INTERVIEW: Snake season is here: what are the chances of getting bitten?

Springtime doesn't just bring a shift in weather and more sunshine; it also marks the beginning of snake season. Australia is home to over 170 land and sea snake varieties, including around 100 venomous species and 12 that are likely to inflict a wound that causes death. In 2024-25, more than 2,100 Australians presented to hospital due to a snake bite, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. But WIRES, the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service, says snakes generally don't attack people unless provoked. For more on this, SBS chatted with WIRES spokesperson and snake enthusiast, John Grant.