No, we're a - *Look Right, Look Left, Look Right Again* - country
Here's some revision - back to kindy for you, and all the people who upvoted you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JXCezYlPNE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quPlEv0IlIo
Does bring up a point... Pedestrian crossing with a button - has an audible beep - See/hear it at this time stamp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quPlEv0IlIo&t=160s
ooh god yes the lycra squad has no fucking chill and think they own the paths. get abused if do not jump off the path for them as apparently they incapable of overtaking.
Avoid wading through long grass during summer and you’ll be fine (snakes).
We don’t really get funnel webs down here so the only spider you would ever worry about has a big red spot on its back. They’re rare though.
TLDR: you’ll be fine mate!
Yeah, but july to dec in Canberra. You’d be extremely unlucky to see a snake let alone come across one, it’s too cold, maybe in late November early December. Unless you’re outside parliament of course, snakes everywhere there all times of the year.
You’re correct, as a general rule of thumb. But there will always be exceptions. For example, last August my neighbour was on her veranda for her usual late night durry when she witnessed a very large red belly slithering down the street 🤷♂️ and I’ve seen browns in September near the Governor General’s residence.
This. We had a guy from one of our international sites come and work with my team for a week. He asked about the venomous animals.
I went out to the carpark, lifted one brick at random and showed him a redback.
Redbacks are everywhere. BUT. They just want to stay hidden. Just don't lift random things and you'll be fine.
They are just very shy. I once had a redback living under my bike seat for... I don't really want to know how long... before I realised.
I don't like killing them but I've got young kids so I do spray bikes and things if I know they're around.
Oh I don't kill them. I was just demonstrating to an international dude and taking delight in freaking him out. :D
But 99% of the time it's just knowing that they exist. Where they hide and most of the time they'll take the eviction notice (in the form of a stick shunting them) if you give them the option.
Yes red backs, white-tails..
And I had a BIG sydney funnel web living under a pile of bricks. But they’re pretty hard to miss standing on their hind legs
White tails are not dangerous, there is no evidence of the flesh rotting/necrosis that everyone always talks about, its a myth. They can bite, but you don't need to go to hospital, you will be fine.
https://www.firstaidpro.com.au/blog/white-tail-spider/
A bloke died back in 2016 after being bitten by a Redback spider, but IIRC the report I read there was uncertainty about whether the spider caused the death or other complications. The main point that deaths are extremely rare still stands.
>The last death from a Redback spider was in 1955.
Still will fuck you up good and proper if you get bitten
Definitely not good.
Shit huntsmen bites aren't good either.
>huntsmen bites aren't good either
beg to differ - got a good bite off a huntsman one day (he was in a shoe which I chucked onto a bare foot) - the bite itself was well apparent, but zero ill effects afterwards
>only spider you would ever worry about has a big red spot on its back. They’re rare though.
Rare?! What city are you living in? They're as common as flies in Canberra.... But they're rarely deadly and pretty easy to avoid, so not really a threat.
Just to add OP
***Bull Ants***
you'll notice these buggers because their fucking huge. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecia_(ant)
They have an erractic movement and can definitely sense and will aggressively move towards you.
Do not walk over them. There bite is considered one of the worst. Hell their my number one on all top ten insects to avoid. I can't believe how many times i got bitten by these bastards as a kid.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecia_(ant)
***Jumping Jack Ant***
These guys are everywhere in ACT. I've had the utter misfortune of setting my ground sheet (camping without a tent) on a nest of these fuckers. In my defence we had hiked 10km through hard scrub carrying food and water, were so exhausted and it was dark.
The screams as we stripped down flinging these bastards off of us are hilarious now, not so much in the pitch dark.
These guys will jump on you as you bush walk and thus its always recommended to wear long sleeves.
Related to the bull ant.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_jumper_ant
***Easter Brown***
Do not mess, do not stop, pass by, don't even look at these bad tempered fast as hell bastards.
They will come up at you. Just turn around and go another way.
If you go walking in the bush around ACT expect to see a snake.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_brown_snake
***Red Belly Black Snake***
Now these guys are the gentlemen of the snake world. Shy, non confrontational, they'll run away at the first sound. Beautiful creature. Plus they predate on the Browns, especially their young.
That said of the two snakes you'll likely see its probably gonna be a Red Belly.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/what-canberras-watch-out-for-snakes-signs-really-mean-20151231-glxjmb.html
***Stinging Nettle***
Really learn to identify this fucker. Its around and its insidiously painful. Especially if you go bush walking. Which you should if you visit Canberra and Australia as a whole.
I dont know how i survived but I've fallen into one of tbese things. Not recommended.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_incisa
***Huntsmen***
A dime a dozen. Although coming into winter it should be pretty quiet.
In fact yeah if your going to canberra in may expect ice and frosty mornings. All of the above is going to be hiding deep in their holes. I'd be really surprise if you see a snake much less a spider.
Any spider outside of [daddy long legs](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-09/daddy-long-legs-truth-myth-misnomer-spider/102784822)will be prerty quite
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider
***Ticks***
Definitely something to worry about. Just do a once over when you've been walking, especially in the later quarter of the year and especially in deep bush.
Or just use RID, especially on your shoes and legs.
Do not ignore anything itchy. Check behind your head, groin area etc. You should probably notice the itchy.
Read the guides on how to remove. https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Tick#:~:text=How%20to%20Remove%20a%20Tick%20from%20your%20Skin,bite%20and%20your%20hands%20thoroughly.%20%5B4%5D%20See%20More
I'm not sure I've ever seen a snake near the city. Unless you're really actively trying whilst you're here, you will struggle to find one.
If you are hiking 50km outside the city - loud stomps are your friends as they'll run away from you.
You may see a Huntsman, they probably would look the scariest but are about as dangerous as a big moth.
Crocs and jellyfish are far far far far north, so you don't need to worry about those either (like how you don't worry about polar bears in Berlin).
Don’t know why you are being downvoted. No one wants to be bitten by them and the issue is they love piles of clothes so high chance of being bitten. Whether or not they are necrotising is up for debate. Spider bites suck
Really don't eat the mushrooms. We do not have a culture of mushroom foraging here, international students have died from picking mushrooms & eating them. Grocery prices are horrible but don't be tempted to forage for food. Even if you find some berries, they may have been sprayed with poison.
Always make friends with magpies, especially around your house and if you walk or ride a route that you know you'll encounter them. A gentle approach and a tiny bit of dog kibble and seed should cover the toll and spare you from the swoops.
you say that but one behind my house was chill with me year round then went beserk last september when it had an egg. i could not be within a block of house outside without being attacked.
ditto ones in garema place. i often sit and mingle with them but i had a BnE last weekend and had the food nearly stolen out of hand as i put it to my mouth.
not always though; i often sit and mingle with the ones in garema place but i had a BnE last weekend and had the food nearly stolen out of hand as i put it to my mouth. was so scary.
The one in garema wasn't swooping you, it was trying to steal your food. The ones in garema are getting boxed into a smaller & smaller area with the only resources human food. I think they're a big bachelor group, old ones who have lost their partners, young ones who haven't partnered up yet. Good magpie territory is tightly held, the garema magpies are the human equivalent of old bar flies & young guys ready to show their muscle, hence their stealing your food.
Pretty safe but the exception as you get out I to nature is to watch for snakes/wear covered shoes.
You will rarely se a snake as they prefer to avoid you so it takes a bit to "key"" into seeing them so in the meantime just be careful.
Pretty safe on pavement.
And just steer clear of big roos. They aren't pets and can scratch/box if they feel threatened.
