Tengrinews.kz - Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife but encounters with venomous snakes can be a true test of nerves. A recent incident involving a Canadian tourist highlighted the importance of staying calm and following specific safety protocols when faced with such situations.
Canadian traveler Katie Bunton had a shocking experience while hiking in Western Australia. During her nature walk, she found herself just meters away from one of the continent’s deadliest snakes - the western brown snake. Known for its extreme toxicity, this species, like its eastern counterpart, is responsible for the majority of fatal snake bites in Australia.
@ktbunton "Im sacraficing you all" ????????♀️ the Australian bear grills was unphased it was wild…any guesses what kind of snake we found? #australia #deadlysnake #australiansnakes #fyp ♬ original sound - Katie Bunton - Twin Mom
Footage shows a group of tourists walking along a narrow trail surrounded by dense bushes and tall grass. Everything seemed normal until a coiled brown snake was spotted near the trail’s edge. The guide immediately gave instructions on how to behave when encountering this dangerous reptile, advising the group to move very slowly. Quick movements, he warned, could provoke the snake to strike, regardless of which direction a person runs.
However, Katie, unable to control her fear, quickly stepped back and then bolted.
"Are you for real? No, no, no. Absolutely not," she said. "I’m sacrificing you all. I knew this was gonna happen. I could tell this was a snaky place."
A while later she said, "There’s a venomous snake. The tour guide literally just said, 'Back away slowly,' and I ran."
The video sparked discussions online, with many shocked viewers commenting on TikTok.
"Why not listen to the expert?" one user remarked.
An Australian local chimed in with their own experience: "Red belly black snake went over my foot as a child in Australia and I just stayed still, waited for it to pass then continued on. We grow up with them so it's jarring how scared tourists are."
Have you ever had a close encounter with venomous snakes? Share your experiences in the comments.
Earlier, a British hiker who got lost at an altitude of about 4,500 meters in the mountains of Peru has told how a stray dog "appeared from the fog" and helped him save himself.
