such as creeks, swamps, and rivers, this snake is diurnal and may climb. It primarily feeds on frogs, fish, reptiles, and small mammals. Generally non-aggressive, the Red-Bellied Black Snake avoids confrontation but will display a threat posture, flattening its neck when provoked. While its bite is moderately dangerous, it is very rarely fatal, but correct first aid and possibly antivenom are crucial if envenomation occurs.
Common Brown Snake (Eastern Brown Snake)
The Common Brown Snake, also known as the Eastern Brown Snake, has a vast range extending from Cape York in Queensland south to the NSW border, and is found throughout NSW, ACT, Victoria, southeastern South Australia, and parts of inland Northern Territory. This species is highly variable in color, ranging from pale grey-brown to tan, reddish, or dark brown, and may feature darker bands or spots. The underside is typically cream or yellow with orange or grey blotches. Juveniles often have several dark cross-bands and distinct head markings. This snake reaches a maximum length of 2.3 meters, but averages around 1.3 meters. It inhabits dry forests, grasslands, and arid regions, being highly agile and primarily diurnal. The Eastern Brown Snake preys on small mammals like mice and also frogs. Known for its speed and defensive posture, it will raise its front body in an 'S' shape and strike swiftly, often without clear provocation, and is capable of delivering multiple bites. While not all bites result in envenomation, its venom is extremely potent, making it very dangerous and capable of causing severe illness or death. Immediate medical treatment is essential for survival.
Five-Ringed Snake (Ringed Brown Snake)
The Five-Ringed or Ringed Brown Snake is distributed across diverse regions, including western and northeastern Queensland, western New South Wales, possibly the far northwest of Victoria, much of Western Australia (excluding the northern end and far southwestern tip), northern South Australia, and most of the Northern Territory, except for the extreme top end and northeastern corner. This species is characterized by its slender build with a head that blends seamlessly into the neck. Its back features olive, tan, pale grey-brown, or reddish-brown hues with four to seven (or more) narrow, evenly spaced black cross-bands, which may fade or disappear in larger specimens. The top of the head is typically black or dark brown with a distinct dark stripe across the back of the neck. The underside is cream to pale yellow, occasionally displaying orange or grey blotches. Juveniles are marked by narrow, sharply defined black rings on their body.
Gwardar Snake (Western Black Snake)
The Gwardar, or Western Brown Snake, is widely distributed across Australia, found throughout much of Queensland (excluding eastern coastal strips and most of Cape York Peninsula), all of New South Wales (except the eastern coastal strip), the northwest corner of Victoria, nearly all of South Australia (except the far southeastern corner and coastal islands), and most of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, although less common in the extreme southwest, southeast, and northernmost regions. This snake is known for its high variability in appearance, potentially comprising 5-7 subspecies. Its color ranges from whitish to nearly black, with some specimens displaying banded or speckled patterns, and others a uniform color. The head is relatively narrow and chisel-shaped, with no distinguishable neck, and the belly varies from cream to orange with dark blotches. Typically slender in build, the Gwardar can reach up to 1.8 meters in length, with an average of 1.4 to 1.5 meters. It is fast-moving, inhabiting diverse environments from deserts to woodlands, and is primarily diurnal in the south, shifting to nocturnal in hotter northern climates. This snake is highly venomous and can become aggressive when provoked, capable of delivering multiple bites that, while sometimes only causing scratches, can lead to severe illness or death if venom is injected. Immediate and correct first aid followed by hospital treatment with antivenom is crucial for bite victims.
Copperhead Snake
The Copperhead snakes in New South Wales, Australia, are divided into three subspecies: the Highland or Alpine Copperhead, the Lowland Copperhead, and the Pygmy or Dwarf Copperhead. The Highland Copperhead inhabits cooler, higher altitudes in the upland regions of NSW, ACT, and eastern Victoria, often appearing darker with a slate-grey back and a yellowish underside, featuring distinct white-and-brown striped or barred effects on the upper lip. The Lowland Copperhead ranges from the SA/Vic border, southern Victoria, possibly into the far southeast corner of NSW, and Tasmania, with variable coloration from dark brown to reddish, sometimes with a pink or red stripe along the side. The Dwarf Copperhead, found on Kangaroo Island and south of the Mt Lofty Ranges in SA, is similar to the Lowland but darker with marked lip barring. These snakes prefer swampy, marshy, or woodland habitats, can climb, and are active in cooler conditions, sometimes even at night in hot weather. While not aggressive, their bite can be potentially dangerous. Although not all bites deliver venom and are rarely fatal, immediate correct first aid and hospital treatment are crucial. Copperheads generally reach lengths of 0.6 to 1.3 meters, with the Highland species growing up to 1.2 meters, and the Dwarf species being notably smaller, at 0.6 to 0.8 meters.
