Things that can kill “or almost kill” you in Australia

Even though there are many wonderful species like the Crocodile Dundee and Hugh Jackman, Australia is home to many of the deadliest species on earth. Almost all places in Australia have wildlife that is dangerous to man. For instance, there are more than 500 reptiles, of which most are highly venomous. Also, we can’t overlook the venomous snakes and not-so-innocent kangaroos. To think we are still talking about those on land. If you go to the pacific ocean, there are various aquatic animals to watch out for, including sharks and deadly jellyfish. Australia might not be the most dangerous place on earth, but it is sure scary.

1. Box Jellyfish

There is danger in Australia’s waterways which you will know without having to travel very far. The box jellyfish can even kill people with its sting, which is among the most excruciating of any animal in the world. Their translucent skin makes them extremely difficult to see in the water, as if that weren’t bad enough already.

2. Funnel-Web Spider

Watch your steps if you want to go for a walk. The redback, mouse, wolf, black house, and funnel-web spiders are well-known spiders to stay away from. The funnel-web spider is one of the most dangerous spiders on the globe. They create webs resembling funnels, which they can use as burrows or catch food. This spider’s venom is poisonous and could be lethal. A funnel-web spider bite can cause tingling around the lips and tongue, twitching of the facial muscles, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, salivation, and shortness of breath as early signs.

3. Saltwater Crocodiles

These crocodiles cause havoc in the sea and defy reason by consuming virtually anything. These enormous, extinct animals can be found in northern Australia’s marshes, rivers, and estuaries. Males can grow to be more than 20 feet long and weigh up to 4,400 pounds. A saltwater crocodile’s lightning-quick rear legs and immensely muscular tail enable unexpected, swift lunges out of the water during an assault, giving any unfortunate close victims little time to defend themselves. Its strong jaw is packed with 64–68 teeth that are poised to bite with the strongest bite force ever recorded in a living mammal.

4. Kangaroos

This innocent mammal has a reputation for being one of the outback’s cuddliest murderers. Kangaroos are particularly harmful to man since they can travel short distances at rates of up to 44 mph. Humans can be just as violent toward us as any other threat if they attempt to break up the conflict. To defend their young, female kangaroos will attack approaching pedestrians while carrying a joey in their pouch.

5.   Cone snails

This snail, despite its innocent appearance, actually sucks. It developed a radular teeth that it may use to harpoon unwary prey, like your foot, out of its mouth. These snails are located close to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and are probably discovered by accident when they are stepped on. People might not feel the effects of a sting until it is too late because they can sometimes be painless. Your harpoon will fill you up with neurotoxins that impair speech and eyesight.

6.   Giant Centipedes

The huge centipede, which lives in everyone’s nightmares, may reach 614 inches in length. The squirmy insect comes with two poisonous claws that it uses to sting its prey. Humans may experience extreme discomfort that lasts for several days. While some think the pain is excruciating, others assert that it is slightly more severe than a wasp sting, which is similarly unpleasant.

7. Trash-can-sized crabs

The largest land-dwelling arthropod in the world, the coconut crab, is capable of fracturing human bones. Therefore, stay away and let them continue their dumpster diving.

8. Redback Spider

This is one of the most poisonous spiders in Australia. Its poisonous teeth will initially bite you if you are a little insect unfortunate enough to be deemed a meal for this spider. You will be wrapped in silk while paralysis sets in, have your head and body repeatedly bit, and then have your liquified insides pulled out. Even humans who have been bitten are not spared. Redback bites are painful, but the venom is frequently so potent that you will require an antivenom to relieve the symptoms. Additionally, keep an eye out because they enjoy residing in building materials, clothing, and shoes.

9. Cassowaries

They have a silly appearance and take it out on people because they cannot fly. According to Guinness World Records, it is the most dangerous bird in the world. This hybrid of a turkey and an ostrich, which lives in Australia’s rainforests, can chop you in half with a single kick. They can reach a height of 6 feet, run at speeds of up to 31 mph, and jump up to 5 feet. They are also quite good swimmers, so if you irritate them, there is no way to get away.

