Featured Member Video
Making a knifeMore Videos by Camp10
View larger or ask the author a question.
Recent Forum Posts 
Come Join the Discussion Today!
Our site has been mentioned in:
U.S. News and World Report
Best of the Web - Site of the Week 8/6/01
Discovery Channel Canada
One Week in the Wilderness
USA Today
Hot Sites 08/08/2005
Taipan
Oxyuranus scutellatus
Description: Generally uniformly olive or dark brown, the head is somewhat darker brown.
Characteristics: Considered one of the most deadly snakes. It has an aggressive disposition. When aroused, it can display a fearsome appearance by flattening its head, raising it off the ground, waving it back and forth, and suddenly striking with such speed that the victim may receive several bites before it retreats. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin, causing respiratory paralysis. Its victim has little chance for recovery without prompt medical aid.
Habitat: At home in a variety of habitats, it is found from the savanna forests to the inland plains.
Length: Average 1.8 meters, maximum 3.7 meters.
Distribution: Northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Back to Poisonous Snakes and Lizards

