How do you protect yourself from snakes when hiking? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Stay at least 5 feet from the snake. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn a commission. While Hiking All rights reserved. This warns snakes of your approach and lets you notice a snake before you get too close or step on it. Its best if you dont touch it after youve cleaned it to prevent infection. Additionally, do not leave any trash lying around camp sites; dispose of it appropriately in designated dumpsters located away from campsites or trails whenever possible. It is also important to properly store food and trash while hiking to avoid attracting snakes. You might also bring your kiddos to visit your local zoo or this very cool venom lab. Then cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing. If you want to train your dog, you can give him food or a toy (such as a rubber snake) and tell him to leave it.. Additionally, some snakes are more easily identifiable due their distinct markings or coloration patterns such as those seen on coral or rattlesnake species respectively. WebWhere is the Best place to set up camp to avoid snakes?What is the best snake repellent?How do you protect yourself from snakes while hiking. Our top pick: Sea to Summit Quagmire Canvas Gaiters. Depending on where you are hiking, anything from a wild bear to a small snake can come up and attack at any moment. 3 Weapons for Wilderness Survival Protect Yourself While Camping. Even if the snake looks dead, give it plenty of room and dont touch it! Hiking Made Easy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They were in a boat. Snake Rattlesnakes arent out to get humans. Take the victim to the nearest clinic or hospital. and donts of snake safety I hope that all the information provided above will help you become more aware and prepared, as you take on the trails during these warm months. Their family is lucky enough to live in a ranger house in a state park and have lots of access to the outdoors year-round. Head to these national park lakes to cool off and enjoy the view. Staying on marked trails and avoiding tall grass can help protect against snakes, while keeping dogs on a leash can prevent encounters with coyotes. However, theres one danger that is often lurking just out of sight: snakes. What is Lyme disease? Experts describe symptoms, testing and Snake Defense When Hiking: What to Know If one of them bites you, do not cut the bite wound, do not ice the wound, and do not suck the poison out with your mouth. Check out our reviews of the best outdoor products to help you make your next adventure even more enjoyable! Snake bites are equally as dangerous to dogs as they are to humans (if not more so due to their natural curiosity). I had only ever seen one rattlesnake before while hiking in VT before I moved to Cali. Snakes On A Trail: 5 Tips For Dealing With Snakes While What to do instead: if you can see the snake, be sure to back away from it to avoid another bite. Stay large! Observe your surroundings. While the obvious answer may be anywhere, knowing a little bit about snake ecology helps take the guesswork out of where you could potentially encounter an animal. WebTips to Protect Yourself from Snake Bites. Make noise while in camp. Survive a Snake Attack Protect Yourself from Animal- and Insect-Related Hazards While a snake bite from a venomous species is scary and painful, your chances of it being fatal are low. However, sometimes individual snakes dont fit the color scheme of the rhyme, so its more of a guideline. Snakes are usually heard before theyre seen, so this can be your first defense against avoiding snakes. Take note of the time of the bite. [5] When venturing in nature, the kind of serpent you may come across varies depending on your location. So stay calm, and walk as far away from the snake as possible. For the same reason, the best time of year to go hiking to avoid snakes is during the winter or cooler parts of the year. This can slow down the spread of venom if the snake is venomous. Train Your Dog. WebWear appropriate over-the-ankle hiking boots, thick socks, and loose-fitting long pants. Avoid the Weeds and Underbrush that Are Tall. Taking time to identify common species, understanding their behaviors, learning avoidance techniques, and preparing for possible defensive scenarios are all key components of staying safe from harm when exploring outdoors. Back away slowly while fighting the urge to turn your back and run. Never attempt to self-treat a copperhead bite by cutting an X across the puncture wounds and attempting to suck out the poison. Finally, if you do happen upon a snake on the trail dont panic. As the weather warms up throughout the year, the more active snakes become during the day, especially in the early morning and late evening hours during the summer. Regardless of whether the animal is venomous or nonvenomous, youll want to treat it the same way: leave it alone. Its so different and stirring. Dont Leave Your Trail. Additionally, its important to stay on trails and avoid tall grass or thick underbrush where snakes may hide. If you have been bitten by a snake, you should seek medical attention immediately. Its also helpful if you wear long pants and closed-toe shoes when hiking through brushy areas as this will provide extra protection against accidental bites from venomous snakes should they cross your path. Having a regionally appropriate field guide is more helpful than guessing what species your snake is! Azarxis Low Trail Gaiters Shoe Covers Wrapid Gators for Men & Women & Youth Running Hiking Climbing. Be aware of wildlife. Use soap and water or an antiseptic solution/wipe to clean your wound. So, it is one of the ways that can help you with how to avoid snakes while hiking. So