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Picture this….you are out enjoying a hike on a sunny summer day. You’re distracted, talking to your hiking buddies, and come around a bend. Sitting in the path in front of you is a large, brown and black snake with its tail rattling at you. You’ve heard about snake encounters, but haven’t experienced one yourself yet. What is your next step?
Knowing the answer to this question may just save your life, or at least save you a lot of pain and medical expenses! Snake encounters are pretty common when hiking, but snake bites are not, especially if you know what to do. The first action is to move away-give the snake plenty of space!
What to Do During Snake Encounters
Snake encounters are not all that uncommon when hiking in state parks, national parks, and any other wilderness area.
DON’T let these encounters stop you from exploring the outdoors, but DO educate yourself and know what to do when they do occur. The major concern when it comes to snake bites is if they are venomous.
If you do encounter a snake when hiking, automatically treat it as venomous. You will want to:
- Stop and slowly back away in the opposite direction. Most snakes can only strike from a distance that is about half their body length. They also would prefer to get away from you rather than attack, but will attack if they feel threatened.
- Avoid any sudden movements and stay calm. You do not want to alarm or startle the snake.
- If you can, try to get a good look at the snake from a distance. In the case of a bite, it is not necessary to be able to identify the type of snake, but being able to give a description may help the doctor choose the best treatment quicker.
- Find an alternative pathway. If the snake is blocking your path, you will want to find an alternate pathway, giving the snake plenty of room. If an alternate pathway is not available, turn around, or wait until the snake is gone.
Why Snake Bites Can Be Dangerous
The major concern when it comes to snake encounters is getting bitten by a venomous snake. Depending on the species of snake, the amount of venom injected, the bite location, and the victim’s health, a snake bite can be fatal within minutes, to hours, to over 24 hours.
There are over 4,000 species of snakes, of which around 600 are venomous. 200-250 species of snakes have venom that is strong enough to significantly harm or kill a human with one bite.
However, with quick and proper treatment, the effects of snake venom can be reversed. “Your chances of death by snakebite are close to 1 in 1,000. Those are pretty good odds,” says William Hayes. Hayes is a professor of biology at Loma Linda University. This is why it is so important to seek immediate medical care if you are bitten by a snake.
Although treatment is available, it can be hundreds of thousands of dollars and can cause permanent damage to your body, so it is best to educate yourself and your family on how to avoid getting bitten! That’s why we created this guide-to help you avoid needing treatment!
Venomous Snakes You Might Encounter
***We focus on the most common species of venomous snakes in North America because this is where the majority of our audience resides/travels. Always be sure to do your research before traveling to a new destination to see what species you might encounter if exploring the outdoors.***
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes are one of the most common venomous snakes in North America. Rattlesnakes are found in almost every US state, and there are 16 different species of rattlesnakes in the US. Arizona has the highest rattlesnake population, with over 14 species of rattlesnakes, with California falling in second place with 12 species.
Rattlesnakes often have a lighter color with darker geometric shapes on their body. Rattlesnakes are easily identifiable with their unique tail rattle. While they are usually thought of as being predators, rattlesnakes prefer to avoid attacking humans.
When they rattle their tails, they are doing it as a warning. However, if they feel threatened they will attack. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, you will experience pain, whole body swelling, labored breathing, blurred vision, a rapid pulse, and paralysis. Seek immediate medical treatment.
Copperheads
Copperheads are responsible for the most venomous snake bites in the United States annually, but it is also the most mild venom and is rarely fatal. Copperheads are found in rocky areas near swamps, ponds, and streams. They are most common in the Eastern and Central US.
Copperheads can be a variety of colors, from brown to bright orange. They have hourglass shaped dark bands against a lighter background color. Their heads are almost always a copper color. Younger copperheads are more gray in color and almost always have a yellow tail. Copperheads usually range between 2 and 3 ft. long.
Copperheads seldom give warning that they are going to attack, unlike other snake species. They will attack almost immediately if they feel threatened.
