Avoiding Snakebite While Hiking

For many people nothing can mar an otherwise relaxing hike like the presence of a snake. More often than not the snakes you might encounter are harmless, and in nearly all cases snakes just want to be left alone. Snakes need not be a major concern while hiking, as long as you take some basic precautions. Here are a few tips to make your hike a little more stress-free.

Before you go-

The most important thing to remember before your hiking trip is this: knowledge is power. Take some time to research the area of your hike. What kind of snakes live there? Are any of them venomous? What types of environments do they prefer? What time of day are they active?

These facts will help if you encounter a snake. Knowing what the species are in the area look like will not only make snakes easier to spot and therefore avoid, but will generally make you feel calmer if an encounter does occur. Realizing that the snake you see is a harmless Rough Green Snake rather than a copperhead will allow you to breathe a bit easier. Knowing about the area snakes' habits will also help you to avoid them.

Once you are familiar with the area's inhabitants, you are ready to prepare for your hike. If you are hiking in an area with venomous snakes you should strongly consider wearing long, loose-fitting pants and leather boots that cover your ankle. If a snake does strike, you will want to limit its ability to come into contact with your skin.

Make sure to take a hiking stick as well. The hiking stick will precede you as you walk, making it more likely that the snake will know you are coming and leave the area. Hiking sticks can also be used to check areas with leaf debris before stepping.

It is always a good idea to have others with you on a hike. Aside from snake encounters, this can also help prevent any number of hiking mishaps. If a bite does occur, you are much better off if there are others to assist you. Taking a cell-phone is also a wise precaution.

On your hike -

The number one thing you can do to avoid an encounter with a snake while hiking is to simply be observant. Watch where you are putting your hands and feet, and keep an eye on the trail in front of you. Snakes don't like to be stepped on any more than you would, so watch where you are going.

Along those same lines, do not put your hand in rock crevices or leave litter. Snakes like to hide out in these places. A general rule is if you can't see into a particular place, you shouldn't come into contact with it. A large number of snakebites occur this way, and they could have been avoided by simply paying attention.

When on the trail, never step over a log or rock. Instead make sure to always step onto it, look on the other side carefully, and then step over. During hot summer days, snakes often like to stay under rocks and logs. If you jump over a log, you will not be able to see the other side and could risk coming into contact with an unamused snake.

What to do if you encounter a snake -

First of all, don't panic. If you see a snake, take a couple of big steps back. Give the snake some room and it will probably use that opportunity to get away (remember, snakes don't want a confrontation with you, either).

If the snake holds its ground, take a few more steps away and then go around. Make sure to give the snake a wide berth. A good rule of thumb is six feet plus the length of the snake.

Never attempt to chase a snake or pick it up to move it. Both of these actions stress out a snake and could make it feel cornered. A cornered snake is one that will bite. Most snakebites occur when people attempt to handle a snake.

By following these easy tips, you can breathe a bit easier during your hike. Keep in mind that snakes are not out to get you. The old adage is true: the snake is more afraid of you than you are of it. By preparing yourself before your hike, being observant during, and giving any encountered snake a little room you can feel confident that a bite will not occur.

Sources
Snakes of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation Online.

Avoiding Snakebite. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.