Editing Australia (section)

=== Lions and tigers and bears. Oh My! ===
Contrary to popular belief dangerous Australian animals will not be waiting to get you at the airport, in your bed, in the dunny or lying in wait in other places thought up by your paranoia! Most Australian animals are happy to be left alone and you will find unless you are forcing your finger in an animal's face they are happy to stay out of your way. Of course there are aggressive and poisonous animals out there so research before you get back to nature. Most likely you will find our insects will be your number one irritation.

Most snakes and spiders do their best to stay out of your way. If you come across a snake, you have probably caught it by surprise sunning itself on a rock or a bushtrack. Back away immediately until you are out of sight of the snake, wait a minute or so then carefully peer around the corner and see if it's gone. Chances are it will be so continue on your walk, unless it is a brown snake, in which case run like hell.

What you're most likely to come across as far as dangerous critters are concerned is a Redback spider. These guys will be found in dark places low to the ground. If you're staying in the bush check your shoes each day before putting them on. Redbacks are very dangerous and do live in urban areas - if you see one you should let someone know, and hopefully that person will hit it with their shoe. This doesn't go for most spiders who should be left alone to go about their businesses, but Redbacks you do need to get rid of as they have been responsible for deaths in the past. 

* All about [http://www.amonline.net.au/spiders/ Australian Spiders]
* Check out [http://www.amonline.net.au/spiders/ Australian Insects]
* Check out [http://www.usyd.edu.au/anaes/venom/snakebite.html Australian Snakes]

[http://members.ozemail.com.au/~enigman/dropbear.html WARNING - DROPBEARS] (These mythical creatures will make you look foolish if you believe in them.)