10. Common death adder

Quite widespread in Sydney bushland, the reason this snake is at number 10 is that it relies on camouflage rather than evasion to protect itself, according to Robinson. While other snakes will slink off when faced with a threat, the death adder freezes, he said, so it's easy to get bitten if you're walking through a bushy area and step on one. Its fangs are long and can penetrate quite deeply.

Danger rating: 7/10

Scientific name: Acanthopis antarticus

How to know if it's got you: The common death adder's venom causes loss of motor and sensory function — you go numb and your respiration starts to slow, and eventually, paralysis and even death can occur.