Significance to Humans
Death adders are highly venomous ambush predators. They can remain concealed in leaf litter, so never assume a motionless snake is safe. Keep people and pets away. Do not touch, corner, handle or try to kill it.
Suspected snakebite: call 000 immediately
Keep the person still and reassured. Do not let them walk. Apply pressure bandaging with immobilisation to a bitten limb and follow the ambulance operator’s instructions. Start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Do not wash, cut or suck the bite, or use a tourniquet. Do not try to catch the snake. Do not wait for symptoms or identification before calling an ambulance.
First-aid source: ANZCOR Australian snakebite guideline. For snake removal when nobody has been bitten, call Snakes in the City on 0411 103 488.
General Description
The common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is an Australian elapid snake. Its broad, triangular head, stout body and thin tail distinguish its general shape, but identification should be left to an experienced professional.
Average Length
Approximately 40–100 cm, according to the Australian Museum. Size alone cannot identify a snake.
Habitat in Sydney Region
The common death adder uses forest, woodland, grassland and heath habitats. Leaf litter can conceal a resting snake. Around Sydney bushland, stay on clear paths, wear enclosed footwear and avoid reaching blindly into leaves or ground cover. Do not disturb vegetation to search for a snake.
Diet
Common death adders eat frogs, lizards and birds. They wait under cover and use movements of their thin tail to attract prey before striking. This ambush behaviour does not make them safe to approach or handle.
Local distribution
The Australian Museum identifies the common death adder as the only death adder species found in the Sydney region. Suitable bushland habitat does not mean a sighting has been confirmed at a particular property or in every suburb. See the Australian Museum common death adder guide for species information.
Found a snake on your property? Keep people and pets away and call 0411 103 488 for professional snake removal in Sydney. You do not need to identify it before calling.
