Stay Away From Australia’s Most Dangerous Animals
So, you’re ignoring your mother’s fear of deadly critters and embarking on an epic journey through the Australian outback? Good for you! You’ll have the trip of a lifetime, but it is important to bear in mind that some of her fear is founded, and make sure you have good travel insurance for Australia to boot…
Creepy Crawlies and Other Critters
There is an official ranking of Australia’s most dangerous animals in the Australian Museum in Sydney, and it ranks them based on how much threat they pose and how likely someone is to stumble across one in the wild. Martyn Robinson, a Naturalist at the museum, claims that the threat of creatures biting and stinging is overblown, and maintains that the danger from moving vehicles is worse!
However, as well as crossing the road, these are the most dangerous animals to be aware of when travelling Down Under.
Beware the Box Jellyfish: 10/10 Danger Rating
Extremely dangerous, this blighter is found in northern Australia during the summer, when you’re hot and want to swim…
How to Spot Them
Unfortunately they tend to come to shore to breed in estuaries, where the water is muddy and you can’t always see them. You can recognise them from the top as they have four corners, and have tentacles that measure over two metres.
What Happens if They Got You
You’ll definitely know if it got you, as their stings can be excruciatingly painful. Their venom is intended to paralyse fish, and so it immobilises your nerves, affecting your breathing and movement. A large enough dose can give you a heart attack and even cause death within minutes…
Bull Sharks Mean Business: 8/10 Danger Rating
How to Spot Them
While they’re found all over the world, you’re more likely to come across this predator in estuaries, harbours and rivers.
What Happens if They Got You
You don’t even want to know.
The Evil Eastern Brown Snake: 8/10 Danger Rating
This is the deadliest snake in Australia because it’s found all over the country. Yet another critter to avoid.
How to Spot Them
They’re often over one metre long, and are very nervy. This means you should keep your distance as they can strike out, biting you quickly should you come too close.
What Happens if They Got You
Initially their bites can be painless and therefore difficult to detect. This is really unfortunate, as if you’re bitten you need immediate medical attention. The venom can result in uncontrollable bleeding and eventual paralysis.
Aussie creatures being so dangerous mean you need special travel insurance for Australia. Make sure the cover you get is going to allow you to go that little bit further, higher and off the beaten track. Let’s Go Insure’s travel insurance for Australia will give you (and your mum!) that all-important peace of mind while you’re adventuring in the outback.
