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Seven-year-old boy flown to hospital after suspected tiger snake bite in Inverell

A seven-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after a suspected snake bite by one of Australia’s most venomous reptiles.

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A seven-year-old boy is in a stable condition after being bitten by a highly venomous tiger snake on Saturday afternoon.

The boy was transferred from Inverell Hospital to Tamworth Hospital after paramedics assessed him for a suspected snake bite.

Tiger snakes are one of the world’s 10 most deadliest snakes and are often found across Australia’s southeastern coast.

According to the Australian Museum, the highly venomous snake can grow to 1.2 metres and usually lives in watery environments such as creeks, dams, drains, lagoons, wetlands and swamps.

The seven-year-old boy was flown to Tamworth Hospital after his brush with the highly venomous creature. Picture: Chris Kidd
The seven-year-old boy was flown to Tamworth Hospital after his brush with the highly venomous creature. Picture: Chris Kidd

While the snakes are “generally shy” and tend to escape rather than engage in conflict, a threatened tiger snake will lash out and bite “forcefully”.

“The venom of the tiger snake is strongly neurotoxic and coagulant, and anyone suspected of being bitten should seek medical attention immediately,” the museum said.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s critical care team stabilised him prior to the flight.

He is in a stable condition.

NSW Ambulance has been contacted for comment.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/sevenyearold-boy-flown-to-hospital-after-suspected-tiger-snake-bite-in-inverell/news-story/870e7987d1b619a8499861805219d207