Venom
Snake venom is used mainly to immobilise, or kill, and begin digesting prey.
Its use in defence is secondary.
Most of the snakes in Queensland are venomous.
About 20 of these are regarded as potentially dangerous, because they have highly toxic venoms.
What sorts of venoms do snakes have?
Snake venoms contain toxins that have different effects on victims. For example,
Symptoms of snake bite may include pain, swelling or bruising around the bite (local effects), or more widespread effects throughout the body (systemic effects).
A full bite by any one of 16 Queensland species could prove fatal if appropriate first aid and medical treatment were not administered quickly. A further handful of species can inflict bites that may result in serious local and, occasionally, systemic effects.
Are all venomous snakes dangerous?
No. There is a clear distinction between ‘venomous’ and ‘potentially dangerous’. Snake venom is mainly used to kill prey for food. Defence is a secondary use of venom. A White-crowned Snake that eats only small lizards does not need to produce large quantities of potent venom. Although venomous, it is unlikely to do much harm to an adult human.