A drought in Australia has forced thirsty snakes looking for water to migrate from the parched countryside into urban areas. Officials say it is the worst drought there in a century. Many of the snakes are poisonous and pose a threat to people.

Eastern Brown snakes are among the most poisonous of the world's snakes. A 16-year-old boy in Sydney was bitten by an Eastern Brown snake and died of a heart attack shortly after, officials said.

Since September there have been more than 60 serious snakebite cases. In the past few weeks at least three people have died from snakebites, according to BBC news.

The snakes are showing up in homes, gardens and even shopping malls. Officials are asking residents to avoid killing the snakes unnecessarily while warning them to avoid them.