The death adder (actually three species—Acanthopis praelongus, A. pyrrhus, and A. antarcticus) is found everywhere in Australia except Victoria and Tasmania. It averages 26 inches (65 centimeters) in length, with fangs that are about a quarter of an inch (6 to 8 millimeters) long. They tend to hide in leaves, sand, or gravel in order to ambush prey. Because they hide and do not typically flee from humans, they are easily stepped on, leading to a bite. Death adder venom causes paralysis, and is fatal about half of the time when antivenin is not administered.

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