Eastern Brown Snake: Australia's Biggest Biting Culprit

Eastern brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) are slender, fast-moving snakes that can reach lengths of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters).

Their coloration varies widely, ranging from pale brown or light brown to dark brown, depending on their age and location. Adult brown snakes typically have a uniform color, though some individuals may display a faint banding pattern. Their undersides are usually cream or yellowish, sometimes with orange or grey speckles.

The common brown snake is often confused with the its western and northern cousins, but the eastern brown snake is distinguished by its more uniform coloration and highly aggressive nature when threatened.

While the eastern brown snake is the most well-known, it belongs to a broader group of brown snakes found across Australia.

The western brown snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni), for example, is found in the arid regions of central and western Australia. The northern brown snake, another relative, inhabits the northern parts of Australia and is known for its variable coloration, often with darker markings.

These subspecies, while similar, are adapted to their specific regions and can exhibit differences in behavior and appearance.

Eastern brown snakes are solitary creatures and are generally active during the day, especially in the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon.

They are highly territorial and will defend their home range aggressively if they feel threatened. These snakes are known for their defensive behavior, including striking an S-shape pose, where the snake raises its body and head, before striking.

Despite their reputation, they typically prefer to avoid humans and will only bite if provoked or cornered. A snake bite will typically only occur when a person accidentally steps on or attempts to handle these wild snakes.

Eastern brown snakes are carnivorous and primarily feed on small mammals, particularly rodents. This diet makes them extremely beneficial in agricultural areas, where they help control pest populations. They are also known to eat birds, frogs and other reptiles, including other snakes.

Their hunting method involves quickly subduing their prey with a venomous bite, which contains potent toxins that can cause paralysis and death. The efficiency of their snake venoms allows them to take down prey much larger than themselves, making them highly effective predators in their environment.

Eastern brown snakes are commonly found in grasslands, woodlands and farmlands, as well as in urban and suburban areas where they often come into contact with humans. These snakes prefer open habitats with plenty of sunlight, where they can bask to regulate their body temperature.

However, they are also capable of hiding in a variety of places, including under rocks, in burrows and even inside buildings, which can sometimes lead to close encounters with people.

The life cycle of eastern brown snakes begins in the spring, when they emerge from their winter dormancy and begin the mating season.

Females lay clutches of 10 to 35 eggs in late spring or early summer, usually in a warm, hidden location such as a burrow or a pile of vegetation. The eggs incubate for about two months before hatching, and the young snakes are fully independent from birth.

Juvenile eastern brown snakes are often more brightly colored, with patterns of dark bands that fade as they mature. These young snakes grow rapidly and reach sexual maturity at about 2 to 3 years of age.

Eastern brown snakes are currently not considered endangered and are actually quite common throughout their range. However, they face threats from habitat loss, road mortality and persecution by humans who fear their venomous bite.

Education and awareness are key to reducing unnecessary killings and promoting coexistence with these important reptiles. As with many Australian snakes, understanding and respecting the eastern brown snake's role in the environment is essential for both human safety and the conservation of the species.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.