Post by wildrose71 on Jan 29, 2007 11:07:45 GMT 10
Home Animals Reptilia Eastern Brown Snake
Eastern Brown Snake Fact File
Pseudonaja textilis
The Eastern Brown Snake is one of Australia's most dangerous reptiles. It is fast-moving and aggressive. However, like most snakes, it is most likely to retreat. The Eastern Brown Snake was probably once widespread in the Sydney region, but it has not been recorded in the inner urban areas around the harbour for more than 50 years, and nearly all recent records (25 years or less) have been from bushland in the upper reaches of the harbour's northern tributaries.
The name 'Brown Snake' is a bit misleading. Colours are variable and range from tan through dark brown, russet-orange to almost black, with a cream or white belly. Juveniles have black bands. In some individuals, the bands cover the entire body while others have bands only to the head. Both variations may be born in the same clutch. The black bands fade with age but may still be evident in some adults.
The Eastern Brown Snake lays eggs and feeds on lizards, frogs, small mammals and birds.
Distribution:
Eastern and central Australia, in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, south-eastern South Australia, Northern Territory.
Habitat:
Forests and woodlands, heath.
Status:
Common
Size:
2 m.
Bite:
Venomous and dangerous
