The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has confirmed that the widely accepted idea that Australia is home to the world’s most dangerous snakes is a complete myth.
The nation’s science agency says there are a “negligible number of human deaths” from snake bites in Australia – and in fact the rates are much higher across Asia, Africa and South America.
Apparently, the myth was born a few decades ago after a popular study that found high toxicity levels in Australian species like brown snakes – which are still nothing compared to the more aggressive ‘vipers’ slithering around overseas.
And it’s worth pointing out that Australia is in quite a privileged position when it comes to dangerous reptiles – we’re lucky enough to have a sophisticated medical system that can quickly treat most snake bites before they become fatal.
So now you can finally reassure your worried overseas tourist mates that it’s safe to travel Down Under – mostly.
