While many venomous snakes such as cobras, black mambas or rattlesnakes tend to flee or attack when provoked, the mulga snake has a dangerously different behavior.
Snakes have long been known for their incredible hunting abilities, thanks to their keen sense of smell and infrared sensors on the sides of their heads that allow them to detect warm-blooded animals in the dark, even when their prey is still. However, not all snakes react the same way when they feel threatened. While many venomous snakes, such as cobras, black mambas, and rattlesnakes, tend to flee or attack when provoked, the Mulga snake behaves dangerously differently.
The Mulga, also known as the King Brown Snake (Pseudechis australis), is one of the largest venomous land snakes in Australia. While not as venomous as the Australian Inland Taipan – the most venomous snake on the planet – the Mulga delivers a huge amount of venom per bite, more than any other snake in the world. On average, a Mulga can deliver up to 150mg of venom per bite, compared to only 10 to 40mg for a tiger snake.
Mulga venom can cause serious damage such as pain, destroy blood cells, and poison muscles and the nervous system. According to Australian Geographic, with such a large amount of venom, a bite from a Mulga snake can cause serious and life-threatening damage.
In particular, Mulga snakes are also a potential danger when people are sleeping. In a recent study, scientists analyzed 27 cases of Mulga snake bites, of which 10 cases occurred when the snake actively attacked, and 7 cases when the victim was sleeping. Experts believe that, during the nighttime hunting process, Mulga snakes may accidentally encounter humans and attack in self-defense. However, another more worrying hypothesis is that this snake species may be attracted to human body heat and seek it out as a new target.
Mulga snake attacks typically occur during the warm season from December to March, with 80% of victims being male. This adds to the fearsome nature of this snake.
Mulga snakes are 2 to 3 metres long, weigh up to 6kg, have large heads and bulging cheeks. Their colour varies depending on their habitat, from light brown to black. Mulga snakes range across the entire Australian continent, except the far south and south-east. They often take refuge in caves, woodpiles, and near human habitation.
The temperament of Mulga snakes also varies depending on the region. While southern Mulga snakes are generally shy and sedentary, northern Mulga snakes are easily agitated and ready to attack when threatened, with fearsome behaviors such as hissing, raising their bodies and moving their heads dynamically.
The Mulga snake is a prime example of the diversity and complexity of the natural world, and also a reminder of the potential dangers posed by seemingly familiar animals.