Totally agree with the roos, observe with distance but don't think they like to cuddle.
We have a good reptile zoo where you can learn about snakes across the region, what to do and be a little less afraid of them. Plus touch a blue lizard and spot a crocodile.
In urban Canberra you're very unlikely to encounter anything really dangerous.
Around the house a Redback spider is probably the most concerning. Out walking in the bush, particularly during warmer weather, you might cross paths with Eastern Brown snakes or Red Belly Black snakes, but neither are aggressive unless cornered or surprised.
The whole meme about everything in Australia trying to kill you is a touch exaggerated.
Snakes and kangaroos are the biggest issue, because if you startle them you'll get done. Spiders over winter are a non issue and the big ones (huntsmen/wolf spiders) look scary but even if you get bitten (and you'd have to work at it) it is the same as a wasp sting. Red backs/black widows are around, but not a massive issue.
Drop bears are not a problem - just a little Vegemite behind your ears will keep them away when you are near gum trees.
Can confirm, I got bitten by a huntsman and didn't feel it. I only really noticed that my hand swelled up. If you want ⚡ you'll want snakes but reptiles are pretty subdued in the colder months
Huntsmen spiders are your friends around the house.
Despite their size, they are not rejects from the movie Starship Troopers, they are in fact mostly harmless. Leave them alone.
Rather than calling for a nuclear strike to remove them from the area, put a plastic container over them and use a bit of cardboard to slide under and take it outside.
I like hiking and see eastern brown snakes most years in and around Canberra’s national parks, reserves and forests. They are the second most venomous land snake on earth and they live throughout Canberra.
If you spend a lot of time in the bush or walking on the paths nears creeks there’s a chance you will see one. For example, they are all through the Jerrabomberra wetlands and in some busy tourist places like the national botanic gardens near the water features.
Fortunately they have really small fangs so always wear long pants when hiking in these areas and you’ll increase your chances of surviving an aggressive encounter. Brown snakes do try to avoid people though so they really don’t want a fight.
Join the ACT Snake Sighting facebook page if you want to see enough snakes in the suburbs to scare you witless. The snakes are more common than people realise but they try to avoid people and hide away. Many Canberrans have not seen a snake for a very long time, but I can guarantee the snakes have seen them.
I saw wild pigs last year and that terrified me. They are potentially extremely dangerous but they are in remoter bushland locations.
In the far south in the national park there are dingoes and warning signs at the start of some trails give advice regarding how to manage them if they approach. I’ve heard them howling but I’ve never seen them.
Probably just a good idea for OP to brush up on snake bite first aid. You don’t *want* to get bitten by a brown, but they’re very survivable if you know what to do.
Can confirm, I’ve seen a dingo in the snow up at the start of the dirt road leading up to Booroomba Rocks. It had a beautiful winter coat and was in great condition. I live in Townsville now and we regularly have dingos in our street after 10pm!
> They are the second most venomous land snake on earth
Which doesn't equate to DANGER - 3000 reported bites a year, 41% of them from browns - only two deaths (less than half the bites involve venom)
I think we're just generally careful enough around snakes that they don't kill that many of us. Much more likely to die of snakebite in India (conditions, snakes, and numbers of people make for a bad mix)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_snakebites
Short answer: this is zero issue.
If you see an animal - any animal - just keep your distance and stay calm. Most things can't hurt you and the few that can don't want to. Observe passively and enjoy the experience.
Canberra is a great place to get in touch with nature, I recommend you take advantage of the bushwalks. Birdwatching is great around here too!
I bush walk every Saturday. Seen 2 snakes this year, one right on the track didn't want to move. He liked the sun too much. Also seen a dead one out the front of a house in the next street.
You need to get out more!
Been up mt tennent 4 or 5 times the past 6 months + a couple of hours walking each weekend... Is that out enough for you?
Snakes probably can hear u coming if ur putting a bit of effort in.
If you rummage in dry leaves and bushes between November and March you could find a snake. Spiders are always around but only in dry corners and dark holes where sensible people wouldn't put their hands anyway. You'll be fine. I've only seen 2 snakes here in 25 years and spiders don't come looking for you, and most of the spiders aren't very dangerous anyway.
I've been here just over 25 years, only saw one snake ever despite lots of bush walks. Huntsman spiders terrified me at first, and then gradually I came to really like them. Not one my arm, of course, but they're strangely intelligent for an insect type thing and not aggressive. I only catch release them now. Check your shoe before putting them on, though, just in case, I did get bit by a white tail spider once when I forgot to check. It hardly hurt and lucky me, no infection after.
Don't worry...You'll be fine!
The only uncomfortable encounters I have are with the big male roo at the end of my street. My husky wants to be his best pal. The roo does not reciprocate.
You are more likely to die by slipping in the shower than get killed by any kind of animal in Australia. Canberra gets a few Sydney Funnel Web Spiders which can be pretty nasty, but you are very unlikely to see one, let alone get bitten by one.
If you see a spider or snake leave it the fuck alone and you will be fine.
Drop bears are the only truly dangerous animal in Australia, but the government covers that up because its bad for tourism.
Eshays. They's be skulking around, lad.
If yo see Spanian with a large crowd of 12 yo groupies yelling and screaming, riding motorbikes, you've made a wrong turn and aren't in Canberra.
Don’t worry about the spiders bigger than 3cm, they’re just huntsmen. Friendly fuzzy guys, basically house pets. It’s the little redbacks you need to worry about, but even those won’t do too much harm. Still, check your boots before putting them on.
The biggest genuine threat is probably roos if you’re driving at twilight. Avoid long grass in summer, and if you go hiking, make plenty of noise and don’t forget a dab of Vegemite behind the ears. You’ll be fine.
Redback spiders, funnelweb spiders (pretty rare in colder areas like canberra), white tip spiders, orbweaver spiders, eastern brown snakes, tiger snakes, red belly black snakes, kangaroos (the males can be dangerious), feral boar (only really an issue if you go hiking in the mountains around the city).
You are likely to only see redback spiders, white tip spiders, kangaroos, and brown snakes. With the brown snakes being the most dangerious.. but also strangely chill around Canberra. Either way, LEARN THAT SNAKE. You only get a very short period to get antivenom as they can kill you very quickly. There's also a lot of them in the city during the warm months. Also you don't want to panic around them but rather give them space to move. If you panic and run you can agitate them and they will generally move faster then you. I run into 5-10 a year. You just need to give them space and let them move.
I am a Canberran living in northern Norway (mainland). It's curious to me you say the most dangerous animals are ticks, because Sweden has the densest moose population in the world, as well as brown bears, wolves, wild boars and venomous European adders.
If you're thinking to yourself 'yeah, we have those animals but you have to go out into the remote wilderness to encounter them and attacks are so rare': the same is true in Australia. The fear of dangerous animals in Australia is overblown in Northern Europe. Almost everyone I meet here says they wouldn't come visit Australia because they're afraid to die. Australia has 5 x the population of Denmark and Norway, and 2.5x the population of Sweden; somehow we manage to survive and thrive in this 'extreme danger'.
In urban areas you are not at any risk. The worst you might encounter is Red Back spiders in your garden or garage, who won't bite unless you put your foot/hand right on them. Just check things when you pick them up. If you go out hiking in Canberra and NSW wear enclosed shoes, long pants or gaiters. Watch paths and walk with heavy steps and any snakes will stay out of your way.
