Avoid Snakes
Do you have that fear of snakes that causes you to sweat, scream, stop breathing, or even cry at the sight of one?
If you are an avid snake-hater, this article is perfect to keep you safe from snakes as much as possible.
Steps
- When hiking, don't go barefoot or wear sandals. Wear sturdy hiking boots and long pants.
- When going outside, avoid tall grass. If you are in a situation where you can not in fact avoid tall grass, keep your eyes peeled for snakes and make sure your presence is known.
- Avoid places that are more likely to have snakes. Do some research ahead of time and see what types of snakes are common in your area, what they look like, and where they are most likely to be.
- Many snakes can climb trees and often like to move around from tree to tree using the branches. Try to avoid heavily wooded areas. If you can not, then wear a hat.
- Walking with sure steps can decrease your chances of getting bitten. Snakes respond to the vibrations they feel along the ground, and so will be able to feel you coming and hide. Remember, snakes are just as afraid of you as you are of them, if not more so. They do not actively try to hunt humans. Rather, they will try to stay away.
- Always look around. Being aware of your surroundings. Look down where you are walking so that you don't accidentally step on a snake.
- Stay away from large rocks, and any type of object that may create a home for snakes
- Be sure to not take too long getting into your car, if it is parked outdoors, because snakes like to go underneath cars to stay protected from the open air and still have contact with the warm asphalt. If you are standing there, the snake may see your feet and confuse them with a rat, and then you would have a snake biting your feet.
- If you live in a rural community or don't have a car, and you have to walk from place to place, do so with a fast pace. When you are walking on the sidewalk, make sure you stay in the middle of the sidewalk.
- Be sure to seal any cracks around your house that may allow for snakes or other nasty critters to crawl in.
Tips
- Do not try to handle snakes without formal training.
- Snakes can also get inside your house. Keeping your doors and windows shut at all times will help decrease your chances of running into a snake inside your house.
- Where there is one snake, there are probably more.
- Dogs, inside and out, are a good way to protect yourself because they usually will bark. Just be sure that you get the dog away from the snake as soon as you see one, because the dog can be bitten.
- Learn first aid. This can help you deal with snake bites.
- One is not as likely to run into snakes in the winter as they are in the summer. Snakes are cold-blooded, which means that their body temperature is the same as the outside temperature. This is why many snakes lie on the road at night - the heat from the sun has warmed up the asphalt and is warmer to the snakes. This also means that you won't see a snake moving through snow - it's just too cold. Plus, many snakes hibernate.
- When walking in the tall grass, be sure to pick your feet up after each step, if you don't, you might accidentally drag a snake with your feet while running and it may get hooked onto your shoe.
- Yelling at a snake will not keep it from attacking you. Stay very still, and if it still looks to be in a threatening position, back away slowly. Don't make sudden movements or the snake may bite.
- In the summertime wear tennis shoes or boots in grass, in case of a snake bite.
- If you see more than one snake, attempt to walk away from the situation.
- If you are camping, be sure there are no holes in your tent. Also store your boots inside, as snakes tend to sleep in them.
- Move to New Zealand where there aren't any snakes.
- Learn more about snakes. Most snakes are not venomous, and all snakes would rather stay away from a human than bite them. Remember that snakes will not actively try to hunt you out.
Warnings
- Certain species of snake may be more aggressive then others. Treat all snakes as venomous and dangerous.
- If you are bitten by a snake, seek help immediately.
Things You'll Need
- A Shovel always comes in handy
- Maybe a gunnysack
- A first aid kit
- Boots with a thick sole. Steel toe preferred.
Related Articles
- Reduce the Number of Venomous Snakes in Your Area (USA)
- Tame Snakes
- Prevent a Snake Bite While Hiking
