James RickardWatch out for black snakes? It depends on where you live!
August 20th 2010 21:49
When I began thinking about the dangers that lurk at the water's edge, I never put black snakes into the mix.
Around here, and all of North America for that matter, black snakes are harmless. On the other hand, if you live in Australia and see a black snake, watch out!!!
Most of the black snakes you find in North America are either the Black Racer or the Black Rat Snake. Both look pretty much the same but if the snake slithers away quickly, it's probable a black racer. If it freezes in position, it's most likely a black rat snake.
Around 2.5 to 5 feet long, the bite is scarcely anything to worry about although blacksnakes do feed on rodents or small amphibians. In fact, I've seen old timers who treat the bite like a bee sting. I'm not quite as hardy and feel the bite, though mostly harmless, warrants a trip to the ER just to be on the safe side. (Then again, I have allergies to most insect and animal venom.)
Around here, and all of North America for that matter, black snakes are harmless. On the other hand, if you live in Australia and see a black snake, watch out!!!
Here's what I usually see.
Around 2.5 to 5 feet long, the bite is scarcely anything to worry about although blacksnakes do feed on rodents or small amphibians. In fact, I've seen old timers who treat the bite like a bee sting. I'm not quite as hardy and feel the bite, though mostly harmless, warrants a trip to the ER just to be on the safe side. (Then again, I have allergies to most insect and animal venom.)
Here's what you find Down Under!
In Australia, the worry factor goes up a few notches. You may run into the Papuan black snake which is a highly poisonous but unaggressive black snake which can grow up to 8 ft long which is well over two meters!
However, you're more likely to find the red-bellied black snake. This purple-black snake with a pink-white belly grows up to 8 ft also. Although this snake is not very aggressive it has a poison of relatively low neurotoxicity but has a high content of hemolysin and hemorrhagic factor. I must admit though, with its red belly, you can definitely distinguish it from the American Black snake!
However, you're more likely to find the red-bellied black snake. This purple-black snake with a pink-white belly grows up to 8 ft also. Although this snake is not very aggressive it has a poison of relatively low neurotoxicity but has a high content of hemolysin and hemorrhagic factor. I must admit though, with its red belly, you can definitely distinguish it from the American Black snake!
The Red-bellied Black Snake can be found along the Eastern coast of Australia in woodlands or even plains and bushland areas of Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. On the flipside of things, you can find them around dams, streams, or other bodies of water.
Unlike here in the Eastern U.S., Australia sees its share of venomous snakes. This snake is no different but, the Red Belly is one of the least venomous snakes. Despite this, bites from Red-bellied Black Snakes still require immediate medical attention!.
Unlike here in the Eastern U.S., Australia sees its share of venomous snakes. This snake is no different but, the Red Belly is one of the least venomous snakes. Despite this, bites from Red-bellied Black Snakes still require immediate medical attention!.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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