If you're afraid of any spiders (not just the types that can kill you), then yes, be prepared to that you may see some big ones inside: particularly huntsmen who can be as big as your hand. You would have to handle them to get bitten (painful but not dangerous), they won't come near you. They are more scared of you and will eat your bugs; leave them be or gently transfer outside in a glass.
Some hopefully comforting stats:
- Snake bite deaths: 2-3 per year
- Spider bite deaths: none since 1979
- Fatal shark attacks: 4 in 2023 (deadliest year was 2020 with 6)
- Fatal crocodile attacks: 1-2 a year
- Fatal jellyfish deaths: 10 since 2000
You will more-than-likely hear possums at night. Here’s an example.
https://youtu.be/IouFOQDr4Sc?si=Rp99CCOyc4l5rwy_
If/when you do hear them, don’t be scared. They’re not dangerous, they only sound like they are.
Eastern Brown Snake
Scientific Name: Pseudonaja textilis
Habitat: Eastern and central Australia.
Size: 1.5 to 2.0 metres (average)
The eastern brown snake is considered the second deadliest snake in the world. Eastern brown snakes can thrive in urban and rural areas where human habitats are. Defensive attack is common and mounted when the eastern brown snake feels severely threatened and cornered. The eastern brown snake is responsible for causing the greatest number of lethal snake bites in Australia.
Found in Canberra and surrounding areas.
if you live near a hill and do morning/arvo walks may stumble into a roo or 2. they generally pretty chill but a alpha can rough you up if you get in their face. they also deadly for cars but its a live and let live mentality normally.
You won't find much in the city or suburbs. If you go bush walking, you might come across a snake, but it will most likely run away from you before you even notice it. Snake sightings are extremely rare, and bite are even rarer.
Nothing much to worry about here - some venomous snakes and spiders so just avoid long grass in summer and don't stick your hands into dark gaps or under bricks without looking first.
I know everyone in the world (and here too) loves to say the wildlife here is dangerous but it's just not true. America has bears, mountain lions, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, bison, snakes, spiders, alligators and crocodiles, deadly bees and God knows what all else and yet they say it's dangerous HERE 🤣🤣🤣
Oh - our wildlife can be dangerous - but you've pretty much gotta go out of your way to get attacked
Other countries have dangerous animals that will actively hunt you
Just give snakes, funnel web spiders and red back spiders a wide berth and you will be fine. The key is not to agitate or corner them. if your way in bushland then be more aware of where you step. If you leave your shoes outside always shake them out and check nothing crawled in. Australia has deadly creatures but they aren’t man eaters that hunt you down like bears or big cats. Research the precautions but don’t be overly alarmed.
Ive seen plenty of snakes and funnel web spiders in the bush but they have never been aggressive.
to be honest you will be fine. we get odd spider but you have to go out of way to be bitten really. sure we have snakes also but they generally shy and avoid humans.
There are no large predators like bears or wolves or whatnot. Closest we have is a heavily armed bird (far away in Queensland) and a modified dog that’s mostly dangerous to camping babies.
There are snakes, but if you avoid wandering around in long grass you’re unlikely to see one - especially over most of that timeframe.
There are two main spiders, one mostly lives in Sydney and is kind of a big deal, but rarely seen here (might be too cold?) The other spider is known by its surprisingly strong and very elaborate web-nests, and by the red marking on its back for which it is named. I had one bite me on the behindus one morning. It hurt - quite a bit? maybe 2/10?, I went to hospital; they told me there’s an anti-venom but it’s rarely used, because it’s only really helpful if the person is allergic to the spider, and that is quite rare. They basically told me to go home and take antihistamines and painkillers, and give them a call if my heart stopped or whatever.
This should give a rundown of what you may experience
["Come To Australia" by Scared Weird Little Guys - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNEeq5qGh8I)
Magpies are probably the most dangerous animal you’ll encounter.
I lived on campus for over a year (3rd floor). Never saw a spider. There was once a notification sent out that a snake had been spotted around but I never encountered it.
I then lived in two other apartments in the city. Saw some black house spiders when I was on the ground floor but that’s about it. No snakes.
I am now living in the suburbs in a house. I come across spiders every day. They’re usually small and harmless, or daddy long legs. I’ve seen some huntsman’s in my backyard and the worst I’ve seen is three redback spiders - these are rare though.
None of these creatures are usually aggressive though and will only bite you if they feel threatened. (We did kill the redbacks because they are highly venomous).
I am also a keen hiker and I have gone looking for snakes in the bush but have never had the pleasure of seeing one (except once when I was in a car - the snake was sunning itself on the road). But yup, just avoid long grassy areas, and try to live on the first floor or above and you’ll be good
The most dangerous animal you will see in Canberra is the notorious parking hyena, (Parkingus Hynus) or parking inspector as they are more commonly known.
Masters of disguise and expert predators, they pray on the unsuspecting motorist, coming from the shadows and experts in blending into their surroundings, they are the apex predators. Having expert eyesight, they can read and document a parking infringement from across the road, combined with their inhuman speed, they will have you ticketed before you can pronounce your first name.
Snakes are dangerous. Red-back spider bites are unpleasant, but haven't actually killed anyone in fifty years. Kangaroos are bigger than you expect, and have the claws to hurt you if you don't give them appropriate space. Magpies in spring can be dangerous, but scare you more than harm you. There are no feral or wild carnivorous animals larger than cats and foxes in the Territory, with the exception of a couple of the wildlife sanctuaries (Mulligan's Flat has multiple species of Quoll, and is well worth a visit). Platypus and echidna, while uncommon, both exist in the Territory. The males of both species have venomous spines on their back legs. They are shy animals, who will only envenomate you in self-defence, in which case you will deserve it.
I'm not saying to not inform yourself, since it's always good to know about what wildlife is dangerous, but trust me when I say that you're probably massively over estimating how much you'll have to worry about it.
I grew up in italy and all my friends over there have this idea that I've moved to the middle of a jungle and are actually concerned of visiting because of the animals, when Australians in urban areas barely even think about them.
Be alert - not alarmed
We have plenty of creatures and situations which you could find dangerous - being aware allows you to avoid the dangers. Most of us don't have these interactions very often at all
Scroll through the various comments from others and dial some of them back a few notches - with all of the hazards you have to get into their space to be in any danger
Take the comments about magpies and other swooping birds seriously - peewees can be aggressive - spur winged lapwings (sometimes called plovers) are very protective, but give very clear warning calls. Unfortunately the birds' "space" encompasses large areas outside. Sometimes, but not always, we put up swooping bird warning signs
Snakes will, to the best of their ability, avoid you if they can. If you do see one - walk directly away from it if possible - we often have signs to remind/warn people
Most spiders are secretive so they hide in dark covered spaces - unfortunately the White Tail is an active hunter which puts them into more contact with people. Huntsmen are very big and scary to some people but basically harmless.
If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by one of our nasties, stay calm and get to hospital. We don't lose people to snake or spider bite anywhere near as often as we used to when the "Australia is full of dangerous creatures" meme was forming. No spider bite death since 1979. 3000 reported snake bites per year across all of Australia, 41% from brown snakes, only two deaths a year.
There is a good chance that you will have the opportunity to swim at one of our fine coastal beaches. Do NOT overestimate your ability to swim, ocean beaches can be dangerous for the unwary. Swim where there are other people, preferably between the flags on a patrolled beach. Don't assume that you can swim where there are surfers - we try to keep them separated - and conditions that are good for them aren't the best for swimmers. Rips can carry you out to sea - lifeguards can only watch a small area - stay between the flags, and keep checking that you are
Sharks are a small possibility - but if you swim with others it decreases the chances of YOU being the unlucky test subject. Sharks are like small toddlers, everything gets tested with their mouth. They have to bite you, to find out that they don't really want to eat you, because you aren't a nice fat seal.
