Australia’s greatest reputation revolves around the existence of formidable creatures. Indeed, the Australian territory is home to numerous dangerous animals. The key is to recognize them, understand their danger, and know where they can be found. Spiders, snakes, and sharks are among the most dangerous animals on this island, and we have prepared a brief presentation for you!

Spiders:

Sydney funnel-web spider
This mega-spider could bite through a human fingernail. The Sydney Funnel-Web spider is a small spider measuring only 1.5 to 5 cm. However, a bite can be deadly to humans. Its venom is extremely potent, containing a compound that makes it highly toxic to humans and other primates. Originally from the eastern regions of Australia, it can be found almost everywhere, usually within a radius of 100 km around Sydney, in New South Wales. But it can also be found in Western Australia. To reassure you, one in six bites causes a severe reaction, but since 1981, no deaths have been recorded thanks to the available antivenom.

Other funnel-web spiders, the funnel-web spider
In Australia, there are about 40 species of funnel-web spiders, but only six of them can cause serious envenomation. Incidents mainly occur in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. The most frightening Funnel-Web spiders are probably the famous Hadronyche formidabilis, measuring 5 cm long, and the H. cerberea, a smaller arboreal spider from the south. Half of their bites result in severe envenomation. Every year, 30 to 40 people are bitten by these funnel-web spiders. Fortunately, antivenoms are available and have proven to be very effective. They feed on everything from beetles to frogs and are more active during the warm months, between November and March.

Redback spider, the red-backed widow
The redback spider is recognizable by its red back. It inhabits all of Australia, even in the heart of cities. It can be found in urban areas such as garden sheds, mailboxes, and even under toilet seats. Approximately 2,000 redback spider bites are reported each year, and about 250 people receive antivenom. Since the 1950s, when antivenom arrived, no one has died from it. It is the females that deliver the most severe bites. They are slightly larger than males, about 1 cm, and are recognizable by the well-known red stripe on their back, hence their name.

Snakes:

Eastern brown snake
Its venom causes a progressive paralysis and prevents blood clotting. The Eastern brown snake is responsible for about 60% of fatal snake bites in Australia. It is present along the east coast of Australia, from the extreme north of Queensland to New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Adult individuals can reach a length of two meters and are known for their speed and aggressiveness. Moreover, the Eastern brown snake is classified as the second most venomous snake among all terrestrial snakes. In a threatening situation, it adopts an “S” shape posture, lifting its body from the ground, which may require several doses of antivenom for complete healing. Victims can collapse within minutes, making it naturally one of the most dangerous animals in Australia.

Western brown snake
The Western brown snake, also known as Gwardar, is widespread in Australia. It likes dry environments, as well as eucalyptus forests, woods, and meadows. Although its venom is less potent than that of its Eastern cousin, the Western brown snake’s bite contains three times more venom. This bite can cause symptoms in humans such as nausea, headaches, and abdominal pain. Moreover, cats and dogs can be paralyzed in case of a bite.

Tiger snake
Recognizing a tiger snake can be complicated due to its variations in colors and patterns. But as the name suggests, it generally has a striped appearance. This snake possesses highly dangerous neurotoxic venom, resulting in a mortality rate of 40 to 60% without treatment. Tiger snakes rank second in terms of bites inflicted on humans in Australia, due to their presence in densely populated areas along the east coast. This includes some metropolitan areas of Melbourne and Tasmania. They are attracted to farms and suburban homes. In darkness, these snakes can easily be stepped on by unaware victims.

Sharks:

Great white shark
In Australia, Great white sharks can be observed from Northwest Cape in Western Australia to the south of Queensland, especially in the waters off the coast of South Australia. We do not know the maximum length of this shark; the largest specimen ever captured measured 6 meters. Regardless of its size, this shark remains impressive. Although its reputation has been widely exaggerated by the movie Jaws, it is still considered dangerous to humans.

Tiger shark
The tiger shark is mainly found in tropical waters, in temperate waters off the coast of New South Wales, and during the summer in the waters off the west coast of Australia. We are more likely to encounter a tiger shark than other dangerous sharks because they hunt in ports and around shallow reefs. Regarding their diet, it is very varied; they are more opportunistic than other large sharks. Their stomachs sometimes contain the most unusual objects. These sharks seek both live prey and carrion. They also frequent areas where young seabirds learn to fly and nesting areas for turtles and wait for dinner to be served. Tiger sharks can reach a maximum length of 6 meters, but they generally measure between 3 and 5 meters. They are considered dangerous to humans.

Bull shark

In the waters off Townsville, at the wreck of the Yongala, you can regularly encounter a bull shark. Rather than frightening, it seems to be more of an attraction than a danger to divers visiting this wreck. Originally from tropical regions, the bull shark has expanded its territory from northern Australia, from Perth to Sydney. They like murky waters near the co

asts, and they have this astonishing ability to survive and reproduce in fresh water. Some have been found several kilometers upstream of large rivers. These sharks have an impressive stature, generally between 2.5 and 3.5 meters. Although they are considered a danger to humans, their presence in bathing areas creates a certain risk.