Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

Description:

The eastern brown snake is the species responsible for most deaths caused by snakebite in Australia, although, with the advent of efficient first-aid treatment and anti-venom, there are now usually only one or two deaths per year. A large adult brown snake is a formidable creature. They may exceed two meters in length and, on hot days, can move at surprising speed. It has a slender body and is variable in color ranging from uniform tan to grey or dark brown. The belly is cream, yellow or pale orange with darker orange spots.

Habitat:

These snakes are often found in the garden shed, where the chicken food is kept or the mice and rats are.

Notes:

Although brown snakes are temperamental and dangerous creatures, they will always try and avoid a confrontation with humans if possible. There is certainly no advantage for the snake in attacking something as large as a person so they will only do this as a last resort. Given the opportunity, even brown snakes will flee rather than attack.

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23 Comments

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Leanne and James A Mcnair..

James McNair 9 years ago

Fantastic image

LeanneGardner 9 years ago

Amazing Christiane! Amazing!!

Christiane 9 years ago

@ NathBig.. These are behind glass.. But it is a good warning for all the gardeners here in Australia.. I had them in my potting mix bag and in gum boots before..
@ LarryGraziano Thanks

LarryGraziano 9 years ago

Great series and information!

NathBig 9 years ago

Great shot! Was this in a Zoo or something or just in a backyard?

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Leuba.. :)

Leuba Ridgway 9 years ago

So dangerous ! So cute !

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Shanna.. They do look cute and cuddly!! Weird for Brown Snakes.. :)

ShannaB 9 years ago

Christiane, I reckon this is one of the most awesome shots of Eastern Browns that I've ever seen!!!! (They actually do look cute!!!)

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Maria and Karen.. It is a great photo to show Australian visitors where they can hide and to be careful in the garden.

KarenL 9 years ago

Adorable!

Maria dB 9 years ago

Wonderful shot!

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Bhagya Herath...

Bhagya Herath 9 years ago

great spotting....

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Emily.. I think there are not many Australians that would use ADORABLE for this snakes.. :)

EmilyMarino 9 years ago

Adorable!

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Ashley & Rob Thacker.. :)

RobThacker 9 years ago

Fantastic shot

AshleyT 9 years ago

Too cool, Christiane! They do look like they're cuddled up together :)

Christiane 9 years ago

Thanks Neil & Mark.. This was not on my property.. but I have found them in my potting mix bag before.
I think they just want to cuddle up in the cold Queensland winter! :)