Black Snake Envenomation

(Mulga snake (King Brown), Papuan Black snake, Red Bellied Black snake and Collett's snake)

These large snakes (often >2.5m long) are commonly found in the more arid areas of central and western Australia. They are characterised by the large volume of venom that they inject via their large fangs. Fortunately the venom is less potent than that of the Brown snake and Tiger snake. Like many snakes, the name is deceptive with black snakes varying in colour from red-brown to cream or yellow speckled patterns.

Black Snake Venom

The main component of Mulga and Collett’s snake venoms is a myolysin. Varying components of neurotoxins and anticoagulant toxins are also present. Black snake envenomation carries a 30% death rate without antivenom treatment.

Symptoms of envenomation

Black snake bites are typically painful and generate localised redness, bruising and swelling which may frequently extend to involve the entire limb. This swelling will usually settle spontaneously over 24-48 hours.

The hallmark of Black snake envenomation is muscle damage and victims may complain of weakness and pain which is worse with movement.

Neurotoxin effects are typically mild with drooping of the eyelids usually the extent of any clinically obvious effects of this toxin and paralysis has not been reported. Blood clotting abnormalities also rarely produce any obvious signs.