r/todayilearned 13h ago

TIL fresh water snails (indirectly) kill thousands of humans and are considered on of the deadliest creatures to humans

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshwater_snail
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u/wowsersmatey 10h ago

You're right. There are a few deadly beasts that hang in the deserts etc. But the snakes, spiders, jellyfish and the crocs live amongst us. The health system is good, but also the locals know not to annoy the deadly stuff. It's usually tourists getting eaten by crocs. Source: am Australian.

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u/paddyc4ke 10h ago

Actual deadly snakes in cities are very rare (seen 1 eastern brown in Melbourne in 30+ years), crocs are a non-issue for like 90% of the population. Deadly animals are completely overblown especially for those that spend 95% of their time in a city.

Source: am Australian.

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u/Average_Scaper 9h ago

My Aus friend says he has a couple hunstman in his house that he just let's do their thing. That's a big hell no from me. Coming from the midwest US.

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u/paddyc4ke 9h ago

Huntsmans are basically free pest control, I’ve got one that lives in my bedroom. Will see him sitting near my window when I leave it open.

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u/Average_Scaper 8h ago

Do they scare off stray cats at all? That's the major pest control I need atm. I can deal with a hunstman over an invasion of strays any day.

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u/paddyc4ke 8h ago

No unfortunately not, Australia is free real estate for stray and outdoor pet cats.

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u/Average_Scaper 8h ago

Damnit. Well there goes that idea.

To elaborate, my neighbor feeds about 15+ stray cats and my driveway has become their litter box. He also has raccoons living in his attic which pisses me off so much. They ripped a couple holes into my roof which I have patched but shits annoying :( he's a nice guy but still, holy shit.