If you are bitten by a copperhead, pain and swelling will begin quickly at the bite site. It will spread to the limbs and may be accompanied by nausea, numbness, and a rapid heart rate.
Cottonmouths
Cottonmouths are another common venomous snake species found in North America. They are found in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States. They are usually found around water, in irrigation ditches and swamps (which is why they are sometimes known as water moccasins).
Cottonmouths are generally dark in color (green, black) and have characteristic dark vertical lines near each nostril. They are named for the white lining inside their mouth that they flash as a warning sign.
If you are bitten by a cottonmouth, you will get an initial intense pain at the site, bleeding and swelling at the site, and muscle weakness. Seek treatment immediately, bites can be fatal if left untreated.
Coral Snakes
Coral Snakes are very colorful, with red, yellow, white, and black bands wrapping around their bodies. Coral snakes are most often found in the Southeastern and Southwestern US. They tend to hide under rocks or in piles of rotting leaves.
Coral Snakes are often confused with the similar looking, but harmless, King Snake. Remember the saying, “Red touching yellow will kill a fellow. Red touching black, you’re OK Jack!”
If you are bitten by a coral snake, within an hour or two you will begin to experience slurred speech, drowsiness, weakness, difficulty swallowing, and convulsions. Seek immediate treatment, bites left untreated are often fatal.
How To Identify Venomous Snakes By Appearance
While knowing the most common types of venomous snakes you might encounter can help protect you and let you know what to look for, it is impossible to know all the venomous snake species. There are some key characteristics of venomous snakes to look out for, including:
- Venom sacks on the head (giving them a triangular shaped head).
- Elliptical shaped pupils
- Thicker and muscular bodies
- Longer in length, growing over 2 ft. long
- Heat pits (or depressions) on their heads between their nostrils and eyes.
- Cottonmouths swim with their entire body on the water, while most harmless snakes only hold their head above the water.
While these characteristics may indicate a venomous snake, we recommend taking caution when encountering any snake and backing away!
Tips For Avoiding Snake Encounters
- Be familiar with their active season. Snakes are typically more active during the mild weather seasons, including fall and spring.
- Always be cautious and watch where you are putting your feet and hands, especially if you are in an area known to have a high snake population.
- Research the area you will be hiking in before you go. Know what types of snakes, if any, are common there and prepare yourself.
- Wear protective clothing, especially in areas with high snake populations (long sleeves, long pants, closed toed shoes). Clothing can reduce the amount of venom that is injected during a snake bite.
- Snakes do not see humans as prey, but they will attack if they feel threatened. This is why it is so important to keep space between you and the snake.
- Always stay on the trail and be extra cautious near rocks and tall grass where snakes might be hiding.
What To Do If You Are Bitten By A Snake
If you are bitten by a snake, do not attempt to do the many things you have probably heard you should do. It will not work! This includes cold compresses, electric shocks, cutting and sucking out the venom, and wrapping a tourniquet.
The only effective treatment for a venomous snake bite is getting to the hospital ASAP and receiving antivenom. Always seek immediate medical attention!
Tip: If you do get bit by a snake, try to get a good look at the snake if possible. If you have a phone or camera readily available, try to snap a photo. This will give the doctors an idea of what type of snake they are dealing with. This is not necessary for treatment, but will help!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider or emergency services in the event of a snake bite or other medical emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I encounter a snake?
If you encounter a snake, stay calm and slowly back away. Do not make any sudden movements and avoid alarming the snake. The most important thing to do is to get plenty of room between you and the snake.
What time of year are snakes most active?
Snakes are most active in the spring and fall months. Be extra cautious during these times to avoid snake encounters and attacks.
Are snakes aggressive?
No, snakes are generally more defensive than aggressive. Snakes prefer to get away from you than to bite you, and will often give you a warning first.
What do I do if I am bitten by a snake?
Seek immediate medical attention. The only treatment for a venomous snake bite is anti-venom, which is administered by a medical professional.
At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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