Snakes In The Whitsundays
Are there snakes in the Whitsundays? Yes, but they are elusive, special creatures and you don't need to fear them! It's not common to spot snakes in the Whitsundays, especially because travellers spend most of their time on boat trips and exploring tropical beaches where snakes are uncommon. But they do live in this part of Australia and there is a chance you may spot one if you're hiking, camping, or exploring the bush!
Snakes are wild animals, however, and should always be treated with caution and respect. If you keep your distance, you shouldn't have any issues with snakes in the Whitsundays! Here are some more fun facts about these slithery creatures!
Snakes In The Whitsundays
There is a variety of snakes in the Whitsundays, but they are quite difficult to spot. Shy animals by nature, snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, are rarely seen in the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach. However, they still maintain stable populations throughout the area and are more often spotted during the warmer months of the year between October and March.
The most common place to see snakes in the Whitsundays is in the road or in the bush. They tend to keep to themselves and stick to the more wild, rural areas. If you do want to see a snake in Australia, wildlife parks and sanctuaries often have snakes and sometimes you can view live presentations with a wildlife expert!
Snake Species In The Whitsundays
Within the Whitsundays, you can find dozens of different snake species. Varying from pythons and grass snakes to their more lethal relatives such as the eastern brown snake or taipans, they are most often seen in backyards, gardens on sunbathing on the roads. The more dangerous species include taipans, which are considered among the world's most venomous animals, as well as tiger snakes, black snakes, and death adders. All of these species are considered highly dangerous and people are advised to stay well clear.
Non-venomous species include green and brown tree snakes and pythons. The most commonly spotted snake is the green tree snake, which is harmless to humans and is quite beautiful to see! Pythons are known to grow to several metres in length, and will often be found living in sheds and roofs of suburban areas where they prey on rodents. Even if they are not venomous, it is still advised to stay away from all species of snakes as they are wild animals, and the less human disturbance, the better!
Find more specific info about snakes on the Queensland government website!
Are Snakes In The Whitsundays Dangerous?
Most snakes, venomous or not, will mostly try to avoid conflict and human beings at all costs. Despite this fact, they are still feared by most people who are uneducated about their nature and wary of their presence. There are about 140 species of land snakes in Australia, 100 of which are venomous. Out of those, only 12 are likely to kill you.
Of the total population of snakes in the world, about 20 percent are venomous. Of all of these species, most of them are likely to flee if they feel threatened or sense humans nearby. However, many snakes when cornered will strike, so to be safe it is always advised to stay away and never attempt to harm or kill a snake. The only time you should approach or touch a snake is if you're at a regulated wildlife park with a trained expert who knows what they are doing!
Fun Facts About Snakes
Like all reptiles, snakes are cold-blooded. This means their behaviour varies greatly depending on the climate and temperature of their natural habitat. In Australia, snakes are much more active and alert in the summer months when it is warmer. This is when many species emerge from hibernation to feed and reproduce. A common activity for snakes is to lie stretched out in the sun to warm their bodies, which is why they are often spotted on roads. As the snake's body and blood cool, it becomes slow and sluggish and is less effective at hunting and catching prey. So the warmer they are, the better they can perform their daily activities.
Reproduction in the variety of snake species in the Whitsundays is also very diverse, depending on the particular species of snake. While many snakes follow the traditional reptilian behaviour of laying eggs, some snakes give birth to live young. Almost all juvenile snakes are independent from birth, and instinctively begin hunting and feeding by themselves.
Snakes pose little danger to human beings throughout the Whitsunday region, both on the islands themselves and the surrounding mainland. While touring the islands, the reef, or exploring downtown Airlie Beach, your chances of running into a snake are quite slim. So this a great place to visit and be able to interact with the flora and fauna of the region safely!
Make the most of your time in the Whitsundays with our top day tours!