Death Adder Snake
The Death Adder subspecies in New South Wales include the Common, Northern, and Desert Death Adders. The Common Death Adder is found widely in eastern and southwest NSW, extending into eastern Queensland, parts of northeastern NT, southwest WA (excluding the far tip), and northwest Victoria. It's recognizable by its light to dark brown back, sometimes adorned with 'tiger-like' lacy stripes, and a grey or cream belly with potential blotches. The Northern Death Adder occupies the Kimberleys, Cape York, and the northern third of NT, distinguished by its darker and more vivid coloration with a typically whitish belly. The Desert Death Adder ranges across far southeast and central west Queensland, possibly the far northwest of NSW, the northern half of SA, mid-northern WA, and southern two-thirds of NT. It features a brighter, reddish or orange back with possible yellow bands and a white or cream underside. These adders, averaging 0.65 meters (Common), 0.4 meters (Northern), and 0.75 meters (Desert) in length, inhabit diverse environments from leaf litter and bushland to arid rocky areas. Known for their potent venom, they are very dangerous, and immediate medical intervention is crucial after a bite.
Rough-Scaled Snake (Clarence River Snake)
The Rough-Scaled Snake, also known as the Clarence River Snake, is found along the northern coast of New South Wales around the Clarence River area, extending up to Barrington Tops, and in Queensland from Nambour to Cairns including areas like Fraser Island, Binna Burra, Canungra, and Tamborine Mountain. This species exhibits a variable coloration from olive-green to brown, often with darker tiger-like stripes or a netted effect, and a belly ranging from cream to grey or green, potentially speckled with black. Typically, they grow to an average length of 0.7 to 0.75 meters, with a maximum size of about 1 meter. The Rough-Scaled Snake inhabits damp, forested regions, particularly wet sclerophyll forests and rainforests, thriving in high-rainfall zones and occasionally urban or pastoral areas. It is both terrestrial and arboreal, active during the day and night, but primarily nocturnal. Despite its shy nature, it becomes highly aggressive when provoked, biting quickly and possibly multiple times. Mistaken identity with the harmless Keelback can be perilous. This snake is potentially very dangerous; bites can cause severe illness or death, necessitating immediate first aid and hospital treatment with antivenom.
Small-Eyed Snake
The Small-Eyed Snake, with its distinct Northern and Eastern variants, inhabits a vast range across Australia. The Eastern Small-Eyed Snake is prevalent from Eastern Cape York down to the NSW border, spanning eastward to the Darling Downs and covering the entire eastern coast of NSW, including Sydney, and reaching into the eastern third of Victoria. This species is often found under rocks, logs, or other debris, adapting well to diverse environments from rainforests to coastal heaths. Typically secretive and nocturnal, it sports a shiny very dark grey or black back with a contrastingly lighter underside that may be white, cream, or bright pink, occasionally marked with dark blotches. Although it can be mistaken for juvenile Red-bellied Black Snakes, it remains distinct in its smaller size, averaging 0.5 meters with a maximum length of 1.2 meters. Venomous and considered potentially dangerous, the Eastern Small-Eyed Snake has been responsible for at least one human fatality, underscoring the need for caution and prompt medical attention if bitten.
Coastal Taipan Snake (Mainland Taipan Snake)
The Coastal Taipan, also known as the Mainland Taipan, is a highly venomous snake predominantly found along the eastern coast of Queensland, extending through the Cape York Peninsula and down into the northeastern corner of New South Wales, reaching as far south as Grafton. Notable populations exist around Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, and other areas including Fraser Island. It has also been identified in the northern tip of the Northern Territory, including Melville Island, and the northeastern tip of Western Australia. A related species, the Oxyuranus temporalis, has been recently discovered in central ranges near the South Australia-Western Australia border.
