Snakes are an extra hurdle in cross-country

Sydney: Riders in the cross country round of the three-day equestrian event face enough hazards as it is but here they face another - snakes.

For once, though, it is the spectators who are most at risk of injury although organisers stress even that is pretty remote.

Red belly black snakes, brown snakes and the tiger snakes can all inhabit the area surrounding the cross country course, which will host up to 50,000 spectators and media on Monday and Thursday.

Dion Hobcroft, a senior keeper in the reptile department at Sydney's Taronga Zoo, advised people to leave any snakes they saw alone, as most are very timid and will generally slither away unless they are trodden on.

The black and brown snakes are relatively common in the Horsley Park area, the site of the equestrian venue, while the more aggressive tiger snake is very rare. However, all the snakes are venomous.

But while tourists may be concerned, there was no need to be too frightened and Olympic officials said long trousers and walking shoes offered enough protection.

There are anti-venoms for all species of snake, and the advice to anyone who gets bitten is to stay calm, don't move too much and get to hospital quickly.



(c) Reuters Limited.