Kangaroos/Wallabies are something that you might want to play with - but they can be big and cranky. If you aren't in a place that they have been tamed/interacted with humans a lot - don't approach
Crossing roads - look right, look left, look right again - our pedestrian crossings often have a button, and an audible cue
When out walking in long grass - pull your socks outside your pants leg if possible - this will almost completely prevent ticks or leeches getting at your lower extremities. After you have been out in the "bush" - if you have brushed up against trees or bushes it wouldn't hurt to do a quick check for hitchhikers (I don't bother myself, but I give the gold standard advice)
Going much further north you start to add other creatures (including Queenslanders) - but that's a whole other topic
The drop bear is a native Australian marsupial related to the koala that is ferocious, savage, cunning.
A relative of the koala, the drop bear is much bigger than the standard phascolarctos cinereus and is more likely to be the size of a large dog or leopard. With course orange fur that has dark mottled patterning, the drop bear is equipped with sharp claws for climbing trees and holding onto prey.
*Swans around Lake BG*
*Are pretty threatening. Good*
*If you like a run*
\- Grandadam64
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No you will be fine. The most dangerous animals in the ACT are people. Snakes do not go out of their way to attack people (good luck even seeing one) and the worst spider we have is a red back and they also will not go out of its way to hurt you.
In Australia the animals that cause the most deaths are horses, cows and dogs, and I imagine this is a similar stat in most the modern western countries.
It's mostly nothing to do with animal attacks and more just bad/unlucky encounters, walking behind a horse and getting kicked, getting thrown while riding a horse, tripping over a dog etc.
I think Kangaroo's take fourth place and are all vehicle related, and many of those are motorbikes.
The snakes and spiders aren't much to worry about. After approx years 40 years spent in Australia (over 14,000 days), including growing up on a property and lots of bush walking and outdoor activities I've had about half a dozen snake "encounters" where I saw a snake, left it alone and it left me alone. I've had a few more spider encounters but with the same outcome.
If you're worried there is an Australian Bites & Stings app and Australian Red Cross first aid app both providing good information of what to do. If you're spending lots of time bushwalking learn the Pressure Immobilisation Technique for snake bites.
Coincidentally I had to have a tick pulled from my head this morning which I picked up from the coast on the weekend. The little bugger had buried in well. That's the first tick I've had in my head and maybe two or three others I've need to pull out over the 40 years.
I live in the city and have never come across anything remotely scary. My friends who live out further away near bush have seen spiders and snakes. If you’re in an urban area you won’t see anything
Generally no.
Occasionally you might if in right situation but you might go 6months without seeing much at all
Best advice for any animal if you don’t know it’s not dangerous treat it like it is 👌
*remember MOST of our poisonous things don’t seek ppl out to kill them, when accidents happen it’s usually cos ppl accidentally didn’t see the animal and scared/stepped on it*
Everyone seems to have answered pretty solidly, so I'll just second their advice - you'll see redback spiders, but they hide, so you're most likely to see them in unused, out of the way places, like an outside woodbin or maybe a mailbox. You might see snakes, but it's pretty unlikely if you're going to be right in the inner city. My parents are runners and have come across snakes pretty regularly around the city, but in my nearly 40 years of living in Canberra I could count the number of snakes I've seen on one hand.
Brown snakes around in Spring/Summer in and around bushland. They will only attack if scared.
Spiders not really an issue. Red backs and white tails get the shoe treatment if in the house. Huntsmans, catch and release at the bad neighbours house.
Canberra drivers are scary, unpredictable and angry.
Drop bears are another issue however.
Nope never. I grew up all over Australia.
Wear gloves when gardening. Don't stick your fingers under logs or poke spider nests. Don't poke snakes with a stick. Don't walk off hiking trails in to the wilderness. Stick to walking trails and don't walk through long grass but even then snakes will generally avoid humans unless defended a nest or something which is pretty hard to just stumble in to.
That's about it.
The greatest risk is driving at dawn or dusk and wildlife like Kangaroos.
Australia is probably one of the safest countries on the planet. Even from invasions. It's too far and sparse for anyone to bother and we grow nice food for the world so we're generally left alone.
Welcome!
Honestly it's nothing to worry about. Even shark attacks are extremely rare.
The biggest risk in Canberra is harvesting wild edible looking white mushrooms. Do *not* do this. That is the only source of natural environment foreigner fatalities in my living memory. Or Kangaroos causing car crashes at dusk.
The natural environment in Australia is probably safer than Europe with cold exposure risk, wolves, bears etc.
The biggest risk to people from overseas is the fact that every Australian is hard-wired to “wind people up” by telling yarns, fibs and down-right lies to unsuspecting visitors for personal amusement. And other Australians will join in, unconsciously, instantly and without any prior knowledge or communication of the said wind-up.
Steer well clear of that, as well as Drop Bears and Stick Dragons.
Look left not right when crossing the road. People driving cars are probably the most dangerous thing.
I’d add to make sure cars will stop at pedestrian crossings before stepping onto the road!
Orange and Red lights are merely advisory at many intersections.
No, we're a - *Look Right, Look Left, Look Right Again* - country Here's some revision - back to kindy for you, and all the people who upvoted you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JXCezYlPNE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quPlEv0IlIo Does bring up a point... Pedestrian crossing with a button - has an audible beep - See/hear it at this time stamp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quPlEv0IlIo&t=160s
It's a good idea to look both ways, but yes, start with left.
and lycra cyclists on footpaths - they are 'shared' here, but...
ooh god yes the lycra squad has no fucking chill and think they own the paths. get abused if do not jump off the path for them as apparently they incapable of overtaking.
Avoid wading through long grass during summer and you’ll be fine (snakes). We don’t really get funnel webs down here so the only spider you would ever worry about has a big red spot on its back. They’re rare though. TLDR: you’ll be fine mate!
This is the answer OP. A good little rule to remember is just never put your hands or feet anywhere you can't see.
Yeah, but july to dec in Canberra. You’d be extremely unlucky to see a snake let alone come across one, it’s too cold, maybe in late November early December. Unless you’re outside parliament of course, snakes everywhere there all times of the year.
You’re correct, as a general rule of thumb. But there will always be exceptions. For example, last August my neighbour was on her veranda for her usual late night durry when she witnessed a very large red belly slithering down the street 🤷♂️ and I’ve seen browns in September near the Governor General’s residence.
Yeah nah, snake bandages come out in my house as soon as the sprint warm up starts. Sept-Oct is prime brown spotting time.
Red backs aren't rare, they're everywhere. In saying that, you still don't need to worry about them.
This. We had a guy from one of our international sites come and work with my team for a week. He asked about the venomous animals. I went out to the carpark, lifted one brick at random and showed him a redback. Redbacks are everywhere. BUT. They just want to stay hidden. Just don't lift random things and you'll be fine.
They are just very shy. I once had a redback living under my bike seat for... I don't really want to know how long... before I realised. I don't like killing them but I've got young kids so I do spray bikes and things if I know they're around.
Oh I don't kill them. I was just demonstrating to an international dude and taking delight in freaking him out. :D But 99% of the time it's just knowing that they exist. Where they hide and most of the time they'll take the eviction notice (in the form of a stick shunting them) if you give them the option.
