About those Stingers…
February 12th, 2008 by Tiffany Miller
There is some confusion among backpackers as to what exactly a stinger is. In fact, the term encompasses a few different types of “killer jellyfish.” The most deadly being the box jellyfish, aka sea wasp. This guy has a large transparent body and tentacles around 3 metres long. It is most prevalent from November to March in coastal water from Queensland to the northern coast of Western Australia. Their sting causes excruciating pain and in many cases, death, since it will quickly cause respiratory failure or shock to the heart.
Then there is the Portuguese Man-O-War, known in Australia as the bluebottle. His sting will make you think you are going to die, but actually should subside within ten hours. Pouring vinegar over the sting will neutralize the nematocysts (stinging cells).
Irukandji are the other well known species. They are tiny (2 centimetres) and inflict a sting causing severe abdominal and back pain, cramps, nausea and vomiting, and possibly death if the victim is not hospitalized for treatment.
Although these creatures are some of the most deadly marine animals known, they do not “attack” humans. They drift into shallow waters hoping to catch small fish or prawns. Stinger nets set up will protect you from the larger ones, but Irukandji can only be avoided by wearing a stinger suit or any type of protective clothing, even women’s pantyhose (often worn by surfers).
Then there are sharks, salt water crocodiles, deadly snakes and spiders, and some aggressive wildlife. To be sure you are safe, you should wear protective clothing in the water. But great white sharks will rip off your arms regardless, so maybe you should just stay on the beach. And don’t walk through tall grass, for fear of snakes. And maybe you shouldn’t drive either, since some spiders crawl into door jams and jump on you while driving.
… maybe you should just stay home.
Or you could go for it, jump in, climb, trek and dive- Aussie style, and have the adventure trip of a lifetime you will be telling stories about for years to come. Hopefully with all your limbs.
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