*Remember that snakes can seem much shorter when they are coiled, so give the snake plenty of extra room when walking around it. If it doesn’t slither away and you need to pass, then go around the snake - making sure to stay out of striking range as you do. Most snakes can only strike half their length, but some snakes can strike 2-3x further than their length. The S shape allows them to extend their body when striking. Snakes typically curl into an S shape before they strike. If you have trekking poles, keep them in between you and the snake - the snake might strike at the poles instead of you. Obviously, if you’ve just literally stepped on a snake or right next to it, you aren’t going to stand still right on top of it. Try not to make any sudden or jerky movements. Now you can slowly start backing away from the snake. Thus, the smartest thing to do is to stop moving and stay still. If you run, the snake may interpret the sudden movement as a threat and attack. The get clues about their environment from tasting chemicals in the air (which is why their tongues flicker) and from vibrations in the ground. The reason for this is because snakes have very poor eyesight. Your first instinct might be to run away. So you’ve spotted a snake a few feet ahead of you on the trail. Most snakes you encounter will likely be harmless, like this garter snake Step 2: Don’t Run The chances of a snake being in your boot are slim, but there’s a good chance that some squishy spiders are in there. Check inside your boots before putting them on.Snakes like to hang out in piles of sticks. Then tap the rock or log with a hiking pole to see if any snakes slither out. Have a look around the edges before sitting down. Be careful where you sit. There may be snakes underneath large rocks or logs.Stay on the trail. If you must go off-trail, consider wearing boots and snake gaters.If you simply avoid startling the snakes while hiking, you should: For example, many bites occur when people accidentally step on a snake or if they accidentally grabbed a snake while gathering firewood. Other than situations where idiots try to kill a snake they encountered, most snake bites occur because the snake got scared. Whether you are dealing with vipers, rattlesnakes, or plain old garter snakes, here’s what you need to do if you see a snake while on a hike. The key to getting over this fear is knowing how to stay safe in snake country. But that doesn’t mean it’s not scary to see a snake while hiking - research shows that fear of snakes might even be part of our DNA. Most snake bites involve young males, hands, and alcohol, not trail runners or hikers.Snakes are truly glorious animals that are vital to ecosystems. Lots of people encounter snakes on the trail, but few get bitten. Snakes generally can only reach about half their body length, so don't get closer than you have to but don't try and ford a river or climb a 5.14 wall to get around them if you don't have to. If that isn't an option, move them with the longest stick you can find. Just keep your distance and go around them with plenty of space. Sometimes they are coiled up and harder to see, but most times I've seen snakes they have been stretched across the trail sunning and are easier to spot. Just pay extra attention to the trail 10-15ft in front of you like /u/grifclarke said. Snakes generally aren't looking to start anything, if they strike it's probably because you surprised it and stepped next to/on it.
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