Characterized by a uniform back that can vary from brown, olive, coppery red to yellowish-brown, the Coastal Taipan's snout is distinctly lighter, often cream-colored, contrasting with its cream to yellow belly speckled with pink, orange, or reddish blotches. This snake can reach up to 3.35 meters in length, with an average size around 2.0-2.5 meters. It inhabits a variety of environments including tropical woodlands, particularly in wetter coastal areas, and is attracted to vermin-infested habitats like rock heaps and ground debris. Typically active during the day, it may also venture out in the early evening or at night in extremely hot weather.
Although generally reticent, the Coastal Taipan will defend its ground if cornered, displaying extreme aggression and capable of striking quickly and repeatedly. This snake poses a significant danger due to its potent venom, which can cause severe illness or death. Immediate and proper first aid followed by the administration of antivenom in a hospital setting is critical for survival.
Inland Taipan Snake (Fierce Snake)
The Inland Taipan, also known as the Fierce Snake, occupies remote areas primarily within the interior of Australia, including the southwest and western regions of Queensland around Cooper Creek and the Diamantina and Georgina river drainage systems, extending into northeastern South Australia, the far northwest of New South Wales near Bourke, and the far southeast of the Northern Territory. This species is renowned for its extremely potent venom, making it one of the world's most venomous snakes.
The Inland Taipan's appearance varies seasonally; its head often turns glossy black in winter. The body ranges from light to dark brown or olive-brown, occasionally marked with faint cross-bands or darker lines. The belly is cream or yellow with dark-edged scales, and its throat may also be dark. Notably, its eyes are black, contrasting with other Taipans.
Typically reaching lengths of 1.7 to 1.9 meters, with a maximum of around 2.5 meters, the Inland Taipan inhabits burrows in cool, moist yet arid environments such as black soil plains and flood plains, living in natural cavities like solution holes. While not generally aggressive, it becomes ferocious if provoked and tends to retain its bite, unlike its coastal counterpart.
Due to its dangerous potential, envenomation from the Inland Taipan can lead to severe illness or death. Immediate medical attention, correct first aid, and the administration of antivenom in a hospital setting are imperative for survival.
Eastern Tiger Snake (Mainland Tiger Snake)
The Eastern or Mainland Tiger Snake is found in varied locales across southeastern Queensland, northern and central New South Wales, including the highlands, coast, and western slopes, as well as much of southern NSW and the Murrumbidgee region. It extends into the Murray River valley of Victoria and parts of southeastern South Australia. This species exhibits a high degree of color variation, ranging from light grey to dark brown, with possible olive, reddish, or orange hues. Some individuals display distinct bands, typically narrow and lighter yellowish in color, though both banded and unbanded forms exist.
Reaching up to 1.2 meters in length, the Eastern Tiger Snake is diurnal but may also be active at night in hot conditions. It is generally not aggressive unless provoked. When threatened, it might attempt to flee, bluff, or defensively inflate its body and flatten its head and neck before striking. Highly venomous and considered very dangerous, a bite from a Tiger Snake can lead to severe illness or death. Immediate and proper first aid, followed by antivenom treatment in a hospital, is crucial for survival.
Bardick Snake
The Bardick is a lesser-known snake found in specific regions across Australia, including the western and northwestern areas of Victoria, southwestern New South Wales, southwestern Western Australia, and southern South Australia. This snake's back color is notably variable, ranging from grey, olive, brown, to brick-red, often complemented by white-dotted lips and pale flecks on the head, neck, and sides. Its underside typically appears in shades of cream, grey, or pale brown-grey, sometimes with a salmon hue.
With an average length of about 0.3 meters and a maximum of 0.6 to 0.7 meters, the Bardick is primarily nocturnal and is often found in arid regions. Although its venom risk remains uncertain, it's crucial to treat all bites with immediate and correct first aid, as some bites may lead to symptoms similar to those caused by the more dangerous Death Adder. This similarity also raises concerns about potential misidentification, which could be hazardous. Prompt hospital treatment, including antivenom, may be necessary.
This comprehensive look at the venomous snakes of New South Wales not only highlights their diverse habitats and behaviors but also underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting these potent reptiles. From the coastlines to the arid interiors, understanding these snakes' ecological roles and the potential dangers they pose is crucial for coexistence and conservation efforts in this biodiverse region.
