Unlike many snakes, Lowland Copperheads have adapted to colder climates and are the only venomous species found above the snow line. A water lover, copperheads snakes are at home around dams, soaks, canals, drainage ditches and along the verges of roads. The snake is found in areas with sparse vegetation near water bodies where prey species like frogs and lizards are available in plenty- in relatively cool and cold climates in south-eastern Australia, southern Victoria, Tasmania and the islands of Bass Strait. With a powerful neurotoxic venom that can easily kill an adult human being if delivered in sufficient amount via a bite, the Lowland Copperhead ( Austrelaps superbus) is definitely to be avoided. The venom contains a type of neurotoxin which causes loss of motor and sensory function, including respiration, resulting in paralysis and death. About half of death adder bites proved fatal within about 6 hours of being bitten- before the introduction of antivenom. They are said to be reluctant to bite unless actually touched. Unlike other snakes that flee from approaching humans crashing through the undergrowth, common death adders are more likely to sit tight and risk being stepped on, making them more dangerous to the unwary bushwalker. They are recognized by their broad triangular head and stout body, and possess the longest fangs of any Australian snake. Found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and southern coastal regions of Western Australia, the Common Death Adder reacts to a threat by freezing and camouflaging into its environment. The common death adder ( Acanthophis antarcticu) is an ambush predator capable of delivering a lighting fast attack in less than 0.15 seconds! It usually sits motionless, concealed in leaf litter, sand or gravel, twitching the worm-like lure on the end of its tail to attract prey. The venom of this snake is a toxic cocktail of myotoxins, neurotoxins, and hemotoxins, so it is always necessary to treat the snake bite with antivenom, even though most bites are not fatal. The venom causes blood-clotting disorder and muscle and nerve damage, enough to knock you off your feet. Red-bellied blacks are somewhat less venomous than many other Australian snakes, but its bite is certainly no picnic, causing significant illness and requiring medical attention. Although not particularly aggressive, when threatened it will flatten its body and hiss loudly. They are even capable of staying submerged underwater for more than 20 minutes. This species more commonly resides near dams, streams, and billabongs. It is one of the few large venomous snakes still found in the Sydney region. The Red-bellied Black snake ( Pseudechis porphyriacus) has a widespread distribution in eastern Australia (though not to Tasmania) occurring in swamps, forests, woodlands, and even urban areas in the region.
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