Summer Survival - Avoiding Snakebites

Whether you are going on an outing, a hike in a wilderness area or just checking the fence line, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid being bitten by snakes. Using a little common sense will help you avoid a possible life-threatening situation.

Simple Ways to Avoid Snakebites

1.) Wear a good pair of hiking boots or shoes that will give you additional protection and watch where you put your feet.

2.) Always carry a good hiking stick or walking staff to check any areas that could be harboring a snake.

3.) Never turn over logs and rocks with your hands. This is an extremely dangerous practice, especially in a wilderness area. Use your hiking stick!

4.) Never reach into a hole in the ground without checking it first.

5.) Never sit down on a log, rock, etc. without thoroughly checking the area first.

6.) Never try to catch or touch a snake, live or dead. Leave that to the professionals.
Copperheads can bite even when they’ve been decapitated.

7.) If you do encounter a snake, give them adequate room and take another route.

8.) Never leave boots or shoes outside at night. Snakes will crawl into places for protection from the cold to help retain their body heat.

9.) If you are going to be working in an area and need to pick something up or move it, make sure you check the area with a long stick first.

10.) Always double-check the area where you are working, you may not notice a snake’s presence the first time.

Always remember that you can be bitten in the backyard or your garden. Keeping a shovel or hoe handy is a good idea when working in these areas. You can be bitten just as easily there as well as when you’re on a hiking or camping trip.

Following some simple rules and using a little common sense will help you avoid being bitten by a snake while you are outdoors.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker