A woman in Caboolture is recovering in hospital after being bitten by a highly venomous eastern brown snake she mistook for a harmless species.
The incident occurred at a private property in Upper Caboolture. The 70-year-old woman and her sister attempted to capture what they believed to be a brown tree snake. They tried to place the snake into a container, but during the attempt, the woman was bitten.
Her sister immediately contacted a local snake catcher, Dan Rumsey from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, and sent him a photo of the snake. Mr Rumsey quickly identified it as a deadly eastern brown snake and advised them to call triple-0 for an ambulance.
A Dangerous Misidentification
Eastern brown snakes are responsible for the most snakebite deaths in Australia. They are the second most venomous land snake in the world. Their venom is incredibly strong and can cause paralysis and heart failure.
Mr Rumsey, who attended the scene, stressed that even if you are almost certain, you know the type of snake, it’s crucial to stay safe and contact a professional for identification. He said it’s always best to leave snake catching to the experts.
Community Warning
This incident serves as a critical reminder for the Caboolture community about the dangers of handling snakes. With the recent hot weather, snake sightings have increased, leading to more encounters between residents and these reptiles.
Professional snake catchers warn that brown snakes are easily agitated and defensive. Catching or removing a wild snake without a proper licence is illegal.
Recovery and Advice
Paramedics took the woman to Caboolture Hospital, where she received anti-venom treatment. She is now in stable condition and recovering. This close call highlights the importance of caution and awareness when dealing with snakes, especially during the warmer months when they are more active. Remember—if you see a snake, keep a safe distance and call a professional snake catcher.
Published Date 02-January-2025
Photo Credit: Australian Museum