release the fear and know what to do if you see a snake. Its crucial to be aware of the many sorts of snakes you can encounter on certain trails, not only to reduce your fear but also to be prepared in the event that you do come face to face with one. SNAKE If you dont have access to any services, have someone from your group go out and look for assistance. Make sure to give it plenty of space. This is why youre likely to find a snake stretched across a trail in the early morning or evening - he or she is just gathering energy for the day! Careful not to cut off the circulation. When you consider how well snakes blend into their surroundings and how quickly they can strike, its easy to see why they tend to make runners nervous about heading out onto the trails. Just how you want to be left alone in peace at your own home, snakes dont want to be bothered either. Here are some tips on how to avoid a snake bite when hiking. Take note of the snakes size, color, pattern and other details. That could be something you want to reserve for another time (sorry!). Raising it will allow the venom to circulate quicker. Acquire good snake identification skills. Avoid picking up objects such as rocks and leaves without thoroughly checking the area first. Even if you are going through a body of water, even if it is water in a ditch, and you see anything that appears to be a stick, it might very well be a snake. Look for freckles on the skin or fur. Calling ahead to inquire about snake antivenin may also be helpful, as not all hospitals may be equipped to treat a venomous snake bite. Home. Survive and Prevent Wild Animal Attacks in Colorado You dont want to agitate the snake any further, and many people injure themselves even more by tripping over something due to being in a state of panic. During the hottest part of the day, snakes seek shelter from the sun like we do, and you may find them resting under rocks and limbs. Snake bites are equally as dangerous to dogs as they are to humans (if not Pushing the grass away can help you locate any snakes before stepping. Its tempting to pop in some audiobooks for music while youre hiking, but consider leaving these in the car. Web1. Create a disturbance to alert snakes of your approach, allowing them time to retreat before you come too close. Check out this page from the NOLS Wilderness Medicine book. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking in areas where you cannot clearly see where you are placing your feet. Never attempt to harm the snake; if someone is around, they may be able to take a picture to help first responders identify the snakes location. Swelling happens with snake bites, so you want to make sure to remove any rings, watches, bracelets, or tight clothing thats restricting the swelling. Moving around the snake, even if in the middle of the trail, is your best option. If you can see a bluff charge is about to happen, slowly back away while waving your arms above your head, and speak to the bear in a calm voice. Do not try to kill the snake. Wyoming: 307-777-4600. Hiking is one of the best things you can do for your mind, body, and soul. Let the snake know you are coming. Hey, this is true even for sharks, so think of the timing of your outdoor excursions as the surf-and-turf law of safety in the natural world. Check Your Equipment. This includes tourniquets - do NOT tourniquet a snake bite. Knowing the common types of snakes that live in your area and how to recognize a snake is essential for staying safe on the trails. WebStand Still. Having a good field guide may also be helpful. When faced with a predator, many snake species will flee, but if they coil up in an S shape, rattle, or writhe around, they are scared and are telling you to leave them alone! Wear protective clothing such as long pants and boots to help protect yourself from snakebites. Some species like rattlesnakes make audible noises when threatened, making them easier to spot even from far away distances. Pop Up Camping Tents. Dont even put an ice pack on the bite, as this may cause further tissue damage. Red touches yellow, kill a fellow, grow into a more confident and limitless hiker. But, the established trails have fewer snake-friendly hiding spots. Check under your house and around the perimeter to close any gaps or holes where a rattlesnake could hide. Read this guide, if you want to know: How to avoid ticks while hiking? Just like checking weather conditions beforehand or making sure weve packed enough water, knowing what wildlife you may encounter outdoors is an important step to being prepared. Growing up in Southern California, seeing snakes (even rattlesnakes) was a regular occurrence during the spring and summer months, both on the trail and in my backyard. The sooner you get treatment, the better the chances of a good outcome. Hissing is one of many defense mechanisms snakes use to protect themselves from predators. Snake Heres what you need to know about defending yourself against a snake attack: If confronted by a venomous snake, cautiously retreat and give it plenty of space. Do not look the tiger in the eye, but do turn towards the tiger. Next time you go hiking with your dog, keep these prevention methods in mind. These products will also keep you safe from insects, water, and the weather. Distract the Snake. Being snake-safe is just as important for you as it is to the snake, so instead of being nervous or fearful, be prepared and focus on the cool experience of seeing wildlife! How to Protect Yourself from Snake Experienced and dedicated trail runners, on the other hand, frequently have the same approach about snakes that surfers have toward sharks: they just dont consider them. Some snakes can strike nearly half their body length.

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