Gathering firewood with old explosives

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. . . .Critter Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .jump to .Mine Site Safety

Probably the most dangerous creature in Australia is the Salt Water Crocodile of the far north. They are not just limited to the coastal areas but will travel well inland during the wet. They can grow to enormous sizes but are more common in the range of 2 to 4 metres. The big fella's can weigh in at a ton or more. These croc's are distinguished by a head that is more delicate and narrower than the American Alligator. They can be lightning quick over a short lunge or a 5 to 8 metre sprint. Otherwise they are too bulky and badly designed for running although, the smaller ones can go at a fair clip. Around waterways in the north, it is foolhardy to ignore their presence. You will rarely see them as their hunting technique is all about stealth. If you plan to do any traveling and camping away from the main tourist track or even within National Parks, make sure you study-up on this critter. Fishermen have been taken from popular fishing spots so there is a risk around northern waterways and especially swimming off remote ocean beaches.

Fresh water crocs are common in the northern waterways. These species are considered to be shy and reclusive. They are fish eaters and have a distinctive long, tapered snout. The do not generally, grow very large, 1 or 2 metres, and are considered harmless. This is not strictly true. They are equally protective of their nests and should be avoided rather than tested for their tolerance to humans.

Snakes are everywhere on the Australian mainland. Each area has dominant species but they fall into two groups in my book: venomous and non-venomous. If you need to know about the specific types for an area you will visit, do the research. In general, snakes are shy and will most often avoid contact with humans. They can be aggressive if trapped or threatened and will strike and hiss alarmingly. Under these circumstances humans should retreat and avoid that area in future. Most snake bites have been reported to have occurred by 1. accident (stepping on) and 2. aggression (trying to kill them). Generally, leave them alone and watch where you walk. Do read about first-aid and have the necessary pressure bandages in your first-aid kit. Fortunately, there are very few snakebites that prove fatal. Most adults would recover quickly with proper and prompt treatment. Children, being smaller, can be affected more severely and should be treated as urgent cases for medical attention without causing them to panic or become too distressed. Study and practice the Australian first-aid procedure and seek help immediately.

Marine Stingers and Sharks. Box-jellyfish are a hazard during some seasons in the north. Always check with local people before swimming or wading in the tropic's: stingers have tentacle's that can be very long and almost invisible. Many tourist beaches have warnings posted during the season and treatment advice posted on notice boards. Always seek local advice before you enter the sea.

Sharks are everywhere around Australia's coastline. In the southern waters, the Great White is the most dangerous species but not the most common. A swimmer is more likely to be attacked by one of the smaller whalers or a Tiger shark than a Great White. The best advice is to never swim alone and seek local knowledge about rips and other dangers before entering the water. Fishing from the beach can be far more dangerous than shark attack in the southern regions. King waves can emerge without warning and sweep a beach or rock shelf clear to the high water mark : including anyone unfortunate enough to be fishing there.

Bull ants are very common. The Australian bull ant is a ferocious species which will attack rather than try to escape. They are sometimes called inch ants because of their size and they reside everywhere. It is a good idea to walk around a potential camp site looking for these critters. They have underground nests which can sometimes be seen as a bulge in the ground: particularly around the base of old trees or stumps. In desert areas without big trees, they will often build nests in scrub areas near rotten roots or in the bank of a rubble pile. Walking around a campsite should reveal them foraging for food and you can then avoid that area. Their bite is extremely painful and will begin as a sting and a small red spot. This initial sting will rapidly become larger, red and some swelling will take place around the bite zone. I do not know what treatment should be applied. I usually wipe the area with Metholated spirits but there is nothing I know of to relieve the pain of a sting. It will continue to hurt for several day's. I have been bitten many, many times and consequently, have a healthy respect for the territorial aspirations of this species: I generally move camp.

Many other ants sting painfully too. Best thing is to avoid nest areas and find a less busy place to camp.

