- In 2017-2018 over 3,500 Australians were hospitalised due to contact with venomous plants & animals.
- 26% (more than a quarter) were caused by BEE STINGS.
- Australia is home to 20 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the WORLD.
- Australia is home to some of the most venomous animals in the WORLD.
- The majority of hospitalisations for BEE STINGS were due to ALLERGIC REACTIONS.
- Bees & Wasps were responsible for 12 of the 19 DEATHS related to venomous bits & stings in 2017-2018.
- Spider bites accounted for 19% of all venomous bite & sting related hospitalisations.
- of those REDBACK SPIDERS were responsible for 42.5% of those hospitalisations.
- followed by WHITE-TAILED SPIDERS & FUNNEL WEB SPIDERS.
- the type of spider was UNKNOWN in 45% of all cases.
- Venomous snakes are responsible for 17% of hospitalisations
- type of snake unknown in 34% of cases.
- BROWN SNAKES accounted for 36%
- Followed by BLACK SNAKES & TIGER SNAKES.
- Australia also has some of the world’s most venomous MARINE ANIMALS, including the Irukandji jellyfish.
- Contact with venomous marine animals accounted for just under 400 hospitalisations and 0 deaths, with stinging fish (including stonefish and stingrays) responsible for 320 hospital admissions, followed by jellyfish (73 cases).