Australia’s Most Dangerous Animals

It has been said that the widespread predisposition to fear of certain animals is the result of many years of instinctive knowledge that helped our early human ancestors to survive.  Based on this fact, one might incorrectly believe that all humanity must have at some point stemmed from Australia with its host of deadly creatures that run, swim and crawl.  In fact, Australia is home to many unique species due to a high level of endemism, or the phenomenon of a species being solely found in a specific geographical region, such as an island.  As such, locals and visitors should be wary of Australia’s most dangerous animals. 

When visiting coastal Northern Australia, watch out for this tiny but deadly jellyfish. Reaching only 2.5 centimeters in diameter, these tiny killers have made the news in recent years after causing various deaths amongst locals and tourists alike. Related to the Box Jellyfish, a sting from the Irukandji is dangerous in that symptoms can be delayed sometimes not appearing for 24 hours. Symptoms may include back pain, and shortness of breath.

Also known as the Sea Wasp, the Box Jellyfish is dangerous due to toxins on its tentacles which can reach up to 80 centimeters in length.  The real danger with Box Jellyfish is that when human skin comes in contact with these toxins, cardio-respiratory functions can be halted in as little as three minutes.  While not the biggest or most intimidating looking Aussie animals, jellyfish are actually responsible for more deaths in Australia than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles.  Watch out for these swimmers along the coast of the Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia, especially during the high season from November until March. 

Proud holder of the title of ‘world’s largest reptile’ the Saltwater Crocodile lives along the northern coast of Australia, and inland up to around 100 kilometers.  Topping out around 6 to 7 meters in length, the Saltwater Croc is now a protected species in Australia.  While it may seem that people are the ones that really need protecting and not vice versa, populations of Saltwater Crocodile dipped significantly with the now illegal exportation of crocodile skin.  These dangerous reptiles can be hard to spot when underwater, making it easy to execute their signature attack, the death roll when prey (or unsuspecting humans) are rolled powerfully causing injury or death. 

Found in the warm, shallow waters of coastal Australia amongst the reefs, the Blue Ring Octopus generally feeds on small sea creatures and wounded fish.  Although the body is only about the size of a golf ball, the Octopus’s venom can cause motor paralysis leading to cardiac arrest and death.  There is no known antidote for Blue Ring Octopus venom.  Distinguishable by its blue ring markings, this small sea creature is beautiful but deadly. 

The Stonefish can be found primarily swimming amongst the shallow waters of coastal Australia.  So-called for its resemblance of a brownish-colored rock, they are well camouflaged and hard to spot.  People are at the most danger of inadvertently stepping on one of a Stonefish’s thirteen venomous sharp dorsal spines.  Once the Stonefish injects its venom into a human, it can cause shock, paralysis, and tissue death, and may take as little as two hours to have a lethal effect.   

Even in Australian’s urban areas, the unlucky human may come across this relative of the USA’s famous Black Widow Spider.  The Red Back Spider can turn up in the usual spots for insects like under rocks or logs, or in outdoor toilet facilities or sheds.  Only reaching up to about 1 centimeter in length for females and 4 millimeters for males, it’s the female of the species one has to look out for as only her bite is dangerous.  Identifiable by a red stripe down her back, the venom causes acute pain.  Luckily, deaths by Red Back Spider bite are rare.  Don’t feel too victimized by this lady in red, the male Red Back may have a better claim to sympathy as she is  known to engage in ‘sexual cannibalism’ when mating. 

Of the several varieties of Brown Snake, the Pseudonaja found in Australia is known for its especially deadly venom, even when young.  Known to grown up to around 1.5 to 2.3 meters in length a Brown Snake bite should never be left untreated for long as it can quickly become fatal.  As perhaps the best advertisement for Tasmanian tourism the snakes are never found there, but are most common in Eastern Australia. 

Known as the Tiger Snake for its striped markings, this serpent’s venom can be deadly if left untreated, but death is by and large preventable today due to readily available anti-venom.  Generally about a meter in length the Tiger Snake can sometimes be found in suburban areas in the southern regions of Australia, but will generally only attack if bothered or startled as they are non-aggressive.  

Large, quick, and very venomous, the Taipan can be found throughout Australia although it is most often found in the far north.  Of all species worldwide its venom is the most toxic, and in fact could kill not just one but up to 100 adults with a single bite.  The Taipan will attack upon feeling threatened, and will likely react quite aggressively. 

A solitary creature, the Great White Shark can be spotted along all Australian coasts.  Reaching lengths between 3 to 5 meters and weighing around 1,300 kilograms the Great White is actually gray in color with white markings on the underbelly.  Baring about 2,800 teeth positioned in rows along the top of the mouth, the inward slant helps to grab- and keep- hold of their prey.  When a Great White attacks it will mortally wound its prey then wait for it to bleed to death, tracking the scent of blood in the water along the way.  It is important to remember that they Great White will not generally target humans as prey, and the majority of injuries are due to test bites, a sort of display of the Shark’s curiosity.  Pay close attention to shark warnings before entering the water at Australian beaches.