Tiger Snake
Notechis scutatus
Highly Venomous
Other common names: Eastern Tiger Snake, Mainland Tiger Snake
Species Profile
Tiger Snake
Significance to Humans
Highly Venomous
The Tiger Snake is highly venomous and has caused human fatalities. While generally reclusive, it may adopt an intimidating posture by inflating and flattening its body and neck when feeling threatened. Immediate treatment and proper first aid are crucial in the event of a bite from this species.
General Description
A solidly built snake with a large, broad, flat head. It’s colouration varies, ranging from light grey to olive, brown, and black. The body features cross-bands of lighter scales that continue down its length. The belly is typically lighter than the main colour, often cream or grey, with darker shading on the throat and under the tail. Midbody at 17-19 rows (rarely 15).
Average Length
On average, measures around 1 metre, with specimens rarely exceeding 1.3 metres.
Habitat in SE Qld
This species is likes high altitude rainforests, swampy coastal heaths, and wallum swamps, with a preference for creek banks and other moist sites.
General habits
The Tiger Snake is primarily diurnal, but some individuals have been recorded as nocturnal in the Gold Coast Hinterland, where they actively stalk frogs at night.
Diet
As an opportunistic hunter, the Tiger Snake preys on small vertebrates such as frogs, small mammals, lizards, and birds.
Local distribution
Historically, the Tiger Snake was recorded from North Stradbroke Island in the Greater Brisbane area nearly a century ago. However, it is currently known only from populations at Beerwah and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast and certain areas of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Around the home
The Tiger Snake is absent from the Brisbane region and is highly unlikely to be encountered around human dwellings, except in the rarest cases in known habitats to the north and south of the region. Caution should be exercised in these areas, and professional assistance should be sought if a Tiger Snake is spotted to ensure safe handling and relocation if necessary.
Tiger Snake Gallery