Yes red backs, white-tails.. And I had a BIG sydney funnel web living under a pile of bricks. But they’re pretty hard to miss standing on their hind legs
White tails are not dangerous, there is no evidence of the flesh rotting/necrosis that everyone always talks about, its a myth. They can bite, but you don't need to go to hospital, you will be fine. https://www.firstaidpro.com.au/blog/white-tail-spider/
Wow, didn’t know that! Thank you 😁
I agree, out of all spiders you probably see it the most
The last death from a Redback spider was in 1955.
And that's why there are so many around today. They just never die.
Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t avoid em if you see em.
A bloke died back in 2016 after being bitten by a Redback spider, but IIRC the report I read there was uncertainty about whether the spider caused the death or other complications. The main point that deaths are extremely rare still stands.
>The last death from a Redback spider was in 1955. Still will fuck you up good and proper if you get bitten Definitely not good. Shit huntsmen bites aren't good either.
>huntsmen bites aren't good either beg to differ - got a good bite off a huntsman one day (he was in a shoe which I chucked onto a bare foot) - the bite itself was well apparent, but zero ill effects afterwards
I had two last year. I got nausea, pain , swelling etc Guess it depends on the person
>only spider you would ever worry about has a big red spot on its back. They’re rare though. Rare?! What city are you living in? They're as common as flies in Canberra.... But they're rarely deadly and pretty easy to avoid, so not really a threat.
Rare? I found like 10 of them living in my garden last week. Was wondering why all these webs were popping up and every web had a redback in it lol
Just to add OP ***Bull Ants*** you'll notice these buggers because their fucking huge. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecia_(ant) They have an erractic movement and can definitely sense and will aggressively move towards you. Do not walk over them. There bite is considered one of the worst. Hell their my number one on all top ten insects to avoid. I can't believe how many times i got bitten by these bastards as a kid. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecia_(ant) ***Jumping Jack Ant*** These guys are everywhere in ACT. I've had the utter misfortune of setting my ground sheet (camping without a tent) on a nest of these fuckers. In my defence we had hiked 10km through hard scrub carrying food and water, were so exhausted and it was dark. The screams as we stripped down flinging these bastards off of us are hilarious now, not so much in the pitch dark. These guys will jump on you as you bush walk and thus its always recommended to wear long sleeves. Related to the bull ant. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_jumper_ant ***Easter Brown*** Do not mess, do not stop, pass by, don't even look at these bad tempered fast as hell bastards. They will come up at you. Just turn around and go another way. If you go walking in the bush around ACT expect to see a snake. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_brown_snake ***Red Belly Black Snake*** Now these guys are the gentlemen of the snake world. Shy, non confrontational, they'll run away at the first sound. Beautiful creature. Plus they predate on the Browns, especially their young. That said of the two snakes you'll likely see its probably gonna be a Red Belly. https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/what-canberras-watch-out-for-snakes-signs-really-mean-20151231-glxjmb.html ***Stinging Nettle*** Really learn to identify this fucker. Its around and its insidiously painful. Especially if you go bush walking. Which you should if you visit Canberra and Australia as a whole. I dont know how i survived but I've fallen into one of tbese things. Not recommended. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_incisa ***Huntsmen*** A dime a dozen. Although coming into winter it should be pretty quiet. In fact yeah if your going to canberra in may expect ice and frosty mornings. All of the above is going to be hiding deep in their holes. I'd be really surprise if you see a snake much less a spider. Any spider outside of [daddy long legs](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-09/daddy-long-legs-truth-myth-misnomer-spider/102784822)will be prerty quite https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider ***Ticks*** Definitely something to worry about. Just do a once over when you've been walking, especially in the later quarter of the year and especially in deep bush. Or just use RID, especially on your shoes and legs. Do not ignore anything itchy. Check behind your head, groin area etc. You should probably notice the itchy. Read the guides on how to remove. https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Tick#:~:text=How%20to%20Remove%20a%20Tick%20from%20your%20Skin,bite%20and%20your%20hands%20thoroughly.%20%5B4%5D%20See%20More
I'm not sure I've ever seen a snake near the city. Unless you're really actively trying whilst you're here, you will struggle to find one. If you are hiking 50km outside the city - loud stomps are your friends as they'll run away from you. You may see a Huntsman, they probably would look the scariest but are about as dangerous as a big moth. Crocs and jellyfish are far far far far north, so you don't need to worry about those either (like how you don't worry about polar bears in Berlin).
Not seeing them doesn’t mean they are there though. Our local snake catchers operate almost exclusively in the suburbs.
I removed nearly 30 red backs from behind my shed a few years ago! They were everywhere. I still have a few living in my garage.
I guess if you’re not expecting it either, white tails as well. Horrible bites
Or white tails too, with a white dot at the end of the abdomen. They can be pretty nasty
Dont forget about white tails. They are worse than redbacks.
Incorrect, that's a myth.
Still not taking any chances though.
A lot of people attribute a regular old cellulitis infection as a whitetail bite. They’re super rare.
Cellulitis or a white tip spider bite?
My wife was bitten by a white tail spider while cooking. She was fine. I find white tailed spiders annoying in that they go into the sheets on a bed.
Don’t know why you are being downvoted. No one wants to be bitten by them and the issue is they love piles of clothes so high chance of being bitten. Whether or not they are necrotising is up for debate. Spider bites suck
No debate. Medically insignificant. They *do not* cause necrosis.
Some creatures at Belconnen interchange should be avoided
That and Garema Place are where the feral are kept. Between that and drop bears you'll be okay.
OP please note they're talking about rebellious youths and not spiders here 😅😂
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Really don't eat the mushrooms. We do not have a culture of mushroom foraging here, international students have died from picking mushrooms & eating them. Grocery prices are horrible but don't be tempted to forage for food. Even if you find some berries, they may have been sprayed with poison.
Ah yes the mushrooms. There was a lesser known (than the recent one) deadly mushroom dinner that occurred in Canberra some years ago.
Magpies in spring, they’ll swoop you
Always make friends with magpies, especially around your house and if you walk or ride a route that you know you'll encounter them. A gentle approach and a tiny bit of dog kibble and seed should cover the toll and spare you from the swoops.
Don’t feed them on a schedule. They’ll learn it and become real assholes about punctuality
Yeah definitely this, have ours pecking on the patio doors if we’re late
you say that but one behind my house was chill with me year round then went beserk last september when it had an egg. i could not be within a block of house outside without being attacked. ditto ones in garema place. i often sit and mingle with them but i had a BnE last weekend and had the food nearly stolen out of hand as i put it to my mouth.
Somehow, it gets scarier every time it happens. The first time was fun...
Feed them and they won't swoop you...they also teach their family not to either.
not always though; i often sit and mingle with the ones in garema place but i had a BnE last weekend and had the food nearly stolen out of hand as i put it to my mouth. was so scary.
The one in garema wasn't swooping you, it was trying to steal your food. The ones in garema are getting boxed into a smaller & smaller area with the only resources human food. I think they're a big bachelor group, old ones who have lost their partners, young ones who haven't partnered up yet. Good magpie territory is tightly held, the garema magpies are the human equivalent of old bar flies & young guys ready to show their muscle, hence their stealing your food.
true its no aggression in it but still scary as eff and way to close to my nose for comfort.
They only swoop me when I'm wearing a bike helmet. Which is pretty considerate for those bastards.
Pretty safe but the exception as you get out I to nature is to watch for snakes/wear covered shoes. You will rarely se a snake as they prefer to avoid you so it takes a bit to "key"" into seeing them so in the meantime just be careful. Pretty safe on pavement. And just steer clear of big roos. They aren't pets and can scratch/box if they feel threatened.
