Woman Bitten in Her Bed by Deadly Snake Left in Serious Condition

A woman in her 20s has been bitten in her bed by an extremely deadly snake, leaving her in a serious condition.

The woman, based in the Western Downs region of Toowoomba, Australia, had been sleeping when the eastern brown snake bit her on her hand early Friday morning, a statement from the Queensland Ambulance Service said.

She was airlifted to hospital straight away. The Ambulance Service reported she was in stable condition during the flight. However a spokesperson from Darling Downs Health, which runs the hospital, told media sources that the woman's condition is still serious.

Eastern brown snakes are native to Australia. They are responsible for more snakebite fatalities than any other species in the country. They possess the globe's second-most toxic venom, which can shut down a victim's heart, diaphragm and lungs, all within a few minutes.

Bites from the species are a medical emergency. If they are not treated immediately they can be fatal.

"Not the surprise to wake up to," the Ambulance Service said. "The aeromedical crew was tasked to a remote property in the Western Downs region just after 1am. The woman's family applied bandages to the snake bite before the local Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedic arrived. The rescue helicopter pilot landed the chopper at a private property and the team prepared the patient to receive the anti-venom."

The woman's property was based in a rural area, meaning snakes and other critters are more likely to pay a visit.

Australia is home is many other snake species, but the eastern brown is considered one of, if not the, most dangerous snakes in the country.

Australia's snake season is currently in full swing, as it is currently summer down under. During the warm, summer months, snakes become more active and sightings increase. It is not uncommon for snakes to slither into properties during this time of year. Snakes love to hide and are usually attracted by shelter. Residential areas can also attract rats and other small rodents, which are preferred prey for many snake species.

Eastern brown snakes are unassuming creatures on the outside. Their dull, brown color often means people mistake them for non-venomous species.

Snakes will usually only bite humans if they feel threatened or vulnerable. But this small species is easily startled, making bites more common.

These small snakes also have a very small bite, meaning they are often painless.

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