Hiking Made Easy – Do you want to know how to avoid snakes while hiking? If so, then read this comprehensive guide to continue your hike safely.
Have you ever had second thoughts about running in a specified location because of a “Beware of Rattlesnake” or “Stay on Trail” sign? Snake phobias are among the most common in the world, and you would not be alone if you had this fear.
According to recent research, humans and primates are conditioned to fear snakes from an early age, most likely as an evolutionary tool from a time when snakes posed a serious and deadly threat to early mammal species.
Experienced and dedicated trail runners, on the other hand, frequently have the same approach about snakes that surfers have toward sharks: they just don’t consider them.
While that may be absolutely fine for some in the trail running community, the rest of us may still be on the lookout for peace of mind and the steps to take in order to achieve that peace.
When you consider how well snakes blend into their surroundings and how quickly they can strike, it’s easy to see why they tend to make runners nervous about heading out onto the trails.
These snake safety tips will assist you in learning how to avoid snakes on the trail and how to interact with them in a more harmonious manner if you happen to come across one.
Read this guide, if you want to know: How to avoid ticks while hiking?
How To Avoid Snakes While Hiking – 10 Effective Tips
Be Aware
Whenever you’re out in the woods, you should constantly be on the lookout and mindful of your surroundings. Even in the dead of winter, you should never assume that snakes are not around. Consider where you’re placing your hands and feet when you’re hiking.
If you’re climbing, make sure to look into all of the nooks and crannies before putting your hands or feet into them. Scanning the path around you and keeping your ears tuned for the scary sound of a rattle are important steps to take.
People who have a thorough understanding of snakes are less likely to be terrified of them than people who merely have a basic grasp of them.
It’s 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.
For example, running on trails with Garter snakes is significantly less dangerous than running on trails with other snakes since their bites are not poisonous. Being bitten by a Rattlesnake, on the other hand, maybe fatal.
You should constantly be aware of where you are and who is in charge of the land you are entering. So, it is one of the ways that can help you with how to avoid snakes while hiking.
Keep Your Ankles Hidden
Low ankle socks are more fashionable, but a comfortable pair of high ankle socks will also protect your ankles from accidental snake bites when you’re out hiking.
Although you may feel you look like you stepped out of an 80s music video, the trend is making a comeback in the fashion world.
Running in the summer requires socks that are both warm and breathable, so make sure they both are. In addition, long-running tights can provide an additional layer of protection.
Be Very Cautioned When Near Water
Keep in mind that snakes are capable of swimming. 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.
The simplest approach to avoid snakes when hiking is to be just a little bit proactive, so this is yet another reason to keep an eye on your surroundings at all times.
Avoid Music/Podcasts
Are you looking forward to listening to that new album or podcast while you’re out hiking? That could be something you want to reserve for another time (sorry!).
As much as you need to keep your eyes open, you also need to keep your ears peeled in case there are any snakes lurking around that are out of your field of vision. It is another way to help you with how to avoid snakes while hiking.
Train Your Dog
Snake bites are equally as dangerous to dogs as they are to humans (if not more so due to their natural curiosity). When it comes to teaching your dog snake avoidance skills, you have a lot of alternatives to choose from.
You may train your dog to “leave it” in the comfort of your own home. 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.”
When he successfully disengages from the temptation and refocuses his attention on you, praise him with a tasty reward.
Once he’s mastered the technique, attach a fishing line to the end of the snake and have a buddy pull it around the room as he practices the same command again.
Run When It’s Cold To Avoid Snakes
For those who are truly interested in learning how to avoid snakes, the ideal strategy is to run when they are less likely to be there.
Due to the fact that snakes are cold-blooded creatures, they will be most active when the day is at its hottest and when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
According to ecologist Alan Williams, the best time to see a snake on a trail is from late spring to early fall, when it is most active. If you want to know how to avoid snakes while hiking, you must learn everything about snakes.
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.
Avoid Trail Running At Night
When it’s chilly out, snakes must move around to keep their body heat up, which means they can be active throughout the day as well as at night. It’s difficult enough to come across a snake during the day.
Because you can’t see where you’re going while you’re hiking about at night, the possibilities of having an unfavorable experience with a snake are increased. Snakes are also active at night. Their heat sensors enable them to identify prey that is not visible to the naked eye.
Avoid getting between a snake and its prey if you can help it. If you must run at night, though, make sure you have a running partner and a headlight with you.