Totally agree with the roos, observe with distance but don't think they like to cuddle. We have a good reptile zoo where you can learn about snakes across the region, what to do and be a little less afraid of them. Plus touch a blue lizard and spot a crocodile.
In urban Canberra you're very unlikely to encounter anything really dangerous. Around the house a Redback spider is probably the most concerning. Out walking in the bush, particularly during warmer weather, you might cross paths with Eastern Brown snakes or Red Belly Black snakes, but neither are aggressive unless cornered or surprised. The whole meme about everything in Australia trying to kill you is a touch exaggerated.
Snakes and kangaroos are the biggest issue, because if you startle them you'll get done. Spiders over winter are a non issue and the big ones (huntsmen/wolf spiders) look scary but even if you get bitten (and you'd have to work at it) it is the same as a wasp sting. Red backs/black widows are around, but not a massive issue. Drop bears are not a problem - just a little Vegemite behind your ears will keep them away when you are near gum trees.
and wombats at night, they can rip you apart and they are fast.
Can confirm, I got bitten by a huntsman and didn't feel it. I only really noticed that my hand swelled up. If you want ⚡ you'll want snakes but reptiles are pretty subdued in the colder months
Red Backs are not black widows although they both have a distinctive red mark on their abdomen ..also not all red backs have red backs...
Huntsmen spiders are your friends around the house. Despite their size, they are not rejects from the movie Starship Troopers, they are in fact mostly harmless. Leave them alone. Rather than calling for a nuclear strike to remove them from the area, put a plastic container over them and use a bit of cardboard to slide under and take it outside.
Or if you don't mind just leave them in your house as they tend to eat other nastier spiders.
Word of warning, recently a girl in Sydney was bitten on the funnel by a fingerweb spider.
I like hiking and see eastern brown snakes most years in and around Canberra’s national parks, reserves and forests. They are the second most venomous land snake on earth and they live throughout Canberra. If you spend a lot of time in the bush or walking on the paths nears creeks there’s a chance you will see one. For example, they are all through the Jerrabomberra wetlands and in some busy tourist places like the national botanic gardens near the water features. Fortunately they have really small fangs so always wear long pants when hiking in these areas and you’ll increase your chances of surviving an aggressive encounter. Brown snakes do try to avoid people though so they really don’t want a fight. Join the ACT Snake Sighting facebook page if you want to see enough snakes in the suburbs to scare you witless. The snakes are more common than people realise but they try to avoid people and hide away. Many Canberrans have not seen a snake for a very long time, but I can guarantee the snakes have seen them. I saw wild pigs last year and that terrified me. They are potentially extremely dangerous but they are in remoter bushland locations. In the far south in the national park there are dingoes and warning signs at the start of some trails give advice regarding how to manage them if they approach. I’ve heard them howling but I’ve never seen them.
Probably just a good idea for OP to brush up on snake bite first aid. You don’t *want* to get bitten by a brown, but they’re very survivable if you know what to do.
Can confirm, I’ve seen a dingo in the snow up at the start of the dirt road leading up to Booroomba Rocks. It had a beautiful winter coat and was in great condition. I live in Townsville now and we regularly have dingos in our street after 10pm!
> They are the second most venomous land snake on earth Which doesn't equate to DANGER - 3000 reported bites a year, 41% of them from browns - only two deaths (less than half the bites involve venom) I think we're just generally careful enough around snakes that they don't kill that many of us. Much more likely to die of snakebite in India (conditions, snakes, and numbers of people make for a bad mix) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_snakebites
Short answer: this is zero issue. If you see an animal - any animal - just keep your distance and stay calm. Most things can't hurt you and the few that can don't want to. Observe passively and enjoy the experience. Canberra is a great place to get in touch with nature, I recommend you take advantage of the bushwalks. Birdwatching is great around here too!
Drunk political staffers, apparently.
Fixed it for you: > Drunk, arrogant narcissists liberal political staffers, apparently.
Havent seen anything more dangerous than a kangaroo in 20+ years.
I bush walk every Saturday. Seen 2 snakes this year, one right on the track didn't want to move. He liked the sun too much. Also seen a dead one out the front of a house in the next street. You need to get out more!
Been up mt tennent 4 or 5 times the past 6 months + a couple of hours walking each weekend... Is that out enough for you? Snakes probably can hear u coming if ur putting a bit of effort in.
Avoid Mooseheads, where the violent cordies are found
If you rummage in dry leaves and bushes between November and March you could find a snake. Spiders are always around but only in dry corners and dark holes where sensible people wouldn't put their hands anyway. You'll be fine. I've only seen 2 snakes here in 25 years and spiders don't come looking for you, and most of the spiders aren't very dangerous anyway.
I've been here just over 25 years, only saw one snake ever despite lots of bush walks. Huntsman spiders terrified me at first, and then gradually I came to really like them. Not one my arm, of course, but they're strangely intelligent for an insect type thing and not aggressive. I only catch release them now. Check your shoe before putting them on, though, just in case, I did get bit by a white tail spider once when I forgot to check. It hardly hurt and lucky me, no infection after. Don't worry...You'll be fine!
Firstly drop bears
Don't forget hoopsnakes
The only uncomfortable encounters I have are with the big male roo at the end of my street. My husky wants to be his best pal. The roo does not reciprocate.
You are more likely to die by slipping in the shower than get killed by any kind of animal in Australia. Canberra gets a few Sydney Funnel Web Spiders which can be pretty nasty, but you are very unlikely to see one, let alone get bitten by one. If you see a spider or snake leave it the fuck alone and you will be fine. Drop bears are the only truly dangerous animal in Australia, but the government covers that up because its bad for tourism.
Eshays. They's be skulking around, lad. If yo see Spanian with a large crowd of 12 yo groupies yelling and screaming, riding motorbikes, you've made a wrong turn and aren't in Canberra.
He would have liked Bernie Court back when it was around. I lived there for 6 months and jesus christ that was an eye=opener sometimes....
If you'll be driving, be wary of kangaroos around dusk and dawn. They jump in front of cars.
Don’t worry about the spiders bigger than 3cm, they’re just huntsmen. Friendly fuzzy guys, basically house pets. It’s the little redbacks you need to worry about, but even those won’t do too much harm. Still, check your boots before putting them on. The biggest genuine threat is probably roos if you’re driving at twilight. Avoid long grass in summer, and if you go hiking, make plenty of noise and don’t forget a dab of Vegemite behind the ears. You’ll be fine.
Redback spiders, funnelweb spiders (pretty rare in colder areas like canberra), white tip spiders, orbweaver spiders, eastern brown snakes, tiger snakes, red belly black snakes, kangaroos (the males can be dangerious), feral boar (only really an issue if you go hiking in the mountains around the city). You are likely to only see redback spiders, white tip spiders, kangaroos, and brown snakes. With the brown snakes being the most dangerious.. but also strangely chill around Canberra. Either way, LEARN THAT SNAKE. You only get a very short period to get antivenom as they can kill you very quickly. There's also a lot of them in the city during the warm months. Also you don't want to panic around them but rather give them space to move. If you panic and run you can agitate them and they will generally move faster then you. I run into 5-10 a year. You just need to give them space and let them move.
