10 Australian Animals to Avoid

Australia is an extremely diverse country and this byneed to swim up and touch one.
far extends to the realms of the Animal kingdom.5. Red Back Spider
While many of Australia's creatures may seem cuteAs one of Australia's most recognisable creatures,
and cuddly, there are a few out there that can bethe red back spider is easily recognisable thanks to its
extremely dangerous.famous red back.
Avoiding these animals at all costs is essential to notWidespread across Australia, the bite of a red back
only your safety, but also the enjoyment of yourspider can be life threatening so victims should seek
Australian holiday.immediate assistance.
Australia's top 10 animals to avoid include:6. Stonefish
1. Box JellyfishFound primarily in the tropic of Capricorn, the
Frequenting Australia's northern oceans all year round,stonefish is a mottled brown-greenish in colour with
the box jellyfish is claimed to be the most venomousmany venomous spines along its back.
animals known to mankind.The sting of a stonefish has been known to cause
At its most lethal during the summer months, thisexcruciating pain, with other symptoms including
creature will sting you with its tentacles without amuscle weakness, temporary paralysis and
thought, leaving you in indescribable pain and in somesometimes even death.
cases can be fatal.7. Tiger Snake
Avoid swimming at beaches with signs indicating theirFound in southern and eastern Australia, the tiger
presence.snake is known for its tiger-like markings.
2. Salt Water CrocodileWhile its venom is strong, there are treatments
As the world's largest reptile, the salt water crocodilereadily available to avoid what would otherwise be a
never fails to frighten. Found on the northern coastfatal injury.
of Australia, these animals have been known to8. Great White Shark
wonder 100 kilometres inland and to reach aThese torpedo-shaped giants of the ocean may
whopping 7 metres long and 1000 KG in weight.seem frightening, but in reality they are not as
These animals are extremely territorial and will attackdangerous as we may think.
anyone they believe wishes to harm their young. SoWhile they can trabel through the water at
if you see one, steer clear and do not approach.impressive speeds of 24 kilometres per hour, their
3. Brown Snakeattacks on humans are actually rare, with only 30 to
As one of Australia's deadliest snakes, the Brown50 attacks reported annually worldwide.
Snake is by far one of the most dangerous9. Funnel Web Spider
creatures slithering around our land.Known as one of the world's deadliest spiders, the
Their venom is so dangerous that if a human is bittenFunnel-web is a large black spider with a shiny head
and left untreated, the results are often fatal. Whileand a body that has been known to range up to
they mainly feast on the likes of mice, rats, small5cm long.
birds, lizards and sometimes other snakes, they haveFound in most Australian states, the venom of the
been known to bite humans who invade theirfunnel-web is highly toxic and all species should be
territory or disturb them.considered potentially dangerous.
4. Blue Ring Octypus10. Kangaroo
The Blue Ring Octypus may be small in size, but oneWhile they may seem cute and cuddly, kangaroos
can carry enough poison to kill 26 adults withincan actually be very dangerous. Their sharp claws
minutes.and powerful tail makes them a force to be
Frequenting the area between southern Westernreckoned with, especially if you try and get up too
Australia, southern Queensland and northernclose.
Tasmania, these creatures are not particularlyTourists beware: DO NOT touch or try to play with
aggressive, but this doesn't mean you should feel thethese animals; things could get nasty!