Stay Away From Rocky Trails
Do you see some rocky outcrops with no well-defined routes or trails? It’s possible that you’ll want to go back and locate another trail. Because you’ve entered a zone where you can’t see what’s directly in front of you, you’re putting yourself in potentially dangerous terrain.
So, staying away from rocky trails can help you with how to avoid snakes while hiking.
Put on the Proper Clothes
The hands and ankles are the most common areas for snake bites. If you’re trekking on a trail that has become overgrown, you should wear long, loose-fitting pants or gaiters.
Although it is not 100 percent sure that they will protect you from snake bites, they can help to reduce the quantity of venom that enters your body.
Hiking with Trekking Poles
When you use hiking poles, you may clear the bush to improve your visibility on the trail. Moreover, it will help to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes that may be lurking in the local area. While you’re doing it, you’ll also be providing some much-needed support for your knees and joints.
What to Do If You Get Bitten While Hiking On A Trail
Things happen and you get bitten every now and again. Attempting to suck out the venom is not recommended if you have been bitten.
In the event that you are bitten by a snake, it is critical that you get medical attention and support as soon as possible. To do so, follow the instructions outlined below:
Remain Calm And Escape The Snake
The first thing that comes to mind is probably screaming and running, but it’s crucial to maintain your temperament! Eventually, you will know how to avoid snakes while hiking.
As a result, you don’t want to scare the snake any further. Many individuals hurt themselves much more by tripping over something as a result of their panicked condition. So maintain your calmness and go as far away from the snake as you possibly can.
Never attempt to harm the snake; if someone is around, they may be able to take a picture to help first responders identify the snake’s location.
Get In Touch With Emergency Services
If you have been bitten by a snake, you should seek medical attention immediately. Based on your conditions and whether you are hiking with a group or by yourself, the following are your options:
- If you have a cell phone with service, dial 911.
- If you frequently hike in remote places where phone service is unavailable, I recommend investing in a satellite communication device such as the Garmin InReach Explorer Plus. It enables you to call SOS and receive assistance. I never go hiking without one of these.
- If you don’t have access to any services, have someone from your group go out and look for assistance.
- If you’re hiking alone and the chances of someone passing by are minimum, take it slow in order to get assistance. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
So, this is how to avoid snakes while hiking.
Look For A Safe Space To Sit
If you’ve been able to contact emergency services or if you have a friend who is heading out to seek assistance, it’s critical that you locate a secure place to sit and relax.
A faster rate of heartbeat allows the venom to pass through your body more quickly. Don’t lift the bitten portion of your body above the level of your heart; instead, keep it lower than the heart.
Remove Any Clothes/Accessories That Are Too Tight
Swelling is common after a snake bite, so you’ll want to remove any jewelry, watches, bracelets, or tight clothes that might be causing the swelling to be restricted. Wrap an elastic bandage over the whole bitten arm or leg, starting at the point furthest away from the heart and working your way in.
When wrapping tightly, make sure there are no gaps that would allow a finger to pass beneath the bandage. Take care not to block the flow of blood. DO NOT use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
Please Leave The Area Alone
To clean your wound, use soap and water or an antiseptic solution/wipe. It is not recommended that you use aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain relievers. They will thin your blood since these medications might worsen your condition even more.
Do not use ice or heat. It’s best if you don’t touch it after you’ve cleaned it to prevent infection.
How To Avoid Snakes While Hiking – FAQs
What is the best time of day to avoid snakes?
For those who are truly interested in learning how to avoid snakes, the ideal strategy is to run when they are less likely to be there.
Due to the fact that snakes are cold-blooded creatures, they will be most active when the day is is at its hottest. Moreover, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
What time of day are snakes most active?
While snakes are active throughout the day in the summer months. But they are most active very early in the morning, late in the evening, or late at night. When temperatures are not too hot for them. This includes poisonous species such as tiger snakes and brown snakes.
Should you run or walk away from a snake?
Not engaging in an interaction with a snake is one of the most successful strategies for surviving such a situation.
If you come across a snake on your trail, you should immediately move away. If you are unable to turn around and go in the opposite way, make sure to leave the snake plenty of room while you circle around it.
Conclusion
So, it was all about how to avoid snakes while hiking. If you know more tactics to avoid snakes on the trail, then share with all of us in the comments section below!
