5 Steps to Avoid a Snake Bite

  Following some simple precautions will help you avoid a snake bite.

1. Stay Alert to the possibility of a snakes presence.

    A snake will often lay motionless for long periods of time, this presents a problem that causes many bites. This North American Copperhead snake is exhibiting a common behavior for most snakes, simply lying still and blending with the surroundings.

This snake could easily be stepped on or near because it is motionless and well camouflaged.
Snakes are present in urban and suburban lawns, flower beds, gardens and driveways around the world. This reality is often overlooked.
Be especially alert when in rural areas such as Farms, Ranches, Campgrounds, Pastures or Wilderness. Be watchful around junk, trash, barns or outbuildings even in homes, cabins or other accommodations where it is open to the outside.
Proper lawn and garden maintenance can reduce the places snakes can hide.
Most snake bites occur without warning.

2. Be Careful Where You Step

When venturing into tall grass or weeds in open fields, forests or around water, wearing tall rubber boots can prevent a bite from most small snakes that might be encountered. These boots will also keep water off your feet if you are wading. Leather Hiking boots or high top leather boots can all provide a measure of protection against being bitten if you accidentally step on a snake that is not seen.

Wear tall rubber Boots (and or snake protection gear) for protection if entering tall grass, weeds or wading in water.
Wear leather hiking boots (and snake protection gear if needed) when venturing out to hike, go camping or working in rural areas.
Wear loose pant legs, this provides some protection from small striking snakes.
When walking, use a hiking pole or stick and move it through the grass around you to scare away snakes or discover them, before they are stepped on.
Step on logs, not over them, always be alert to the top and lower parts of a log as you approach, scanning for a snake. If none is seen, step on top of the log and then well out away from it on the other side, a snake could be laying just on the other side and could strike if you step over or blindly stand near a log or other ground clutter.

 

3. Be Careful what you do with your hands.

  The Coiled Copperhead under this log could easily be overlooked and may be blocked from sight by the log yet it could strike the hand at any second without warning, if it feels threatened.

In another example to the right, this Copperhead is blending almost perfectly with the surroundings. This snake could easily be overlooked causing it to feel threatened. It could be stepped on or it could strike when you reach to picking up firewood or leaves.  The Snake has been highlighted for identification.

A Black Mamba in a
abandoned factory. It could easily be just as surprised as you causing it to aggressively attack.

A Copperhead in a
suburban flower bed.

Don't put your hands in places you can't clearly see.
Don't pick up or move logs or rocks with your hands, turn them over first with a shovel, walking staff or other item.
Look before you reach, even when gardening or mowing the lawn.
Never attempt to pick up a snake, taunt it or trap it. This is how many snake bites happen every year. Unless it's a venomous snake near people, simply let it go on about it's business. Local authorities in urban areas will respond to venomous snake calls.

Hints To Avoid A Bite

• Don't try to pick up or trap a snake! It sounds strange, but many people are bitten trying to grab or trap a snake they have encountered.
   
• Walk around a snake giving it plenty of room.
   
• Don't try to kill the snake just because you have found it in the wilderness. This often ends in ways that are less than desirable and snakes are very important to the environment.
   
• Don't put your hands or feet in places where you cannot see such as tall grass, holes or crevices in logs, rocks or in the ground. Don't pick anything up without first flipping it over with a small tree branch, hiking pole or other item.
   
• Do not go bare foot or wear sandals when exploring the outdoors. Always wear leather hiking boots or other suitable footwear and clothing.
   
• Watch where you step, especially around trees, brush or tall grass. Be alert to your surroundings. Remember, Snakes often lay motionless and may be unnoticeable.
   
• If sleeping outdoors without a tent, don't lay next to rocks, tall grass, brush or logs. Use mosquito netting to create a barrier around yourself. Tuck mosquito netting well under your sleeping bag and anchor it well away from your body with logs, rocks or other items.