For Australians or people who've visited ?

Question

I watch the discovery channel alot, and my favourite episodes are the ones about poisonous animals and spiders, and a high percentage of them live in Australia. I think if i lived there i'd be running about like a looney everytime i thought i saw something dodgy!

Is looking out for poisonous things something you have to do everyday there? or are there certain places people just know not to go near? Is it a part of education in schools there? So many questions! I find this really interesting! :)

Thanks in advance for any answers

Answer 1

Well im from south australia. and like anywhere there are dangers but its not constantly like shows make it out to be.

in the outback areas are a bit more dengerous, but the worst ive seen are red back spiders and brown snakes, and only a few times.

we mainly get huntsman spiders, which are usually quite big & can leave a bad bite (if they do bite, which they rarely do) but they arent lethal or make you sick.

But yeah, the shows like that exaggerate it alot

=)

Answer 2

It's the same here as anywhere else in the world.

Do people in the USA look for rattle snakes and black widow spiders around every corner?

Edit:

I'm not trying to offend anyone, and I'm sorry if I did offend you.

I have lived here all my life (and that's a long time) and have only ever seen 2 snakes in the wild and the occasional red-back spider. I'm sure there have been more around me but I haven't noticed them plus they would have been too busy getting out of my way.

I was taught as a child and I have taught my children and grandchildren - You leave these creatures alone and more than likely they will leave you alone.

Most snake bites happen when some idiot is trying to catch or kill the creature and have no idea what they are doing.

Answer 3

lol!

Now I've got an image of you running around like a looney, squealing and waving your arms frantically because a bit of fluff gets blown along the floor in a draft! :D

I'd love to live in Australia or New Zealand.

Answer 4

I live in a rural suburb in Australia and yes you are well aware that when you lift something off the ground that there could be a snake there.  I have seen many snakes, more when I am driving in my car.

If I wanted to see a redback spider I know where to look.  Checking shoes, gloves and numerous other places in just habit for me.  When walking through any long grass I was taught to make as much noise as possible and I have taught my children that too.  If you do see a snake you don't run like a looney you have to keep still and back up slowly.

Yes it is part of school education but most parents would teach kids about snakes and spiders before they hit school.

It is not like you are going to see a snake everyday or every week for that matter, but you know that you may.

Answer 5

I've lived in Australia for 4 years and have never seen a snake in the wild and have only seen poisonous Red Back Spiders three times.  The spiders hardly ever come on the house though, they prefer to live under damp logs and similar things.  You tend to get Huntsman spiders indoors, which are quite freaky because of their size, but they don't tend to bite unless they get riled.

Answer 6

discovery channel here in Australia shows what a dangerous place the usa is too rattle snakes, gatters, grissly bears, big rats running all over the place & attacking people so is it part of your education in schools too?

but the answer is NO to all of your questions just common scence keeps us alive & safe from all the --poisonous things-- running around all over the place

in 49 years i have seen 4 snakes in the wild 1 in a small country town & none in a city

so dont belive all you see on TV

Answer 7

Sigh! TV nature shows have a lot to answer for.

The majority of Australians, living in cities, would probably never encounter a 'poisonous animal or spider' in their lifetimes. Even the funnelweb spider around Sydney is rarely seen really. Redback spiders are relatively common around Brisbane, but even if bitten aren't really fatal (except to kids/frail).

The average Australian wouldn't see a deadly snake in their lifetime either. Most snakes around suburban backyards are of the non-venomous python family

I live in the rainforest in Tropical North Queensland where most of these dangerous creatures are supposed to be lurking about, ready to spring out onto the unwary, unsuspecting human. Doesn't happen. The most dangerous thing in the rainforest in my opinion is our Stinging Tree. Most other 'things' scuttle, crawl, hop or slither away before you even see them.

An exception is this newspaper article you might find amusing.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,237...

Answer 8

If you live in a normal residential area, it is very unlikely you will ever see a snake.

I am personally scared of spiders and snakes (I was bitten by a snake when I was young, but not in Australia, and Yes, I was stupidly playing with it!!)

The website below maybe interesting to look at.  One quote "Each year in Australia as many as 4,000 people are bitten. Of these 200 require antivenom treatment and one bite proves fatal", highlights the risks. 1 in 20 million !

and another " Australian elapid snakes are often said to be the deadliest or most venomous in the world, with the inference that this is to humans. The truth of the matter is, they are only the deadliest or most venomous if you are a mouse!. "

Answer 9

I worked on a $300000.00 property at the Gold Coast and there were hundreds of red belly black snakes crossing my path on a daily basis in summer time, even one of my workers step on one with her boots and she kept going and the snake kept going. This type of snake is so placid and doesn't really wish to harm you, but if you try and attack them!!!!, then thats when they get you. So the golden rule of nature here is.......You leave it alone and it will leave you alone.