tiger snake (Notechis scutatus), Australian NotechisAustralian member of the cobra family, Elapidae. The snake’s venom, which contains a blood-clotting agent as well as a nerve paralyzer, is often potentially fatal to humans. Before striking, the tiger snake flattens its head and neck, cobra fashion.

This common serpent, most numerous in swampy places in southern regions, is variable in colour but often has brown-and-yellow bands. It averages 1.2 m (4 feet) in length.

Tiger snakes occur in moist areas and in dry, rocky habitats of southern Australia and adjacent islands. They are represented by a variety of distinct populations that probably correspond to two, or perhaps more, species. The eastern tiger snake (N. scutatus) is the most widely distributed form, occurring from Victoria and New South Wales to portions of South and Western Australia. The black tiger snake (N. ater) is mainly limited to arid and rocky regions in South Australia. Tiger snakes eat frogs, birds, and mammals, and all attain adult lengths of 1 to 1.5 metres (3 to 5 feet). They are live-bearers.