| Australia prides itself with a diverse wildlife: | | | | Crocodiles |
| kangaroos, koalas, possums, wallabies, potaroos, | | | | Waterholes or ‘billabongs’ that you may |
| dugongs, kookaburras, arowana fishes, Tasmanian | | | | come across in your travel might look inviting |
| tigers, emus, platypus, spiders, scorpions, octopus, | | | | especially in the sweltering sun, but unless you |
| wobbegong shark, barracuda, jellyfish, stonefish, | | | | want to be buddy-buddy with crocodiles, DO NOT |
| and stingrays--the name-dropping can go on | | | | GO IN THE WATER. Australia's Saltwater |
| forever. | | | | Crocodile is the largest of its species and yes, |
| Yes, the Aussie wildlife is indeed endlessly | | | | they can and do kill humans. On the other hand, |
| fascinating. Take note though that we're talking | | | | freshwater crocs rarely bother humans. |
| wild creatures here, and many an Outback | | | | In any case, signboards will warn about the |
| casualty have something to do with animals. | | | | presence of crocodiles in billabongs, lakes, and |
| Snakes in your Tent | | | | other bodies of water, but don’t always |
| Don't worry, snakes don't usually wander into | | | | count on them. It's best not to go there for even |
| peoples' tents; after all they are every bit afraid | | | | a quick dip. Your travel guide should know about |
| of humans as we are of them. It should interest | | | | the safest swimming holes to go to. |
| you to know though that Australia is renowned | | | | Furry Animals |
| for having the most species of poisonous snakes | | | | Sure, Taz of Looney Tunes, and cartoonized |
| in the world. And the venomous variety in | | | | kangaroos, and other furry animals may seem |
| Australia outnumbers its non-venomous ones. | | | | cute and harmless on TV, but beware of them in |
| In case of a snakebite, it is most important that | | | | real life. Kangaroos, for one, can pack a mighty |
| you stay still so the venom doesn't spread. Apply | | | | kick with those back feet. And yes, they're handy |
| pressure to the bitten area, preferably with firm | | | | with their paws as well. (No wonder they're often |
| bandages, about as tight as you would bind a | | | | depicted wearing boxing gloves.) |
| sprained ankle. Do not apply a tourniquet. Splint | | | | And then, there are the dingoes. They may look |
| the whole area to immobilise. Then have someone | | | | sweet, but they're still untamed, so have second |
| drive you to the nearest hospital or doctor as | | | | thoughts when you feel tempted to pet them. |
| quickly as possible. Remember, in Australia, the | | | | Rule of thumb: Don't touch or feed anything. |
| number for emergency services is ‘000'. | | | | |