Encounters with snakes can be startling, often triggering a natural fear response. Many people worry about a snake pursuing them, a common misconception rooted in misunderstanding these reptiles’ natural behaviors. Understanding their actions is important for ensuring a safe and appropriate reaction.
Responding to a Perceived Chase
If a snake appears to be moving towards you, remaining calm is the first and most important step. Sudden movements or panicking can agitate the snake and increase the likelihood of a defensive reaction. Snakes typically do not attack unless provoked or threatened.
Slowly back away from the snake, creating distance, allowing it space to move away naturally. Avoid attempting to catch, corner, or harm the snake, as most bites occur when people try to interact with them. Giving the snake an unobstructed escape route allows it to retreat from the perceived threat. The snake is most likely attempting to get away from you, not pursue you.
Deciphering Snake Movements
The idea of a snake “chasing” a human is largely a myth. Snakes are generally defensive creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. Their primary response to a perceived threat is to escape and hide rather than attack. What might seem like a chase is often a misinterpretation of a snake’s natural movements or defensive behaviors.
A snake might appear to move towards a person if its escape path happens to be in that direction. A snake might also make a “bluff charge” or warning strike as a defensive display to scare off a threat, which can be mistaken for an aggressive pursuit. This is not an act of aggression but rather a protective measure to encourage the perceived threat to leave.
While some snakes, such as the sidewinder or black mamba, can move quickly in short bursts (up to 18 mph for the sidewinder or 12 mph for the black mamba), they do not sustain these speeds to chase humans. Most snakes are much slower, and their movements are primarily focused on escape, defense, or hunting small prey. Snakes do not hunt humans, and their movements are not indicative of predatory intent.
Preventing Future Encounters
To minimize snake encounters, being aware of your surroundings is a practical measure. This includes watching where you step, particularly in areas with tall grass, rocky terrain, or near water sources where snakes may hide or hunt. Wearing appropriate footwear, such as closed-toe shoes, sturdy boots, and long pants, offers an additional layer of protection.
Making noise while walking, especially when hiking, can alert snakes to your presence. Snakes are sensitive to ground vibrations and often retreat when they detect human activity. Avoid reaching into unseen areas, such as under logs, rocks, or brush piles, where a snake might be resting.
Keeping your surroundings tidy helps deter snakes from taking up residence. Regularly mowing lawns, clearing debris, and removing wood or rock piles eliminates potential hiding spots and food sources. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations or around pipes can also prevent snakes from entering homes or structures. Never attempt to handle or provoke any snake, as this is when most bites occur.