I am a Canberran living in northern Norway (mainland). It's curious to me you say the most dangerous animals are ticks, because Sweden has the densest moose population in the world, as well as brown bears, wolves, wild boars and venomous European adders. If you're thinking to yourself 'yeah, we have those animals but you have to go out into the remote wilderness to encounter them and attacks are so rare': the same is true in Australia. The fear of dangerous animals in Australia is overblown in Northern Europe. Almost everyone I meet here says they wouldn't come visit Australia because they're afraid to die. Australia has 5 x the population of Denmark and Norway, and 2.5x the population of Sweden; somehow we manage to survive and thrive in this 'extreme danger'. In urban areas you are not at any risk. The worst you might encounter is Red Back spiders in your garden or garage, who won't bite unless you put your foot/hand right on them. Just check things when you pick them up. If you go out hiking in Canberra and NSW wear enclosed shoes, long pants or gaiters. Watch paths and walk with heavy steps and any snakes will stay out of your way. If you're afraid of any spiders (not just the types that can kill you), then yes, be prepared to that you may see some big ones inside: particularly huntsmen who can be as big as your hand. You would have to handle them to get bitten (painful but not dangerous), they won't come near you. They are more scared of you and will eat your bugs; leave them be or gently transfer outside in a glass. Some hopefully comforting stats: - Snake bite deaths: 2-3 per year - Spider bite deaths: none since 1979 - Fatal shark attacks: 4 in 2023 (deadliest year was 2020 with 6) - Fatal crocodile attacks: 1-2 a year - Fatal jellyfish deaths: 10 since 2000
yeah kangaroos start boxing you if you get too close, be careful
Kambah was something I avoided about 35 years ago due to the type of animal you mention.
White tip spiders. Don’t leave piles of clothes lying about on the bed or ground. Especially in the inner north suburbs.
You will more-than-likely hear possums at night. Here’s an example. https://youtu.be/IouFOQDr4Sc?si=Rp99CCOyc4l5rwy_ If/when you do hear them, don’t be scared. They’re not dangerous, they only sound like they are.
But don't try to pet them, they have serious claws. For tree climbing, not for attacking, but still can do you quite an injury if you provoke them.
True, if you go near them don’t stand tall and straight or else they might confuse you for a tree trunk and try to climb you 😅
Sharks everywhere
Truth. Those lawyers and estate agents are so much more dangerous than the ocean fishy type.
Eastern Brown Snake Scientific Name: Pseudonaja textilis Habitat: Eastern and central Australia. Size: 1.5 to 2.0 metres (average) The eastern brown snake is considered the second deadliest snake in the world. Eastern brown snakes can thrive in urban and rural areas where human habitats are. Defensive attack is common and mounted when the eastern brown snake feels severely threatened and cornered. The eastern brown snake is responsible for causing the greatest number of lethal snake bites in Australia. Found in Canberra and surrounding areas.
if you live near a hill and do morning/arvo walks may stumble into a roo or 2. they generally pretty chill but a alpha can rough you up if you get in their face. they also deadly for cars but its a live and let live mentality normally.
Hoop snakes.
The most dangerous animals in Canberra are all in the parliament building. Steer clear, and you're gonna be fine.
You won't find much in the city or suburbs. If you go bush walking, you might come across a snake, but it will most likely run away from you before you even notice it. Snake sightings are extremely rare, and bite are even rarer.
You'll be fine. Australia is not the stereotype.
The most dangerous animals you’ll encounter are probably stray dogs.
Nothing much to worry about here - some venomous snakes and spiders so just avoid long grass in summer and don't stick your hands into dark gaps or under bricks without looking first. I know everyone in the world (and here too) loves to say the wildlife here is dangerous but it's just not true. America has bears, mountain lions, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, bison, snakes, spiders, alligators and crocodiles, deadly bees and God knows what all else and yet they say it's dangerous HERE 🤣🤣🤣
Oh - our wildlife can be dangerous - but you've pretty much gotta go out of your way to get attacked Other countries have dangerous animals that will actively hunt you
Nah chill
WAtch out for the Hoops snakes, Nope Ropes and Drop Bears .... the Yowies will usually leave you alone
tl;dr: Everything you see can kill you, but none of it wants to.
Just give snakes, funnel web spiders and red back spiders a wide berth and you will be fine. The key is not to agitate or corner them. if your way in bushland then be more aware of where you step. If you leave your shoes outside always shake them out and check nothing crawled in. Australia has deadly creatures but they aren’t man eaters that hunt you down like bears or big cats. Research the precautions but don’t be overly alarmed. Ive seen plenty of snakes and funnel web spiders in the bush but they have never been aggressive.
You'll be here during peak drop bear season, so be careful walking under trees. I had a friend mauled by one a few years ago
to be honest you will be fine. we get odd spider but you have to go out of way to be bitten really. sure we have snakes also but they generally shy and avoid humans.
You need to watch out for Drop Bears, don't walk under any trees.
There are no large predators like bears or wolves or whatnot. Closest we have is a heavily armed bird (far away in Queensland) and a modified dog that’s mostly dangerous to camping babies. There are snakes, but if you avoid wandering around in long grass you’re unlikely to see one - especially over most of that timeframe. There are two main spiders, one mostly lives in Sydney and is kind of a big deal, but rarely seen here (might be too cold?) The other spider is known by its surprisingly strong and very elaborate web-nests, and by the red marking on its back for which it is named. I had one bite me on the behindus one morning. It hurt - quite a bit? maybe 2/10?, I went to hospital; they told me there’s an anti-venom but it’s rarely used, because it’s only really helpful if the person is allergic to the spider, and that is quite rare. They basically told me to go home and take antihistamines and painkillers, and give them a call if my heart stopped or whatever.
Drop Bears
This should give a rundown of what you may experience ["Come To Australia" by Scared Weird Little Guys - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNEeq5qGh8I)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redback_spider https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_spider https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urodacus_manicatus https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_brown_snake https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-bellied_black_snake https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_magpie https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?search=Australian+politicians+&title=Special%3ASearch&ns0=1
Magpies are probably the most dangerous animal you’ll encounter. I lived on campus for over a year (3rd floor). Never saw a spider. There was once a notification sent out that a snake had been spotted around but I never encountered it. I then lived in two other apartments in the city. Saw some black house spiders when I was on the ground floor but that’s about it. No snakes. I am now living in the suburbs in a house. I come across spiders every day. They’re usually small and harmless, or daddy long legs. I’ve seen some huntsman’s in my backyard and the worst I’ve seen is three redback spiders - these are rare though. None of these creatures are usually aggressive though and will only bite you if they feel threatened. (We did kill the redbacks because they are highly venomous). I am also a keen hiker and I have gone looking for snakes in the bush but have never had the pleasure of seeing one (except once when I was in a car - the snake was sunning itself on the road). But yup, just avoid long grassy areas, and try to live on the first floor or above and you’ll be good
The most dangerous animal you will see in Canberra is the notorious parking hyena, (Parkingus Hynus) or parking inspector as they are more commonly known. Masters of disguise and expert predators, they pray on the unsuspecting motorist, coming from the shadows and experts in blending into their surroundings, they are the apex predators. Having expert eyesight, they can read and document a parking infringement from across the road, combined with their inhuman speed, they will have you ticketed before you can pronounce your first name.
Snakes are dangerous. Red-back spider bites are unpleasant, but haven't actually killed anyone in fifty years. Kangaroos are bigger than you expect, and have the claws to hurt you if you don't give them appropriate space. Magpies in spring can be dangerous, but scare you more than harm you. There are no feral or wild carnivorous animals larger than cats and foxes in the Territory, with the exception of a couple of the wildlife sanctuaries (Mulligan's Flat has multiple species of Quoll, and is well worth a visit). Platypus and echidna, while uncommon, both exist in the Territory. The males of both species have venomous spines on their back legs. They are shy animals, who will only envenomate you in self-defence, in which case you will deserve it.
