DANGEROUS ANIMALS IN AUSTRALIA

BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS

The blue-ringed octopus is recognized as one of the world’s

most venomous marine animals. However, despite being

considered one of the deadliest animals in Australia, this

small octopus has been responsible for only three

recorded deaths in the twentieth century.

SYDNEY FUNNEL-WEB SPIDER

Probably the most notorious of all spiders, Sydney funnel-webs

have a fearsome reputation. Most of this is deserved but some

is exaggerated. It can be found within a 100 km (62 miles) radius

of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and according to

science its bite can cause serious injury or even death

in humans if left untreated.

SALTWATER CROCODILE

The intimidating-looking saltwater crocodile has a wide snout

compared to most crocodiles. However, it has a longer muzzle

than the mugger crocodile and its length is twice its width at the

base. It’s responsible for multiple attacks (some of them fatal)

in Australia, where it’s considered one of the most deadly animals.

EASTERN BROWN SNAKE

The eastern brown snake is widespread throughout eastern

Australia, from northern Queensland to South Australia, with

isolated populations occurring in central and western parts

of the Northern Territory. This medium-sized snake, with a

slender to moderate build and a smallish head barely

distinct from the neck might not look as intimidating as other

snakes but its bite is one of the deadliest in the world since

it’s considered the second-most poisonous animal in the world.

BULL SHARK

According to the Australian Shark Attack File, kept by

researchers at Sydney’s Taronga Conservation Society,

there have been 1,003 shark attacks in Australia since

records started being kept in 1791, and 232 of them have

been fatal. All told, about one quarter of shark attacks

are fatal, with the majority of them coming from the

meanest shark of all: the bull shark.

IRUKANDJI JELLYFISH

Irukandji jellyfish are tiny but extremely venomous jellyfish

that inhabit the waters off Australia. They are able to fire

their stingers into their victim, causing symptoms

collectively known as Irukandji syndrome. An interesting

thing about the Irukandji jellyfish is that it also has stingers

on its belly whereas most jellyfish have stingers only on their

tentacles. Biologists have yet to discover the purpose

behind this unique characteristic.

HONEYBEE

Even though honeybees are not considered some of the most

deadly species in general, it looks like in Australia they are

responsible for one to two deaths annually. It’s estimated

that up 3% of the people in Australia are allergic to

apitoxin which is the venom produced by honey bees.

BOX JELLYFISH

The Indo-Pacific or Australian box jellyfish is claimed to be

the most venomous marine animal known to man and its

sting is often fatal. This extremely poisonous marine stinger

frequents Australia’s northern oceans all year round. However,

it is particularly dangerous during the wet season, from about

November to April.