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marmar

(76,991 posts)
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 10:36 AM Apr 2013

Australian Field Hockey Player Dies From Snakebite During Practice



from SportsGrid:


One reason I have never visited Australia is that almost every animal and insect there can kill you. (Also I have visa issues). For instance, did you know that Australia is home to 20 of the world’s top 25 most venomous snakes? All of the sports teams over there are named for deadly spiders, scorpions or reptiles, and if they don’t get you, the climate will.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Commerce-Pints Hockey Club A-grade team on Thursday when captain Karl Berry, 26, died after he was bitten by a snake during practice. Berry was working out with the team at Marrara Stadium when he spotted what he thought was a small python, according to NT News. Pythons are not venomous. Berry picked up the snake and tossed it into the bushes, not realizing he had been bitten.

It turned out, however, to be a western brown snake, which is venomous. Berry then went on a training run and collapsed. ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.sportsgrid.com/olympic-sports/australian-field-hockey-player-dies-from-snakebite-during-practice/



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Australian Field Hockey Player Dies From Snakebite During Practice (Original Post) marmar Apr 2013 OP
Darwin is no place to casually pick up critters, but most Aussies never see a poisonous snake librechik Apr 2013 #1
So sad. :( nt. polly7 Apr 2013 #2

librechik

(30,663 posts)
1. Darwin is no place to casually pick up critters, but most Aussies never see a poisonous snake
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 10:51 AM
Apr 2013

their whole lifetimes. Except in the snake and insect zoos, of which there are MANY (go figure)

This death would be the first from snake toxin in many years. The reason is extreme public awareness and quick action on the part of
medical responders. If you need anti-toxin, Australia is the place where they have it, because they probably invented it.

So don't avoid the place over scary animals. Where I live we still get deaths from bears and panthers and the worst monsters of all, drunk drivers.

This poor bloke wasn't paying attention. Maybe there is an unspoken message in the name of his field hockey team:Commerce-PINTS Hockey. I wonder if they consume much beeah at the guyms.

Oh, and next time I go I'll be more careful around koalas and kangaroos. I had no idea they were poisonous.

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