TAIPAN

(species Oxyuranus scutellatus), largest Australian snake of the cobra family, Elapidae, reaching 3.3 m (nearly 11 feet) in length. It is brown above and yellow below, with a small head and ridged back. This uncommon resident of Cape York in northeastern Queensland may attack without warning, inflicting several bites in quick succession. The venom, which contains a blood-clotting agent, is fatal to humans, causing death within minutes.