AFP Forum

AUSTRALIA - ANIMAL - SNAKES
A deadly Australian eastern brown snake -- which has enough venom to kill 20 adults with a single bite -- is photographed in the Sydney suburb of Terrey Hills on September 25, 2012., in the Sydney on October 3, 2012. Australia is home to 20 of the world's 25 most venomous snakes, including the entire top 10, from which a single scratch from a venom-coated tooth can be enough to paralyse the heart, diaphragm and lungs. Several species are found in urban areas along the populous east coast. According to official estimates there are about 3,000 snake bites in Australia every year, 300-500 of which will receive anti-venom treatment. An average of two will prove fatal. AFP PHOTO/William WEST
WILLIAM WEST / AFP