Ads
Brown snake bite kills man trying to protect pet dog
| 12.01,18. 04:01 PM |
Brown snake bite kills man trying to protect pet dog
Photo: Deaths from brown snake bites in Australia are not common. (Wikimedia Commons: Peter Woodard)
A man has died less than an hour after being bitten by a brown snake while trying to protect his pet dog in north-west New South Wales.
The 24-year-old was bitten on the finger in the backyard of his Cole Road home in Tamworth on Wednesday night.
"He went to investigate his small dog barking and found the dog to have a small brown snake in his mouth," Sergeant Josh McKenzie said.
"He's then gone to try and separate the dog from the snake and was bitten on the finger."
A family member took the man to a hospital in Tamworth but he died within an hour.
"Some anti-venom and attempts to resuscitate were applied but unfortunately he died in hospital," Sergeant McKenzie said.
Brown snake bite deaths rare
Brown snakes are among the most deadly in the world, however fatal bites remain uncommon in Australia.
About 300 people are bitten by snakes in Australia each year, but between 2000 and 2016, only 35 died.
Sergeant McKenzie said snakes were "protected fauna" and could not be legally killed unless someone was in imminent danger.
Dan Rumsey, from the Australian Reptile Park in Sydney, said brown snakes were the world's second most venomous terrestrial snakes.
He said most snakes were scared of humans and would generally only bite if felt threatened.
"Venom travels through your lymphatic system," he said.
"You need to put pressure on the wound and the limb that has been bitten. Most people are bitten on the hands or ankles.
"As ridiculous as it sounds, you need to stay calm. That will slow down the circulation, getting to hospital as quick as you possibly can."
The 24-year-old was bitten on the finger in the backyard of his Cole Road home in Tamworth on Wednesday night.
"He went to investigate his small dog barking and found the dog to have a small brown snake in his mouth," Sergeant Josh McKenzie said.
"He's then gone to try and separate the dog from the snake and was bitten on the finger."
A family member took the man to a hospital in Tamworth but he died within an hour.
"Some anti-venom and attempts to resuscitate were applied but unfortunately he died in hospital," Sergeant McKenzie said.
Brown snake bite deaths rare
Brown snakes are among the most deadly in the world, however fatal bites remain uncommon in Australia.
About 300 people are bitten by snakes in Australia each year, but between 2000 and 2016, only 35 died.
Sergeant McKenzie said snakes were "protected fauna" and could not be legally killed unless someone was in imminent danger.
Dan Rumsey, from the Australian Reptile Park in Sydney, said brown snakes were the world's second most venomous terrestrial snakes.
He said most snakes were scared of humans and would generally only bite if felt threatened.
"Venom travels through your lymphatic system," he said.
"You need to put pressure on the wound and the limb that has been bitten. Most people are bitten on the hands or ankles.
"As ridiculous as it sounds, you need to stay calm. That will slow down the circulation, getting to hospital as quick as you possibly can."
abc
Other News
Jessica Falkholt: Former Home and Away actress's life support turned off after Boxing Day crash
Sydney's transport is doomed to fail its users, even when it's actually succeeding
'Pipe bomb' found inside stolen car turns out to be storage container
How many motorists are using the widened M4? Government refuses to say
Rescuers fight through swarm of bees after truck carrying hives crashes
Home and Away actress fights for life as her family are farewelled at funeral
Scared’ gang member corned by police Cops crack down on African youths terrorising neighbourhood
Sydney weather: Thunderstorms move across NSW, thousands without power
NSW heatwave: Sydney swelters then storms as humid conditions continue
Sydney pizza shop bandit hunted by NSW Police after string of attacks in city's west
Sydney hits its highest temperature recorded since 1939 with Penrith reaching 47.3C
Teenage girl charged with starting Carrum Downs bushfire as residents assess damage
Hyoscine in mass backpacker overdose drug was destined for dealers, expert says
Victoria's fire threat eases as temperatures plummet in Melbourne
Woman held hostage in crime rampage
Waratah siege: Man, 38, arrested at the scene of a police stand-off in Waratah West
Police considering charges after 5yo shot in face in southern Queensland
Car wanted by police found crashed on Forrest Highway near Bunbury with two bodies inside
Australia's first electric plane takes to the skies
Sunshine Coast police taser 15-year-old boy during drug-fuelled episode
Boy, 5, hit by a reversing car in a Mosman car park
Wild storm wreaks havoc on NSW north coast, with more storms forecast
Australian housing prices drop, led by Sydney and Darwin slowdown
Falls Festival Tasmania: Police charge man over sexual assault after citizen's arrest
African gang crime 'out of control' in Melbourne: Greg Hunt
Autistic boy goes missing from Sydney home Serious concerns for 11-year-old who vanished from his backyard
Hawkesbury River seaplane crash: Six people killed after aircraft goes down near Cowan
New Year's Eve: 'Most technologically advanced' Sydney fireworks show wows 1 billion people worldwide
New Year's Eve Sydney: Revellers line up to spend 40 hours waiting to celebrate arrival of 2018
Mother allegedly on meth when Adelaide Hills car crash killed young son