The Life Scientific Mark O'Shea on close encounters with venomous snakes
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Oct 7, 2025 
Mark O'Shea, a herpetologist and venomous snake expert, shares thrilling tales of his close encounters with deadly reptiles. He discusses the challenges of antivenom production and the ecological importance of snakes in controlling rodent populations. Mark recounts a dramatic rattlesnake bite and the difficulties faced in rural healthcare access for snakebite victims. He also reflects on his journey from a disinterested student to an esteemed professor, and the personal joy of having a new species named after him.
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King Cobra Shoe Bite
- Mark O'Shea was bitten when a king cobra struck his shoe and venom soaked into his sock through open toes.
- He underwent snakebite protocol and was hospitalised briefly but recovered quickly.
Immediate Snakebite First Aid
- Lie the bitten person down and keep them calm to slow venom spread.
- Use a pressure bandage for elapid bites and avoid tourniquets or dangerous folk remedies.
Snakes' Ecological Role
- Snakes are ecologically valuable as predators of rodents and disease vectors.
- Killing harmless snakes can worsen public health by increasing rodent damage and disease.