I’m A Celebrity’s Declan Donnelly ‘metres from venomous snake’ as warning signs slapped up after day at beach with kids
DECLAN Donnelly better keep his eyes peeled after an extremely venomous snake invaded his favourite beach.
The I’m A Celebrity host spent the day on Cabarita Beach with his kids Isla and Jack, just metres from where cautionary signs were slapped up, declaring: “Warning: Large brown snake seen crossing here.”
The beasts are so dangerous, even one sighting puts a community on high alert.
The government of Queensland environmental experts warn a bite can bring about paralysis.
Pseudonaja textilis, often referred to as the common brown snake, is a species of extremely venomous snake in the family Elapidae.
It can grow up to a whopping 2m (7ft) in length but thanks to its subtle colouring and slender build, it can often go entirely undetected – making it even more dangerous.
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The organisation say: “The eastern brown is fast-moving and sun-loving, and is generally active during the day. It is particularly lively when the weather is extremely hot and is often found around houses and sheds where it searches for prey including rats, mice and lizards.
“When provoked, the snake curves itself into an S-shape to strike, raising its head from the ground and displaying orange spots on its belly.
“Eastern brown snakes can strike with extreme speed and ferocity, especially if cornered, and often a series of bites are inflicted in these situations.
“If bitten, the initial effects of the venom appear quickly – a severe headache develops within 15 minutes.
“Paralysis develops very slowly and the majority of patients receive antivenin before paralysis has occurred.”
Queensland is home to about 120 species of snakes, with 65 per cent of these being venomous.
Dec, 48, and his co-host Ant will have undergone regular briefings on Australia wildlife as part of filming I’m A Celebrity, so is likely to know the danger signs to look out for.
Dec and wife Ali Astall have been enjoying family time in their favourite Gold Coast spot before filming begins, and have been seen out and about enjoying breakfast and a curry dinner.
Dec and Ali, 44, have been married since August 2015 and are the proud parents to daughter Isla, five, and son Jack, 16 months.
It comes as Ant McPartlin, 47, on Sunday arrived at Brisbane Airport and grinned as he emerged through arrivals.
Grinning, he told the Sun: “I’m really excited, it’s a great cast.
“It’ll be nice to be reunited with Dec, he’s been on his holidays. It’ll be nice to see Dec’s white lines and tan marks!
“We will run towards each on the beach with open arms.”
And he said of Nigel Farage’s signing: “A political figure in the cast last year was great so this year’s series, it’s very strong, really strong.”