Facts about snake bites and hiking

Snakes are a normal part of Australian ecosystems. For hikers, encounters are uncommon and bites are rare. When bites do occur, they are almost always defensive reactions.

Understanding how snakes behave, how risk increases, and how to respond correctly matters far more than fear.

Note: This guidance applies to Australian snake species and follows Australian first aid principles.

Snake encounters while hiking

Australia has around 140 species of land snakes. Approximately 20 are considered dangerously venomous to humans. Most belong to the elapid family, which includes tiger snakes, brown snakes, taipans, and copperheads.

Despite this, the overall risk to hikers remains low. Snakes prefer to avoid confrontation. They do not hunt humans and will usually retreat if given space.

Most bites occur when people attempt to kill, capture, or closely approach a snake. Stepping on a snake accidentally is another common scenario. Calm avoidance is the most effective prevention strategy.

Why hikers sometimes see snakes

Snakes are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature depends on external heat sources. They bask in sunlit areas, warm rocks, or tracks that retain heat. In cooler months they may be slower. In warmer months they may be more active.

Tracks that cut through grass, heath, or rocky terrain can intersect with snake habitat. Seeing a snake does not mean the area is dangerous. It means you are moving through functioning habitat.

How to reduce your risk

Simple habits significantly reduce the chance of a bite.

Walk with awareness, especially in long grass or rocky areas. Avoid stepping over logs or rocks without first looking at the far side. Use trekking poles or your foot to gently disturb vegetation ahead of you when visibility is poor.

Wear sturdy footwear and long pants in snake-prone environments. Gaiters provide additional protection. Most venomous Australian snakes have relatively short fixed fangs, and clothing often reduces effective envenomation.

If you see a snake, stop. Give it space. Allow it to move away. Do not attempt to move it with sticks or throw objects at it. If necessary, detour widely around it.

If a snake bite occurs

All suspected snake bites in Australia should be treated as potentially life-threatening, even if symptoms are not immediately obvious. Some bites cause little initial pain.

The correct first aid approach in Australia is pressure immobilisation.

Immediate priorities

• Call 000 or activate emergency communication early.
• Keep the person completely still.
• Lay them down and reassure them.

Movement spreads venom through the lymphatic system. Calm, minimal movement is critical.

Applying pressure immobilisation

Use a wide elastic compression bandage if available.

• Apply firm pressure directly over the bite site.
• Bandage the entire limb, starting at fingers or toes and working upward.
• The pressure should be similar to that used for a sprained ankle.
• Immobilise the limb with a splint.
• Keep the patient still and wait for medical transport.

Do not wash the bite. Do not cut or suck the wound. Do not apply a tourniquet. Do not remove the bandage once applied.

For more detail on building a kit that supports this technique, see Building Your Hiking First Aid Kit.

Recognising possible envenomation

Symptoms may include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, collapse, drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking, or breathing problems. Some species cause blood clotting abnormalities.

Symptoms can develop gradually. Even if the person feels well initially, treat the situation as serious.

Early activation of a Personal Locator Beacon or satellite communicator may be appropriate in remote areas.

Living with snakes

Snakes play an important ecological role. They control rodent populations and form part of healthy ecosystems. Their numbers are affected by habitat loss, road mortality, and deliberate killing.

As hikers, the safest and most responsible approach is avoidance and respect. Leave snakes alone and allow them to retreat.