What to do when you encounter a snake while hiking?
If you see or hear a snake, the best thing to do is to stop, assess the situation, slowly back away, and wait at a safe distance for the snake to leave. If there is a way to detour far around the snake, that’s a good option too. Don’t try to scare the snake away, approach the snake, or move the snake.
What is the best way to avoid snakes while you are on the hiking trail?
Stick to trails, avoid tall grass and heavy underbrush where snakes may shelter out of the heat. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Don’t wear sandals in bushy, wild areas. Rattlesnakes can swim, so be careful about grabbing what look like sticks or branches in lakes and rivers.
What would you do if you see or notice a snake around you?
Leave it alone. Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked, so it’s best to leave them be. If you see a snake inside your home, get all people and pets out of the room immediately. Shut the door and fill the gap underneath with a towel, then call a professional snake catcher for assistance.
What to do if bitten by a snake while hiking alone?
- Snakebite First Aid.
- Remove jewelry or clothing that may restrict circulation near the bite because of swelling. Struck in the foot or leg? Don’t remove your shoe.
- Wash the wound. That’s all.
- Keep the wound at heart level. (For lower limbs, it’s OK to walk.)
- Evacuate. Get to a hospital ASAP.
Should I be afraid of snakes while hiking?
One good way to avoid snake bite is to avoid trekking areas that are known to be snake territory, especially at night time. You need to keep in mind that snakes are really active when darkness falls. So it is also a good idea to choose going through open trails and to avoid bushes and loose rocks.
What does it mean when you see a snake?
As can be seen, snake symbolism and snake meaning change from culture to culture. In most scenarios, though, it means transformation and rebirth. Snake is also a symbol of the Devil or Satan but can also represent healing. It can even symbolize feminine power, Mother Earth, and the soul itself.
What happens if you step on a snake?
If you step on a snake or are very close to a Puff adder then move away quickly. If the snake stays slithering on the ground it will likely move away and not strike. If the snake rears up like a cobra and flattens its neck to form a hood then it is aggressive and is likely to strike and you need to act with caution.
How do you react when you see a snake?
If you do happen to encounter a snake, follow these steps.
- Stay Calm. The chances are that the snake saw you before you saw it – and it wants nothing to do with you. If it hasn’t retreated, it will lay still or release a warning sound.
- Move away from the snake. We repeat, move away from the snake.
What does seeing a snake represent?
How common are snake bites while hiking?
Although being bitten by a snake is somewhat rare, if you do go hiking it would still be great if you know how to take some precautionary measures in order to decrease the chances of a bite. And if the dreaded snake bit does occur, remember the first aid is important.
What should you do if you see a snake while hiking?
If you are going on a hike or camping, you should be conscious of your surroundings. Be aware of where snakes are most likely to appear. When you are hiking, stay on the trail as much as possible. You might still encounter a snake, but it is less likely than if you wander off of the trail.
How do you survive a snake attack?
One of the most effective ways to survive an encounter with a snake is to not engage. If you come across a snake in your path, walk away. If you can’t turn and go the other direction, make sure to give the snake a wide berth as you circle around it. Remember that most snakes have no desire to be around people.
Why do snakes stretch across the trail?
Because snakes are ectotherms, they depend on external sources for heat. This is why you’re 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!
Are there rattlesnakes on the trail?
Rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes should not be taken lightly if you come across them while enjoying the trails.