How do we know which snakes are dangerous? This seemingly simple question caused constant concern for the white settlers who colonised Australia after 1788. Facing a multitude of serpents in the bush, their fields and their homes, colonists wanted to know which were the harmful species and what to do when bitten. But who could provide this expertise? Liberally illustrated with period images, Venomous Encounters argues that much of the knowledge about which snakes were deadly was created by observing snakebite in domesticated creatures, from dogs to cattle. Originally accidental, by the middle of the nineteenth century this process became deliberate. Doctors, naturalists and amateur antidote sellers all caused snakes to bite familiar creatures in order to demonstrate the effects of venom - and the often erratic impact of 'cures'. In exploring this culture of colonial vivisection, Venomous Encounters asks fundamental questions about human-animal relationships and the nature of modern medicine.

The second installment in the Dangerous Encounters series features dozens of new and exciting real-life animal attacks. Mountain lions, alligators, killer sharks, stampeding elephants, and, of course, deadly cobras are just a few of the predators on the prowl in this gripping collection. Photo-realistic illustrations enhance the text throughout, and a new sidebar feature provides educational information on the animals.

A full-color guide to the natural history of venomous snakes. Information on dealing with venomous snakes in the wild. Includes 19 North American species accounts.

A thrilling tale of encounters with nature’s masters of biochemistry From the coasts of Indonesia to the rainforests of Peru, venomous animals are everywhere—and often lurking out of sight. Humans have feared them for centuries, long considering them the assassins and pariahs of the natural world. Now, in Venomous, the biologist Christie Wilcox investigates and illuminates the animals of our nightmares, arguing that they hold the keys to a deeper understanding of evolution, adaptation, and immunity. She reveals just how venoms function and what they do to the human body. With Wilcox as our guide, we encounter a jellyfish with tentacles covered in stinging cells that can kill humans in minutes; a two-inch caterpillar with toxic bristles that trigger hemorrhaging; and a stunning blue-ringed octopus capable of inducing total paralysis. How do these animals go about their deadly work? How did they develop such intricate, potent toxins? Wilcox takes us around the world and down to the cellular level to find out. Throughout her journey, Wilcox meets the intrepid scientists who risk their lives studying these lethal beasts, as well as “self-immunizers” who deliberately expose themselves to snakebites. Along the way, she puts her own life on the line, narrowly avoiding being envenomated herself. Drawing on her own research, Wilcox explains how venom scientists are untangling the mechanisms of some of our most devastating diseases, and reports on pharmacologists who are already exploiting venoms to produce lifesaving drugs. We discover that venomous creatures are in fact keystone species that play crucial roles in their ecosystems and ours—and for this alone, they ought to be protected and appreciated. Thrilling and surprising at every turn, Venomous will change everything you thought you knew about the planet’s most dangerous animals.

Presents a radically new view of the role of science and scientific methodology in the colonies. It explores the role of snakes, snakebite and snake venom in the emerging science of nineteenth-century Australia and India, the neglected significance of inter-colony exchanges and conflicts and the importance of vivisection to science.

Describes dangerous mammals, reptiles, spiders, insects, flowers, shrubs, trees, and mushrooms.

Originally published as The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sharks (Alpha/Penguin) in 2003, this new text includes updated information, all presented in non-scientific terminology, including new shark species as well as up close and personal shark encounters experienced by the author as well as her dive buddies and others. One of the early recreational divers to venture into a shark cage, Mary Peachin has expanded on many personal up-close underwater encounters with dozens of shark species to include all-encompassing, non-scientific information about sharks.

The Handbook of Venoms and Toxins of Reptiles offers "one-stop shopping" to all biologists, biochemists, toxicologists, physicians, clinicians, and epidemiologists, and informed laypersons interested in the biology of venomous reptiles, the biochemistry and molecular biology of venoms, and the effects and treatment of human envenomation. This book

"The deadly plants that can be found everywhere" is an in-depth and comprehensive guide that explores the world of deadly plants and provides invaluable knowledge to readers. From residential areas to natural environments, urban landscapes to public parks, this book delves into the diverse range of plants that pose potential risks to humans, pets, and wildlife. The book begins by presenting intriguing facts about deadly plants, capturing the reader's attention from the very beginning. It highlights the importance of understanding and identifying these plants, debunking common misconceptions that often surround them. Readers are introduced to the various categories of deadly plants, including poisonous and toxic species, and gain insights into their different characteristics and effects. The chapters of the book cover a wide array of topics, including the defense mechanisms employed by plants and the factors that make some plants more dangerous than others. The exploration extends to the identification and characteristics of common deadly plants found in residential areas, enabling readers to recognize potential hazards in their own surroundings. Moving beyond residential areas, the book takes readers on a journey through natural environments, uncovering the hazardous plants found in forests, meadows, and other outdoor settings. It emphasizes the importance of safety measures for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate these environments with caution. The book doesn't stop at natural environments. It also delves into the presence of deadly plants in urban landscapes, parks, and gardens. Readers gain an understanding of the potential dangers associated with these public areas and learn how to identify and avoid risky encounters.

Identifies, explains, and categorizes the habits, haunts, and dangers of hundreds of the world's most poisonous creatures, with rich illustrations.