EASTERN BROWN SNAKE
The Eastern Brown Snake is considered highly dangerous due to its potent venom, which ranks as the second most deadly among all land snakes. Its venom combines strong neurotoxic and hemotoxic properties, causing prey to die from both venom effects and constriction.
Despite being responsible for the majority of snakebite-related deaths, the Eastern Brown Snake now accounts for only one or two fatalities each year, thanks to effective treatment and first aid education. Its population remains stable and is classified as common, with some indications of increasing numbers in many areas.
Appearance and Characteristics
The name “Brown Snake” can be misleading, as the coloration of Eastern Browns can range from cream to rusty reds and black, with various patterns such as bands or spots. In fact, there are countless combinations of colors and patterns. Juveniles often undergo color changes until they reach their adult appearance, and they typically have a distinctive black band around the nape of their necks.
This diurnal snake is known for its speed and quick strikes, and it may remain active even during hot nights. On average, Eastern Brown Snakes measure around 1.5 meters in length, although they have been recorded reaching up to 2.4 meters.
When threatened or provoked, the snake will assume the famous “S” pose and strike rapidly and repeatedly. It has a slender body and surprising agility.
Although Eastern Brown Snakes are known for their temperamental and dangerous nature, they typically avoid contact with humans. Attacking a large prey item such as a human offers no benefit to them, and given the opportunity, they will choose to flee rather than engage in a confrontation, resorting to a strike only as a last resort.
Reproductive Cycle
During early spring, males engage in ritualized combat to establish dominance. Once dominance is established, the dominant male mates with any receptive females within its territory. In late spring to early summer, females produce clutches of 10 to 35 eggs. Hatchlings measure around 20 centimeters in length and possess the same level of toxicity as their parents upon hatching. They are capable of inflicting a fatal bite from the moment they emerge from their shells.
Diet and Habitat
The Eastern Brown Snake is found along the entire Eastern Seaboard of Australia, stretching from Cape York to Melbourne and extending into South Australia. It occupies a wide range of habitats, including open grasslands and dense scrub, but is rarely encountered in rainforest areas. Remarkably, it can adapt well to suburban environments.
Eastern Brown Snakes have a diverse diet, consuming birds, lizards, frogs, and small mammals. They have also been known to ingest non-food items, such as plastics that catch their interest.
By Rhianna Blackthorn
