My series on Australians bad things has proved to be hugely popular. I get more traffic searching for the bad stuff than I do from people searching for say, golden beaches, open spaces or wonderful weather.
I wonder if that is because many people want to come and live in Australia, but some are a little bit worried about what might be here when they arrive. Well, I’ve now had 25 posts on Australia’s bad things, many of them about actual intruders on my property, and nothing has done me any harm yet.
In fact, I’ve run out of intruders. So is that the end of Australia’s bad things? No, because there are some killers that have not yet trespassed on my land. Here’s a list:
- Cone Snails
- Stonefish
- Box Jellyfish
- Blue Ringed Octopus
- Salt Water Crocodiles
- Sharks
Can you see why these little beauties have not visited me? Not only that, I certainly haven’t come face to face with any of them. Because, of course, they all live in water. And my house is on land. I hope it stays that way.
I’ve never been a great one for swimming in the sea, would you if you were born in Southend? And my sense of balance (lack of, that is) prevents me from surfing and skiing. So for me, there’s no real reason to go into the sea any higher than my waist.
That little list of killers is just one more reason. But what are the real dangers? Let’s start with the cone snail.
So the immediate bad news is that the cone snail carries enough venom to kill a human. Further bad news is a there have been around a 30 deaths worldwide attributed to the cone snail. Also, there is no antivenom, the only treatment is to provide life support until the venom is metabolised by the victim.
But the promising news is I cannot find evidence of any recent deaths in Australia from the cone snail. Even better news is you pretty much have to pick one up to get harpooned.
BobinOz Tip of the day: don’t pick up a cone snail!
Next week, meet the stonefish.
Hey Bruce, what are you doing? You’re scaring my readers!
The snakes are probably waking up already, it was 29°C today. I do keep my eyes peeled for them, and the minute I do see one I will let everyone know here on this blog. Hopefully I can take a picture. Lets see how long it takes me.
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of a taipan sighting around here but if I see one, I’ll probably skip the photo.
Cheers
Bob
Living where you do in Western Suburbs and yet to only see one snake suggests you’ve been very lucky.
Come mid-September, the browns and blacks start to forage. And, with the grass around your place, its an ideal environment for them.
I suggest in years to come, you will see many more. Be especially aware that from late October the taipan is on the prowl and bloody aggressive.
Then, there are the ticks…. but that’s another story.
Cheers