Deadly Australians - The Animal Kind

Along coastal Northern Australia, avoid for this tiny but deadly jellyfish. Only about 2.5 centimeters in diameter, Irukandiji cause various deaths each year despite their size. Keep in mind that symptoms of a sting can be delayed up to 24 hours, and include back pain and shortness of breath.

The Box Jellyfish, with the toxins on its 80 centimeter tentacles, can stop human cardio-respiratory functions in just three short minutes. It surprises many visitors to find out that jellyfish are behind more animal-related deaths in Australia than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles. Box Jellyfish are found along the Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia.

The 'world's largest reptile' the Saltwater Crocodile is found in northern Australia near the coast. Sometimes reaching 7 meters in length, the Saltwater Croc, once hunted for its exportable skin, is today a protected species in Australia. The Saltwater Crocodile is difficult to see whilst swimming, making a sneak attack easy, like the signature crocodile 'death roll.'

Even in Australian's urban areas, the unlucky human may come across this relative of the USA's famous Black Widow Spider. The Red Back Spider can turn up in the usual spots for insects like under rocks or logs, or in outdoor toilet facilities or sheds. Only reaching up to about 1 centimeter in length for females and 4 millimeters for males, it's the female of the species one has to look out for as only her bite is dangerous. Identifiable by a red stripe down her back, the venom causes acute pain. Luckily, deaths by Red Back Spider bite are rare. Don't feel too victimized by this lady in red, the male Red Back may have a better claim to sympathy as she is known to engage in 'sexual cannibalism' when mating.

There are several varieties of Brown Snake in Australia, which can grow to around 1.5 to 2.3 meters in length, is found mainly in Eastern Australia and known for its deadly venom. Their venom is very toxic, a bite from a Brown Sanke should never be left untreated, since it can quickly become a fatal wound. Even smaller young Brown Snakes have caused human fatalities. The venom contains both neurotoxins and blood coagulants. Brown Snakes are often stand their ground and become aggressive, heightening the danger in an encounter.

Named for its striped markings, the Tiger Snake's venom is deadly if left untreated. Although the Tiger snakes venom can be deadly if left untreated, today death by Tiger Snake is rare due to widely-available anti-venom. Reaching a meter in length, the Tiger Snake be found in the southern regions of Australia, sometimes in suburban areas. The Tiger snake is generally non-aggressive when left alone.

The Taipan is a large and fast moving snake found mostly in the far north of Australia, but can also be found throughout Australia. Its venom is extremely toxic, and could kill up to 100 adult humans with a single bite. The Taipan will attack aggressively upon feeling threatened.

The Great White Shark swims along all Australian coasts. Between 3 to 5 meters in length, and around 1,300 kilograms, the Great White bares 26 Triangular-shaped and serrated teeth in each row of the upper jaw with 24 more pointed teeth in the lower jaw rows. It has about 3,000 teeth in multiple rows with an inward prey-grabbing slant. Their main sense of detecting prey is smell, but they also have keen eyesight which enables then to see through murky water. They also have a some unusual senses like being able to detect vibrations and electrical fields that emanate from their prey. Great Whites attack by wounding their prey, then tracking the scent of the blood. Most humans only suffer 'test bites,' not full attacks. Although the sharks are just curious, it still hurts!

Funnel-web spiders are found in moist forest regions of the east coast and highlands of Australia. They burrow in moist, cool, sheltered habitats - under rocks, in and under rotting logs, crevices. Funnel-web spiders are renowned for being highly aggressive and their highly toxic and fast acting venom. Prior to an antivenom being produced in 1981 there were 13 recorded deaths and many serious bites thanks to this notorious member of the Australian spider fauna. Since the introduction of an antivenom there have been no recorded death, but the Funnel Web still remains an icon of fear and fascination for Sydneysiders.