Encounters with wildlife, including snakes, are a natural part of the hiking experience in many regions. While the sight of a snake can be startling, most species are non-aggressive and prefer to avoid human contact. Understanding how to react calmly and safely upon a sighting is paramount for the well-being of both the hiker and the reptile. Preparedness ensures that a sudden encounter does not turn into a dangerous situation, allowing you to maintain a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
Immediate Steps Upon Sighting
The moment you spot a snake, stop moving completely. Remaining still prevents you from startling the animal, as sudden movements can be perceived as a threat and trigger a defensive strike. This pause allows both you and the snake a moment to assess the situation and gives the snake the opportunity to retreat without feeling cornered.
Once still, slowly assess the snake’s location and the distance between you. Establish a minimum safe distance of six feet, which is outside the strike range of most snakes. If the snake is closer, very slowly and deliberately take small steps backward to increase separation. Quick movements can agitate the snake, so every action must be measured and calm.
After achieving a safe distance, give the snake ample space and time to move away on its own. Never attempt to prod, move, or harass the snake, even with a long stick, as most bites occur during interaction. If the snake does not move, carefully walk around it with a wide detour. Keep your eyes on the animal until you are well past its location.
Distinguishing Dangerous Snakes
Hikers should treat all snakes with caution, but recognizing general characteristics can help with threat assessment from a distance. The pit viper family, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, is responsible for the majority of venomous bites in North America. These snakes often possess a distinctly triangular or spade-shaped head due to the presence of venom glands.
Pit vipers also have a heat-sensing pit located between the eye and the nostril, though this is difficult to see from a safe distance. If you can observe the eyes, venomous pit vipers typically have vertical, slit-like pupils, similar to a cat’s. Most non-venomous snakes have round pupils. The most recognizable sign of a rattlesnake is the rattle at the end of its tail, which produces a distinct warning sound when vibrated.
Identification should never require you to approach the snake. If you cannot confidently identify the species from a distance, or if the snake appears aggressive or coiled defensively, assume it is dangerous. The safest course of action is to maintain a wide berth and wait for the snake to move or find an alternative route around it.
Reducing the Risk of Encounters
Proactive measures taken before and during a hike significantly reduce the likelihood of a surprise snake encounter. Wearing appropriate protective gear is an effective defense. Sturdy, over-the-ankle hiking boots and long, loose-fitting pants provide a physical barrier against a potential strike, shielding the lower leg which snakes often target.
Sticking to marked, well-traveled trails is another preventative step, as snakes prefer quiet, less disturbed areas like dense brush or tall grass. When navigating obstacles, always step onto a log or large rock before stepping over it. This allows you to see what is on the other side, preventing you from accidentally stepping near a snake that may be basking or hiding.
A hiking stick or trekking poles can serve as a useful tool for probing the ground ahead when visibility is poor, such as in leaf litter or dense undergrowth. Tapping the ground creates vibrations that alert nearby snakes to your presence, giving them time to move away. Avoid placing hands or feet into crevices, holes, or under rocks without first thoroughly checking the space.
Emergency Procedures Following a Bite
If a snakebite occurs, remain as calm as possible, as panic increases heart rate and speeds up the circulation of venom. Immediately call for emergency medical help, such as 911 or local services, and provide your exact location. While waiting for help, keep the affected limb immobilized and positioned at or slightly below the level of the heart to slow the spread of venom.
Remove any tight clothing, rings, watches, or constricting items from the bitten limb right away, as swelling can begin rapidly. The only definitive treatment for a venomous snakebite is antivenom, which must be administered by medical professionals in a hospital setting. Focus solely on minimizing movement and preparing for transport.
Many common first aid practices are dangerous and should be strictly avoided.
Practices to Avoid
- Never attempt to cut the wound with a blade or try to suck out the venom, as this introduces bacteria and causes further tissue damage.
- Applying a tourniquet is harmful, as it can completely cut off blood flow and lead to the loss of the limb.
- Do not apply ice or a cold pack to the bite, as extreme temperatures can worsen the local tissue damage caused by the venom.