Australian meat ants are almost impossible to avoid in the outback. This small 5mm to 9mm, red ant, is a busy forager. Their nests are very obvious because of the cleared area for several meter's around them. They are not as aggressive as the bull ant and will scurry away in a frantic rush when disturbed. As children, a popular game was to stamp heavily on their nest areas and jump quickly away to watch what happened. Thousands and thousands of angry ants would emerge to defend their nests: covering the surrounding area in their search for an aggressor. They do bite and it is an uncomfortable bite rather than the potent sting of the bull ant. Generally, they will coexist with campers that do not get too close to their nests. They make thorough nuisance of themselves by foraging throughout your camp. Just leave them alone.

Bee's and European wasps are migrating in many southern areas of Australia. There are two main species of European wasps present from recent reports. They are a swarming species that behave similar to honey bees in the way they spread. Wasps can be very dangerous. They have a potent sting and unlike bee's, are capable of multiple strikes. They are moving into the bush in some regions and pose a definite threat to recreational campers. Easily recognised by their dark banding on a yellow body, they tend to be active in spring through summer and diminish somewhat, towards winter. Be very careful with this species of wasp. They can and will attack a threat as a group. Stings can and do cause dangerous reactions in some people. The best defense is to avoid areas where they are highly active. Swatting and signs of aggression can be transmitted to others of that nest and a major attack can occur. Be very careful with children away from the protection of a car.

Human threat. There are some alarming reports of criminal activities over recent years. They are exceptional events rather than common. There are criminals and outlaws in every society and Australia is no different on this score. Handguns are a new element in crime statistics over recent years. Previously, criminals did not have access to handguns: rather, their weapon of necessity was the sawn-off shotgun. Australian police generally, did not openly bear arms until the 1960's and much later in some states. With the arming of police came a rise in firearm related crime. The Prime Minister's initiative was in place until recently, this required the surrender of many categories of weapons. This 'disarming' of Australian shooters has resulted in an increase in concealed weapons, handguns in general, are more available than at any time prior to the Prime Ministers initiative being enacted.

Private citizens are not allowed to bear arms without a special license: these are only granted to specific persons for specific purposes. Australian society, as a rule, are not governed by fear of firearms. A visitor to Australia should not hold the sort of concerns that they may in other countries where handguns are common. You are more likely to be injured by standing on a broken stubbie-beer bottle than by criminal activity.

The above being said, I would hasten to add that there are nasty people on the loose here in Australia as there are elsewhere. Be sensible about exposing yourself to risk. Generally, stopping to assist people that have broken down on a bush road is a requirement for my generation. It is generally accepted that you stop and assist especially when a road accident has occurred. The minimum assistance is to offer water and food if you have sufficient available. Otherwise, you make a judgment call on the situation as you see it. Certainly notify someone in the next town/station homestead or roadhouse of the event, so that a proper response can be arranged.

There is no rule book for dealing with personal threat. You just call the shots as you see them. Be nice to people and not aloof. If someone decides to camp too close to where you are and it bothers you . . . move. Avoid confrontational situations, but be firm about your position: "I prefer to be alone here. Would you mind finding another place for your camp . . please?"

I can tell you one of my 'pet hates' because it occurs too often for me to forget. Many people choose to travel with dogs. This is not uncommon and if these folk are prepared to take that responsibility, why not? Well, seeing as I asked . . . Station owners don't like travelers dogs trotting around the place. Baits layed for wild-dogs will usually catch a few owners out so, be warned! My particular dislike are owners who wander up to say a friendly hello with their mutt trailing loose. I just hate dogs pissing around my campsite and on my gear. So many owners don't take the simple precaution of 'assuming' their dogs may not be welcome in another persons camp. The mutts certainly aren't welcome in mine.

Some areas demand campers share close proximity to a specific camping zone. You should give as much space to those who were there prior to your arrival as is reasonable, but everyone is expected to adjust their situation to accommodate new arrivals. In general, a friendly manner and a helpful, community attitude works for everyone.

Mine site safety is a separate issue. Click here to go to that section

 

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