Image courtesy of ABC News(Supplied: Cassy Richardson/Chris Hay)
Updated for 2025 | Written by Samantha Kerr, First Aid Trainer, Outback NSW
📑 Table of Contents
Snake bites in Australia don’t always feel dramatic — some are painless at first. Yet the location of the bite can determine how fast venom spreads and how severe the outcome is. Research shows that hands, arms, feet and ankles are the most common sites. In this article, we’ll explore where snake bites occur most often, why these sites matter, and the first aid steps you must know. Real case studies are included.
Common Body Sites for Snake Bites in Australia
- Hands & arms: Bites occur when reaching into sheds, woodpiles, compost bins, or garden beds.
- Feet & ankles: Most common when walking barefoot, wearing thongs, or stepping into grass or leaf litter.
- Lower legs: Often bitten when brushing past hidden snakes in scrub, paddocks, or bushland.
Around 80–90% of reported bites in Australia occur on limbs — the parts most likely to disturb snakes at ground level.
Why Limbs Are Most at Risk
Snakes strike defensively when startled. Limbs are most exposed for several reasons:
- Limited visibility: Reaching or stepping without looking first.
- Proximity: Hands and feet are always closest to ground-level habitats.
- Protective clothing: Bare skin, thongs, or gardening without gloves increase exposure.
- Movement: Joints (ankles, wrists, knees, elbows) pump venom faster if bitten.
Image courtesy of ABC News
Where Snakes Live in Australia
When snakes aren’t on the move, they seek safe hiding places. Common habitats include:
- Backyards: Under timber piles, compost heaps, long grass, or near pet food bowls.
- Sheds & garages: Cool, cluttered storage areas with gaps under doors or broken flyscreens.
- Bushland & paddocks: Leaf litter, rocky outcrops, creeks, and hollow logs.
- Rural properties: Near hay bales, water tanks, feed sheds, or chicken coops.
Tip: Snakes follow food. Rodent activity around sheds, pet food, or compost is a strong attractant.
Real Case Studies
1. Lower leg bite — Outback QLD
A 44-year-old man was bitten on the lower leg by an eastern brown snake while walking a Mount Isa golf course. He collapsed within minutes and survived after antivenom treatment. [ABC News]
2. Ankle bite — Lake Moondarra
A man relaxing by the lake felt a sting at the back of his ankle. Initially dismissed as an insect, swelling later confirmed a snake bite. Delay in first aid worsened symptoms. [ABC News]
3. Chest bite — Sunshine Coast, QLD
A teenager was bitten on the chest while outdoors at night near Eidsvold. Chest bites are rare but serious — venom has less distance to travel. He was flown to hospital in stable condition. [Courier Mail]
The Role of Daily Habits
Most safety advice stops at “wear boots” and “don’t reach blindly.” But a deeper factor is how posture and habits affect exposure:
- Kneeling or crouching: Brings arms, wrists, and forearms into snake strike zones.
- Sitting outdoors: Camp chairs, picnic rugs, and fishing spots expose ankles and calves.
- Quick reflex movements: Pulling hands back suddenly often triggers defensive strikes.
Understanding these micro-habits gives you an edge. It’s not just where snakes are but how you move that increases risk.
Why Bite Location Matters
Location isn’t just about the wound. It influences how venom spreads:
- Lower limb bites: Offer more time for correct first aid but must be immobilised fast.
- Joint bites: Movement speeds up venom transfer.
- Torso or chest bites: Rare, but much higher risk due to proximity to vital organs.
Reducing Your Risk
- Wear boots and long pants when bushwalking or working outdoors.
- Use gloves for gardening, wood handling, or shed work.
- Keep grass short, yards tidy, and sheds sealed.
- Carry a snake bite kit in rural or outdoor settings.
❓ FAQs on Snake Bites in Australia
Do all Australian snakes inject venom when they bite?
No. “Dry bites” happen when a snake strikes but doesn’t release venom. However, you should always treat every bite as venomous until proven otherwise.
Where do most snake bites occur — at home or in the bush?
Many bites occur in or around the home, especially in backyards, sheds, and gardens. Case studies show that everyday activities like gardening or moving timber often lead to bites.
Are snake bites always painful?
Not necessarily. Many Australian snakes have fine fangs, and bites can feel like a scratch or go unnoticed. Pain is not a reliable indicator of envenomation.
Which snakes cause the most bites in Australia?
The eastern brown snake is responsible for the most reported bites and most snake-bite deaths in Australia. Tiger snakes and red-bellied black snakes also feature in bite statistics.
