If you frequently hike or spend lots of time in nature, it is extremely important that you are aware of any possible dangers.
One of the dangers you should be aware of is snakes. Fortunately, most snakes are completely harmless! Though there are a number of venomous snakes that pose a threat to humans.
If you are able to identify these venomous snakes, you can easily tell when a snake is safe to approach. However, if you are unsure about your identification skills, it can be a little riskier to interact with a wild snake. This can make stumbling upon a wild snake a little scary for some people.
One of the best ways to avoid being bitten by a snake is to do your research and know how to interact with a snake safely. Now before you put on your hiking gear, here are a few tips that will help keep you and the snake safe if you encounter one in the wild.
Three Safety Tips:
1. Leave it alone. The best thing you can do when you come face to face with a wild snake is to leave it alone. Especially if you aren’t sure what species it is. There are only four types of venomous snakes in North America: Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Coral Snakes. Though if you are unsure of how to identify these snakes, it is better to proceeded with caution and assume any snake you come across is venomous. It is a common misconception that snakes are malicious and will even chase you if stumbled upon. It is easy to forget that snakes are more scared of you than you are of them. Their primary goal is to stay alive and get away from you as quickly as possible. Some snakes choose to look threatening and may even strike if you get too close, but others will simply try to run away. If you keep your distance and respect their space, they will not expend the energy to come after you.
2. Back away slowly. If you find yourself a little closer to a snake on the trail than you are comfortable with, the best thing you can do is back away slowly. People most frequently get bitten when trying to move or antagonize a snake. The worst thing you can do when face to face with a defensive snake that is in your path is try to move them out of the way. Even using sticks or throwing rocks to move them can be dangerous. These actions can make a snake feel like its life is in danger, and that’s when they are most likely to bite. If you find a snake on the middle of a trail, back away slowly and wait for them to pass or move around them. Keep your eyes on the snake as you back away and move slowly so as to not scare the snake further. When enough distance is between you and the snake that it feels safe, it will likely slither away and out of your path. Make sure you keep a good distance between you and the snake as large snakes can strike up to four feet. Usually distances between 10—15ft or more are ideal. At these distances, snakes will likely feel comfortable enough to try to escape and get out of your way entirely. If they don’t immediately leave, moving around them while maintaining a safe distance will help you continue down your path.
3. Wear footwear that covers your ankles. If all else fails and you find yourself unknowingly standing above—or even on top of—a snake, there are a few preventative measures that will help you avoid a bite. One of the best things you can do to avoid snakebites is wear protective clothing. Often long pants and boots that cover your ankle are enough to prevent a bite. Though a snake's teeth are sharp, these precautions can help avoid a snake bite from breaking the skin. If you are hiking in areas that are known to have many venomous snakes, it may be wise to invest in snake boots. Snake boots are usually knee-high boots that are specifically made to prevent snake bites. The boots are made of materials that snake fangs cannot penetrate. However, just because a snake strikes at you, doesn’t mean it intends to bite. Sometimes, snakes will “false-strike” which is essentially a closed-mouth strike that intends to scare away their foes. If a venomous snake does decide to bite, they also can "dry-bite" where they don’t inject any venom. Thankfully, the protective clothing you choose to wear can help avoid all the worry.
Summary
If you come across a wild snake and don’t know if its venomous, your best bet is to leave it alone. Don’t approach them, and give the snake ample space and respect. If you leave them be, they will not bother you.
If you happen upon a snake and end up too close, keep an eye on them and back away slowly until you are a safe distance away. You want to be at least four feet away to avoid a strike, but 10—15ft will give them more space to get away. You can also take some precautions to avoid bites before you even leave your house. Wearing long pants and sturdy boots that cover your ankles will help protect you if a snake decides to bite.
Snakes are amazing animals and you shouldn’t panic if you come across one in the wild. With these tips you can appreciate how amazing wild snakes are while staying safe at the same time.
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