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Just to make life a little more difficult, it is important to be aware that rattlesnakes do not or cannot always use their rattler to warn of impending attack. Stay calm and seek medical attention. When walking, carry a stick, and whack bushes and undergrowth a bit before you walk on/near them, and snakes will get away. Some people carry a hiking stick to help prod ahead of them as they walk. On warm nights, rattlesnakes may still be hanging about and if you cannot see what you are doing, you are at risk. This is the side of rattlesnakes most people never hear about, and doesnt make for dramatic stories at the watercooler. Never put a tourniquet on a limb bitten by a snake. However, its best to familiarize yourself with the specific venomous snakes found in your hiking area and learn to recognize their distinctive features. Don't sit down on tree stumps or logs without first checking inside. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwMqt8bf55E[/embedyt]. Thanks for this info. Use gaiters, if possible, especially if you choose not to wear long pants. Yes, they have teeth and may bite you, but since most snakes are not venomous those bites won't cause you any harm (outside of a little pain where the bite occurs). This one is easier than youd think you go around it. Stay on the trails where you can see what is ahead. Rattlesnakes While Hiking: How To Prepare and What To Do If You See One Leave the snake alone. Hike with Trekking Poles: He enjoys outsmarting challenges. Today we're talking about 5 tips for hiking in rattlesnake season. Roughly speaking, rattlesnakes are more terrified of humans than the reverse is true. Knowing how to read trail maps, use a compass or GPS device, and identify landmarks can help prevent getting lost or disoriented. At all times, remain mindful of your surroundings while trekking in an area known to be inhabited by rattlesnakes. As such, you will most likely encounter rattlesnakes around rocks, shrub and brush, or wherever there are nooks for them to hide among. Thick brush or undergrowth serves as a perfect hiding spot for a rattlesnake. How To Avoid Snakes While Hiking: Keep Calm And Hike On They bask in the sun to warm up and seek shade or cooler areas to lower their body temperature. Otherwise, if you hear that rattle, you are clearly forewarned, so back off. When you need to cross logs and rocks, it is sensible to step on the objects rather than straight over them. Not all snakes are venomous. It's worth saying up front that if you are bitten by a snake, you should call Poison Control as soon as you can. A strike out of nowhere, no rattling, or even a memory of one coming after you. If you plan to camp overnight, thoroughly inspect the camping area before setting up your tent. If not, there's a good chance that you'll see one if you're spending time outdoors in North America. Thanks! However, on sunny days, you might find rattlesnakes warming themselves on warm rocks or asphalt. Find and take a rattlesnake aversion class before hiking with you dog. Thats unfortunate, since seeing rattlesnakes in Arizonas natural areas is one of the most amazing things about this state. Besides providing stability and support, they can also help you probe the ground ahead of you. If youre planning on hitting the trails this summer, you might be wondering how to avoid snakes while hiking. When Should I Hike to Avoid Rattlesnakes? It is also important to remove any tight clothing or jewelry from the area in case of swelling. Of course this feels different when its behind glass, but getting an up-close look can really change how your brain handles these situations. Panicking can increase heart rate and blood flow, potentially spreading the venom more quickly throughout the body. These actions can potentially cause more harm than good. Don't leave your dog unattended on the trail or at the campsite. Use a flashlight at all times during night walks. By familiarizing yourself with the characteristics and habits of snakes, you can navigate the trails with confidence and respect for these incredible creatures. If you can see these bands with the naked eye, you are probably too close. Trails are typically cleared and provide better visibility, reducing the risk of unintentionally stumbling upon a snake. If you must hike during this time, try to stick to trails that are well-traveled and wear long pants and boots for added protection.Rattlesnakes are also more likely to be found in areas with dense vegetation, so avoiding overgrown areas is also a good idea. Thats why its crucial to be well-prepared and equipped with the knowledge to avoid these slithery creatures. Start by doing some research before you hike and find out if there are any rattlesnakes in the area. You should be wearing long pants and long boots when hiking in an area where rattlesnakes are found. In this article, we will delve into hiking safety and provide you with essential tips on avoiding snakes while hiking. How to Avoid Snakes While Hiking (Simple & Effective Tips) The website also provides tips for traveling safely and responsibly. Instead, stay in the trails center and maintain a clear line of sight. How To Avoid Snakes While Hiking? - Out For Adventure At What Time of Day are Rattlesnakes Most Active? The latter more accurately describes rattlesnakes, and how they respond to hikers. