9. Coastal taipan

Around two metres (6.4 feet) on average, the coastal taipan is not an aggressive snake, but it's very able to defend itself with a fast and accurate strike. The inland taipan beats the coastal taipan for the severity of its venom, Robinson said, but people rarely encounter it and there have been no known deaths.

Danger rating: 7/10

Scientific name: Oxyuranus scutellatus

How to know if it's got you: The coastal taipan's venom is designed to work on mammals such as rats and works very quickly. The venom attacks the nervous system and blood. If bitten, you might start to bleed internally, as well as suffer headaches, nausea and vomiting.