A shocking incident has occurred in Queensland’s Darling Downs region, where a man in his 30s was bitten by a snake on a property in Highfields, north of Toowoomba.
The terrifying encounter happened on Tuesday night, and the man’s life was left hanging in the balance.
The Incident Unfolds
According to Queensland Ambulance, the man was bitten on the hand by the snake, and paramedics were quick to respond to the scene.
They provided treatment and rushed him to Toowoomba Hospital by ambulance around 9:30 pm.
Fortunately, the patient has now been discharged from the hospital, as confirmed by Darling Downs Health on Thursday.
Snake Bites on the Rise in Queensland
This incident comes amid a surge in snake bites across the state. Data shows that there were 1,131 snake bites recorded in Queensland in 2024, with 61 bites reported in just the first two weeks of 2025.
Central Queensland has been the worst-affected region so far this year, closely followed by Townsville.
Staying Safe from Snake Bites
So, what can you do to protect yourself from snake bites? Snake catcher Cheney Booth from Cheney’s Reptile Relocations advises that eastern brown snakes, a highly venomous species native to eastern and central Australia, are the most common culprits.
“They are extremely defensive, probably the most defensive in the world,” he warns.
Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson Joseph O’Connell stresses the importance of speedy reaction times when seeking help.
“We assume every bite is a venomous bite until proven otherwise… We will always respond to snake bites as a priority,” he says.
Both Booth and O’Connell recommend keeping a first aid kit equipped with elastic pressure bandages, which can help stop blood flow and restrict movement after a bite.
Key Takeaways
- Snake bites are on the rise in Queensland, with 1,131 recorded in 2024 and 61 in the first two weeks of 2025.
- Central Queensland and Townsville are the worst-affected regions.
- Eastern brown snakes are the most common and defensive species.
- Keeping a first aid kit with elastic pressure bandages is crucial in case of a snake bite.
- Speedy reaction times when seeking help are vital for positive outcomes.