Juvenile Dugites abound in February and March and often find their way into buildings. Although unlikely to be dangerous to adults the bite from one of these can cause quite severe swelling and anxiety. They are typically greenish or brownish with dark head and when disturbed they quickly attain a defensive stance.
All elapids are venomous but many are too small to be considered dangerous. Their bites cause no more discomfort than a bee or ant sting. About 75% of Australia's elapids fall into this category. The larger species are more inclined to have venoms evolved for mammal prey and therefore their toxic effect on humans maybe greater. Even as juveniles the venom has this high toxicity. Immature individuals of the Gwardar or Western Brown Snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni) have been responsible for some of the quickest deaths from snakebite in Australia. One such case occurred just north of Perth at Jurien. An adult male died in the car trying to get to the local nursing post shortly after being bitten. This was an exceptional case. Death from untreated snakebite in Australia is rare under 1 hour and uncommon under 6 hours.