Snake encounters are more common than you might think, and they often happen when you least expect it. Take, for example, a recent case from Queensland, Australia: A woman tending to her garden was bitten by an eastern brown snake as she tried to shoo it away.
With snakes frequently appearing in gardens, basements or even kitchens, it's crucial to understand the risks they pose. Snakebites result in thousands of fatalities worldwide annually, often due to delayed medical intervention or lack of awareness.
Among the number of snakes you're likely to come across near your homes, three arguably stand out for their danger and proximity to human habitats.
Known as one of the world's most venomous snakes, the eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is a master of disguise and danger. Found in Australia and New Guinea, it thrives in grasslands, woodlands and once, even a washing machine.
With its slender body and brown hue, the eastern brown snake easily blends into its surroundings, making it an unexpected guest in backyards and garages. The venom of the eastern brown snake is a potent cocktail of neurotoxins, procoagulants and cardiotoxins, according to a December 2015 study published in Toxicon.
A single bite can lead to paralysis, internal bleeding and cardiac arrest, making it responsible for more snakebite fatalities in Australia than any other species. Despite its lethal nature, this snake is not aggressive unless provoked. Its encounters with humans often stem from its attraction to rodents, which are common pests that thrive around human habitation.
The eastern brown snake is also known for its incredible speed and agility. When threatened, it rises into an S-shape and may deliver multiple strikes in quick succession. Its preference for sunny, open areas combined with its adaptability to human environments underscores why it is so often spotted near homes.
If you live in areas where this snake is common, maintaining clean yards and securing food sources for rodents can reduce the chances of an encounter.
If you live in southern Asia, the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) is a nocturnal predator that poses significant danger to unsuspecting humans. Native to the Indian subcontinent, this snake's, black body adorned with white bands gives it a striking appearance, often mistaken for a non-venomous species.
However, its bite can be anything but harmless.
Krait venom is rich in neurotoxins, causing muscle paralysis, respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death. What makes this snake particularly dangerous is its subtle bite -- often painless and unnoticed until symptoms appear hours later.
This delayed onset of symptoms frequently results in fatal outcomes if medical help isn't sought promptly. Common kraits are often found in human settlements, drawn by the abundance of small prey like rodents and frogs.
They are known to hide in footwear, under furniture or even in beds, making nighttime encounters particularly hazardous. One of their unique traits is their calm demeanor; they rarely bite unless provoked. However, their presence in and around homes makes them a lurking danger for those living in their native range.
For these reasons, the common krait is considered one of India's four deadliest snakes, collectively called India's "Big Four."
To minimize the risk of krait encounters, secure your living spaces by sealing gaps, clearing clutter and being vigilant during nighttime hours. Recognizing their distinctive banding can also help avoid unnecessary panic or mistaken identity.
Majestic and terrifying, the fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox and Bothrops asper) is the undisputed deadliest snake of the Americas. Native to the forests of Central and South America this iconic snake can grow up 8 feet long (2+ meters), is remarkably well camouflaged, and can be very abundant near human habitation.
While the fer-de-lance's venom isn't the most toxic of all snakes, its sheer volume -- up to 2 teaspoons delivered in a single bite -- is more than enough to kill multiple people. The venom destroys muscle tissue, leading to severe local symptoms that often lead to infections and amputations. If left untreated, bite victims often die from cardiovascular shock or acute kidney damage.
Despite its fearsome reputation, the fer-de-lance is shy and prefers to avoid human interaction. However, deforestation and habitat loss have driven it closer to human settlements, where it may be found near agricultural areas.
In the Amazon's Alto Juruá region, the fer-de-lance holds a special place in local folklore -- one of fear and respect. Interestingly, based on ethnobiological research, locals don't consider it the "most venomous" snake in the rainforest; that title belongs to the massive bushmaster, whose bites are rarer but often deadlier due to their sheer lethality.
However, while not considered the most venomous, the fer-de-lance has earned the equally notorious title of "most feared" by locals because bites are far more common due to the snakes abundance. For the people of the Alto Juruá, the fer-de-lance is a grim reality of the dangers of life in the jungle.
Encounters with fer-de-lance can be minimized by maintaining clear boundaries between natural habitats and human spaces. Awareness of their presence and respecting their territory can go a long way in preventing dangerous confrontations.