THIS hatchling might look harmless but its venom can kill instantly.

Hartley's Creek Crocodile Adventures have four northern death adders on display at the zoo and about nine babies.

Wildlife keeper Greg Watson said death adders behaved differently from any other snake and there were four species across Australia.

"No other snake strikes faster than a death adder," Mr Watson said.

"There's still a few around Cairns at Wangetti and in drier open woodland and throughout the Gulf."

The adults feed on mice while the babies feed on mouse tails or newborn mice once a week.

"They need incentive to get feed," Mr Watson said.

"In the wild they eat baby lizards and can go for weeks without food because they get warmth from the sun or heat off the rocks.

"They are the ultimate conservers of energy."

Mr Watson said the snakes flatten their bodies and expand their ribs, looking like they are puffed.

"If you touch one they are literally dangerous," he said.

"They bury themselves in the leaves and because their tails are so tiny they hold it in their mouth to attract prey.

"They have highly potent and toxic venom."

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