The Fierce Snake #1.  Said to be the world's most deadliest snake!  Although it has existed in Australia for millions of years, the first live specimen was not captured until 1975.  The Fierce snake's venom is extremely toxic and a small animal would die within seconds, its nervous system and heart instantly paralyzed.  Because of its late discovery, few facts are known about this snake's habits.  Fortunately, the Fierce Snake only lives in an isolated area around where the South Australian, New South Wales and Queensland borders meet.
	Taipan #2.  The Taipan was thought to be the world's most venomous snake until the discovery of it's cousin the Fierce Snake.  Unlike it cousin, the Taipan lives in the far North of Australia and down the Queensland coast, but have been found in Western New South Wales as far South as the Murray River.  The Taipan is an aggressive hunter, moving at high speed through grasslands with ease.  On finding it's prey by scent, the reptile flings it's itself at the victim and inflicts several rapid bites.  Like most other venomous snakes, the Taipan uses it's venom sparingly.  As they don't regard man as prey, they have been known to strike and bite without releasing any venom at all.
Tiger Snake #3.  Few snakes can match the sinister reputation of the Tiger, but recent observations indicate their ferocity and aggressiveness may not be as bad as first thought.  In the early days of settlement, Tiger snakes were blamed for the majority of deaths from snake bite.  Although they are as venomous as African mambas and Asian cobras, the fact they are common throughout most of Australia meant they were more likely to come in contact with humans.
	Death Adder #4.  A small snake known for it's preference to lay in wait for game rather than hunt.  If trodden upon, the death adder strikes without warning, usually close to the ground, causing bites to the foot, ankle and hand.  It's venom is extremely neurotoxic; 50 percent of it's victims died within days before antivenom was developed.  The death adder conceals itself by burrowing under leaves, leaving only a portion of it's tail exposed.  Unsuspecting birds or animals looking for an easy meal are attracted to the small tail only to be suddenly caught by the adder's amazing speed.
Copperhead #5.  The Copperhead snake is highly dangerous to humans.  If provoked, it raises it's forebody from the ground and flattens it's neck, angry and hissing ready to strike.  It's extremely potent venom is mainly neurotoxic, attacking the nerves of the body, but it also contians blood destroying properties.  Color and size varies with the locality and Copperheads may be tan, brown or black.  They are also more tollerant to the cold and have been seen sunbaking in mid-winter when other snakes are hibernating.  One of their worst enemies are other Copperheads because they are prone to eat each other.

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