FEAR OF FERALS

Not so long ago, the Malaysian Government stepped in to stop a woman who wanted to create a new record by spending 41 days in an enclosure with 150 deadly cobras.

The Ministry for Wildlife banned the attempt - to protect the snakes.

Talk about the scales of justice!

Many Australians have had their own encounters with our home-grown wildlife - animals  that are quite capable of inflicting serious bites or claw injuries if provoked or cornered.

It's not just snakes or spiders that can be dangerous. There have been recent reports of people being attacked by kangaroos and even emus.

Kangaroos and emus are much like koalas and possums, having long, sharp claws that can inflict deep wounds, particularly if the animal is frightened or injured.

So the golden rule is to look but not touch and be ready to hop out of the way if necessary.

Fangs but No Fangs

Should you come across a snake in the wild, stop and it will usually wriggle off rapidly in the opposite direction. If you have unwittingly cornered the snake, for instance in your home or in a shed, move quickly out of range. Prevent your dog or cat harassing or attacking the snake so it won't be bitten. Terrier breeds are those that are at most risk from snakes as such dogs won't leave snakes alone.

If you or your pet are bitten, wrap the limb above and below the bite to slow the spread of the poison; immobilise the limb, even by placing it in a makeshift splint, and seek expert attention as quickly as possible. Try to remember a description of the snake to help medical and veterinary authorities select the correct anti-venene.

It is wise to carry a mobile phone when bushwalking because most parks in or near major centres are within range.

If you or your pet are bitten, wrap the limb above and below the bite to slow the spread of the poison;

Be sure to give spiders a wide berth. Those we see most commonly are the huntsman or triantelope that may wander into the house and the orb spiders that weave beautiful webs in the garden. It is a shame to take the broom to the huntsman because although it looks big and hairy, it does good by stalking and eating insect pests. The huntsman is relatively harmless and scuttles off if given half a chance.

It's the redback, white-tailed and funnel web spiders that are dangerous because their venom can kill and because they live in dark corners where people and pets can accidentally poke a finger or paw or, sometimes, present other parts of their anatomy, as the famous song has it.

The golden rule is to beware of cracks, crevices and dark corners, always wear gloves when working in the garden and turn loose timber, tin and rubbish over with a stick. Keep these areas clear or rubbish. Remember that our pets also are at risk from spider and snake bites as it is a strong instinct for pets to chase such prey - and they have no idea of the danger.

Not all spiders are lethal, but all spider bites should be avoided because the secondary purpose of venom - to dissolve and liquefy tissue so that the spider can ingest it - can cause serious ulcers on the affected limb.

When the Fur and Feathers Fly

Similarly, it's a fact that one of the most dangerous animals in Australia is a bird - the north Queensland cassowary - which will attack if provoked and can inflict serious wounds with the big claw on its central toe. Emus also can become aggressive and I know a friend who was cornered by a pet emu in a service station near Rockhampton.

Kangaroos have been known to attack, particularly male 'roos during the breeding season and they also have sharp and dangerous claws. The so-called boxing matches between males really are wrestling matches while they try to manoeuvre their opponent into range of a raking blow with their hind legs.

Male koalas can also be aggressive and any koala can claw you if handled wrongly.

Possums should be treated with respect. They share our backyards and often, our roofs. I have always wondered how a small, furry animal with soft paws can make a tin roof sound like the Broncos football team practicing for the grand final. I also have admired their amazing ability to run upright along the electricity lines between poles.

A cornered possum can be a bundle of savage teeth and claws that can inflict deep and serious wounds on both humans and pets. So if you have to handle one, do so with big, thick gloves and a bag.

Beware of flying foxes. It is now known that they can carry a serious virus that can cause fatal illness to humans. Leave injured flying foxes strictly alone.

The best advice is to ask the experts. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will advise you and often come and pick up injured or aggressive animals; there are a number of Wildlife Rescue organisations that will do the same; possum and snake removalists will handle problem animals for you and pest exterminators are the people to give redbacks and other dangerous spiders the big flick.