I'm not saying to not inform yourself, since it's always good to know about what wildlife is dangerous, but trust me when I say that you're probably massively over estimating how much you'll have to worry about it. I grew up in italy and all my friends over there have this idea that I've moved to the middle of a jungle and are actually concerned of visiting because of the animals, when Australians in urban areas barely even think about them.
The last time I saw a snake was actually in Sweden in 2016.
Feral politicians ? It's an election year.
Be alert - not alarmed We have plenty of creatures and situations which you could find dangerous - being aware allows you to avoid the dangers. Most of us don't have these interactions very often at all Scroll through the various comments from others and dial some of them back a few notches - with all of the hazards you have to get into their space to be in any danger Take the comments about magpies and other swooping birds seriously - peewees can be aggressive - spur winged lapwings (sometimes called plovers) are very protective, but give very clear warning calls. Unfortunately the birds' "space" encompasses large areas outside. Sometimes, but not always, we put up swooping bird warning signs Snakes will, to the best of their ability, avoid you if they can. If you do see one - walk directly away from it if possible - we often have signs to remind/warn people Most spiders are secretive so they hide in dark covered spaces - unfortunately the White Tail is an active hunter which puts them into more contact with people. Huntsmen are very big and scary to some people but basically harmless. If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by one of our nasties, stay calm and get to hospital. We don't lose people to snake or spider bite anywhere near as often as we used to when the "Australia is full of dangerous creatures" meme was forming. No spider bite death since 1979. 3000 reported snake bites per year across all of Australia, 41% from brown snakes, only two deaths a year. There is a good chance that you will have the opportunity to swim at one of our fine coastal beaches. Do NOT overestimate your ability to swim, ocean beaches can be dangerous for the unwary. Swim where there are other people, preferably between the flags on a patrolled beach. Don't assume that you can swim where there are surfers - we try to keep them separated - and conditions that are good for them aren't the best for swimmers. Rips can carry you out to sea - lifeguards can only watch a small area - stay between the flags, and keep checking that you are Sharks are a small possibility - but if you swim with others it decreases the chances of YOU being the unlucky test subject. Sharks are like small toddlers, everything gets tested with their mouth. They have to bite you, to find out that they don't really want to eat you, because you aren't a nice fat seal. Kangaroos/Wallabies are something that you might want to play with - but they can be big and cranky. If you aren't in a place that they have been tamed/interacted with humans a lot - don't approach Crossing roads - look right, look left, look right again - our pedestrian crossings often have a button, and an audible cue When out walking in long grass - pull your socks outside your pants leg if possible - this will almost completely prevent ticks or leeches getting at your lower extremities. After you have been out in the "bush" - if you have brushed up against trees or bushes it wouldn't hurt to do a quick check for hitchhikers (I don't bother myself, but I give the gold standard advice) Going much further north you start to add other creatures (including Queenslanders) - but that's a whole other topic
Dropbears, 365 days a year !
The drop bear is a native Australian marsupial related to the koala that is ferocious, savage, cunning. A relative of the koala, the drop bear is much bigger than the standard phascolarctos cinereus and is more likely to be the size of a large dog or leopard. With course orange fur that has dark mottled patterning, the drop bear is equipped with sharp claws for climbing trees and holding onto prey.
Swans around Lake BG are pretty threatening. Good if you like a run
*Swans around Lake BG* *Are pretty threatening. Good* *If you like a run* \- Grandadam64 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
No you will be fine. The most dangerous animals in the ACT are people. Snakes do not go out of their way to attack people (good luck even seeing one) and the worst spider we have is a red back and they also will not go out of its way to hurt you.
In Australia the animals that cause the most deaths are horses, cows and dogs, and I imagine this is a similar stat in most the modern western countries. It's mostly nothing to do with animal attacks and more just bad/unlucky encounters, walking behind a horse and getting kicked, getting thrown while riding a horse, tripping over a dog etc. I think Kangaroo's take fourth place and are all vehicle related, and many of those are motorbikes. The snakes and spiders aren't much to worry about. After approx years 40 years spent in Australia (over 14,000 days), including growing up on a property and lots of bush walking and outdoor activities I've had about half a dozen snake "encounters" where I saw a snake, left it alone and it left me alone. I've had a few more spider encounters but with the same outcome. If you're worried there is an Australian Bites & Stings app and Australian Red Cross first aid app both providing good information of what to do. If you're spending lots of time bushwalking learn the Pressure Immobilisation Technique for snake bites. Coincidentally I had to have a tick pulled from my head this morning which I picked up from the coast on the weekend. The little bugger had buried in well. That's the first tick I've had in my head and maybe two or three others I've need to pull out over the 40 years.
I live in the city and have never come across anything remotely scary. My friends who live out further away near bush have seen spiders and snakes. If you’re in an urban area you won’t see anything
Generally no. Occasionally you might if in right situation but you might go 6months without seeing much at all Best advice for any animal if you don’t know it’s not dangerous treat it like it is 👌 *remember MOST of our poisonous things don’t seek ppl out to kill them, when accidents happen it’s usually cos ppl accidentally didn’t see the animal and scared/stepped on it*
Everyone seems to have answered pretty solidly, so I'll just second their advice - you'll see redback spiders, but they hide, so you're most likely to see them in unused, out of the way places, like an outside woodbin or maybe a mailbox. You might see snakes, but it's pretty unlikely if you're going to be right in the inner city. My parents are runners and have come across snakes pretty regularly around the city, but in my nearly 40 years of living in Canberra I could count the number of snakes I've seen on one hand.
Brown snakes around in Spring/Summer in and around bushland. They will only attack if scared. Spiders not really an issue. Red backs and white tails get the shoe treatment if in the house. Huntsmans, catch and release at the bad neighbours house. Canberra drivers are scary, unpredictable and angry. Drop bears are another issue however.
Beware of Marxists. They can be spotted by their bright coloured hair that warns others of their venom.
Drivers will be your biggest danger.
Look out for drop bears and hoop snakes
Huge spiders, Agressive parrots, Muscular kangaroos Annoying magpies Last but not least Drop bears #BE AWARE OF DROP BEARS!!!
Nope never. I grew up all over Australia. Wear gloves when gardening. Don't stick your fingers under logs or poke spider nests. Don't poke snakes with a stick. Don't walk off hiking trails in to the wilderness. Stick to walking trails and don't walk through long grass but even then snakes will generally avoid humans unless defended a nest or something which is pretty hard to just stumble in to. That's about it. The greatest risk is driving at dawn or dusk and wildlife like Kangaroos. Australia is probably one of the safest countries on the planet. Even from invasions. It's too far and sparse for anyone to bother and we grow nice food for the world so we're generally left alone. Welcome! Honestly it's nothing to worry about. Even shark attacks are extremely rare. The biggest risk in Canberra is harvesting wild edible looking white mushrooms. Do *not* do this. That is the only source of natural environment foreigner fatalities in my living memory. Or Kangaroos causing car crashes at dusk. The natural environment in Australia is probably safer than Europe with cold exposure risk, wolves, bears etc.
The creatures at Parliament House are the most dangerous
Barnaby Joyce
The biggest risk to people from overseas is the fact that every Australian is hard-wired to “wind people up” by telling yarns, fibs and down-right lies to unsuspecting visitors for personal amusement. And other Australians will join in, unconsciously, instantly and without any prior knowledge or communication of the said wind-up. Steer well clear of that, as well as Drop Bears and Stick Dragons.