Details
Pseudonaja textilis
The eastern brown snake is a slender, highly venomous snake of eastern and central Australia. It thrives around farms and suburbs where rodents are abundant.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Open woodland, grassland, farmland, dry scrub and urban edges are typical. Dense forests are usually avoided, while human-altered places can provide prey and shelter.
Adults are about 150-240 cm long and 500-2000 g. Color ranges from pale brown to nearly black, with a pale cream underside that may be blotched.
It is active by day, fast-moving and alert. When threatened, it may raise the front of the body and form a defensive curve.
Small mammals are the main prey, especially mice, but lizards, birds and other snakes are also taken. Rodents draw it close to barns and houses.
The species lays eggs in warm hidden sites during spring or summer. Hatchlings are independent and hunt small reptiles and mammals soon after emergence.
Although listed as Least Concern, it is one of Australia's most medically important snakes. Encounters should be handled by giving the animal space and calling trained responders.