10. Red-bellied black snake

In Australia, the red-bellied black snake is one of the most easily recognized snakes. It may be identified by its crimson underbelly and is especially prevalent in urban areas. It will lift its body up to display its hot stomach as a warning, simply to let you know it’s not messing around. Although most bites from this snake are not fatal, they do necessitate a speedy trip to the hospital. The main symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and excruciating discomfort, and this creepy crawler also likes making a home in shoes.

11. Great White Sharks

These enormous fish are not just a threat to Australia; they are the ocean’s kings and will consume anything they can get their 222 razor-sharp teeth into. That includes almost everything that moves. These hunters can sense electromagnetic fields emanating from anything with a pulse thanks to their ampullae of Lorenzini, a magical death adaption. Even now, some surfers are equipping themselves with electromagnetic weapons to ward them off.

12. Snakes Eating Devils

This python has murdered a flying fox while hunting it inside the scaly vice that is its body. If you’re feeling sorry for the fox, you should know that they are known for spreading contagious diseases. According to the website of the New South Wales Government, flying foxes are known to harbor the Hendra virus and Australian bat lyssavirus, both of which can be extremely dangerous to human health. In fact, some Australians prefer that snakes continue to combat pests.

13. Stonefish

The stonefish has a dorsal fin coated with needle-like spines and look like stones, however, it is a highly toxic fish. They disguise themselves around rocks, fooling swimmers with a mottled, grey appearance that resembles stone (hence the name). One of the most poisonous fish ever discovered. Its sting can result in excruciating agony and perhaps death if you step on one. However, you can exact retribution on them. The protein-based venom can be eaten when properly cooked because it quickly degrades when heated.

14. Strychnine Tree

The strychnine tree produces small, orange fruits that contain poisonous seeds that, if consumed by people, can damage the neurological system. It may, at best, result in convulsions and, at worst, be fatal. Humans can also get sick from this tree’s bark and blooms.

15. Dingoes

Wild canines known as dingoes prowl the Australian outback in groups. Although there have only been a few reported assaults on people, they are not the most dangerous animals in Australia, but they can still pose a threat. Tourists who mistakenly believed the animal to be a dog and tried to feed it were to blame for most of the reported attacks. However, dingoes are dangerous to farm and pastoral animals. It got to the point that a 5,614-km fence was built in Southeast Australia just to keep livestock safe from them.

16. The Outback

Australia’s outback, a vast expanse of hot, arid soil that makes up the core of the country, presents some unique difficulties. There are long stretches of road without any amenities of any kind, so there won’t be any gas, food, or water for hundreds of miles. You’ll need to plan your route ahead of time to ensure you have enough fuel for the journey. Imagine the real-world adaptation of Mad Max. Additionally, you should bring a ton of extra water. Also, if you have poor or no mobile coverage, there is no guarantee that you will be found if you get lost. Finally, the few vehicles on the roads mean that assistance won’t always arrive quickly.

17. Irukandji Jellyfish

This tiny jellyfish proves that physical size is irrelevant when it comes to devastating punches. They can grow to a cubic centimetre and spend most of their time in North Australian seas. These creatures can infect humans with venom from their stingers, unlike other jellyfish. Muscle cramping, nausea, and frequent hospitalization are side effects of venom.

18. Angry Koalas

Have you ever seen an angry Koala? If you have not, it is best to avoid it. Even  though they might not cause fatal damage, you should avoid getting beaten up by an animal.

19. The Heat

Australia’s summer, which corresponds to our winter, may be extremely hot. In the desert, temperatures have soared to blistering highs of 122° F, hot enough to fry an egg on concrete literally. Climate change has caused Australia to become warmer. When Victoria’s health officials discovered that 374 individuals had passed away over the course of a brutal week in January 2009, they highlighted the danger of heatwaves.

20. Eastern Brown Snakes

The second-most poisonous land snake in the world, this slithering killer, can be found in densely populated parts of eastern Australia. A bite provides 2-6 mg of venom and can cause cardiac arrest, but more frequently results in uncontrollable bleeding, with symptoms appearing within 15 minutes. It is known to have been the cause of more than 21 deaths since 2000, which, statistically, equates to more than one a year.