What to do if you are bitten by a snake: important first steps
Australian Snakebite Project shows that a small number of species are responsible for most confirmed bites. Brown snakes account for roughly 41 percent of cases, tiger snakes about 17 percent, and red-bellied black snakes around 16 percent.
Most snakebite victims are adult men in their thirties, often involved in farming, construction, or outdoor labor. These activities increase exposure to natural habitats where snakes may be present. However, more than half of recorded snakebites actually occur close to homes rather than in remote wilderness areas. Gardens, sheds, and suburban edges can all create environments where snakes are encountered unexpectedly.
Common scenarios include gardening, walking through tall grass, cleaning outdoor storage areas, or attempting to move or kill a snake. Many bites occur when people try to handle snakes without proper training or equipment. Rural and semi-rural properties can attract snakes due to environmental factors. Water sources, dense vegetation, and the presence of rodents provide ideal conditions for snakes to hunt and shelter.
Reducing these attractants is a key part of prevention. Keeping yards clean, removing debris, trimming overgrown plants, and controlling rodent populations can significantly lower the likelihood of snake encounters. Personal protective clothing also plays an important role. Wearing boots, long trousers, long sleeves, and gloves can reduce the risk of envenomation, particularly because most bites occur on limbs.
Studies suggest that over 90 percent of snakebites affect the arms or legs. This is often because these body parts are closest to the ground and most likely to come into contact with a snake. A “dry bite” occurs when a venomous snake strikes but does not inject venom. While this may result in minor pain, redness, or swelling, it is not possible to confirm a dry bite immediately.
