Eastern Brown Snake Doesn’t Fare Well When Relocated

Australian National University (ANU) Associate Professor Gavin Smith has been studying the relocation of eastern brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) in Australia after starting the Canberra Snake Tracking Project in 2021. The CSTP is tasked to investigate how translocating snakes caught in urban areas are affecting their well being.

The Eastern brown snake is considered the second most venomous snake in the world. The majority of snake bite deaths that occur in Australia are from this snake or its cousin, the western brown snake. This species can be found throughout Australia and into New Guinea. The snake grows to about 5to 6 feet in length and its venom produces hemotoxic and neurotoxic symptoms with immediate pain and swelling of the lymph nodes.