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Replace the sounds of birds and wind winding through desert canyons with the same sounds you listen to while stuck in traffic. However, in general, it is best to avoid hiking during the hottest months of summer when snakes are most active. Coral Snakes A coral snake's bright coloration may be mistaken for that of a nonpoisonous king snake in the southern United States' forested, sandy, or marshy regions. Gently clean the bite wound with mild soap and water, if available. Rattlesnakes are cold-blooded animals, meaning that their body temperature is dictated by the surrounding environment. Simple: your dogs poop is attracting rattlesnakes to the edges of trails. You should always be alert and aware of your surroundings when you're out in nature. Nature is unpredictable, and weather conditions can change rapidly during a hike. The best thing to do if you are bitten by a snake is to visit a doctor as soon as possible, no matter how cautious you are. See also Where Is Spread Creek Dispersed Camping? Which Snakes are Dangerous? Scam alert: Yes this is a real rattlesnake, no it wasnt found where it says it was. There are more things than rattlesnakes awaiting your foolhardiness if you do. If you do this sort of hiking, get a satellite phone and think it through. In warm weather, their metabolism speeds up and they become more active.This is why youre more likely to see a rattlesnake during the spring and summer months. Rodents get into these bags like its the morning after halloween and munch away. If rattlesnakes were actually aggressive, not one of us would survive a hike in any natural area in Arizona, and Id certainly be dead several times over. Snakes move by slithering, utilizing their elongated bodies and specialized scales to propel themselves forward. On trails where dogs allowed (and common) how to maintain their poops is surprisingly controversial. Use your hiking poles to tap the ground in front of each step, alerting any snakes to your presence and giving them the chance to move away. Hiking with your dog is a bonding experience that every active dog owner enjoys having. Can you outrun a snake? How to Avoid Snakes While Hiking - 10 Effective Tips Never irritate a snake by taunting it or otherwise provoking it. These venomous snakes can be found in many different habitats, but are most commonly found in desert areas. Stay calm and keep your distance from the snake. Download Article Keep your distance when you're looking at the snake. and/or its affiliates and licensors. This will ensure even the largest of rattlesnakes don't get in. And I know what you may be thinking. Remove any jewelry or constricting clothing from the area around the bite. Avoiding rattlesnakes at all costs is the most effective method to ensure that you never get bitten by one, and now that you know how uncommon it is to get bitten or die as a result of a rattlesnake, bite, you should feel a little more confident about your next hiking excursion. Unfortunately, some snakes are nocturnal so hiking at night may not always be the best idea. This can be extended to throwing pebbles, poking with sticks, and any of the actions that are seemingly irresistible to certain personalities. If youre in the Western Hemisphere, youll want to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. Cookie Settings. Rattlesnakes are protected in many areas. ", Anything resembling a long stick might be a rattlesnake. Fill in or block any holes or gaps were a snake can hide or slip through the fence or under . Take your time and watch where youre walking, especially in areas with tall grass or leaves. Do Not Sell My Personal Information Dont touch them, pick them up, kill them, etc. If you do get bitten, youll want to dress in such a way that your clothes and shoes take the brunt of the bites force. There are trails for a reason, which leads to our next section: There are many reasons why you should stay on the trail. In order to keep you safe when hiking, we have come up with some really unique ideas. But, if you and your dog run into a rattlesnake, or worse, your pup is bit, do you know what to do? If you cant go around, then back off and get out of sight for a few minutes. Anything that attracts rodents will attract snakes, too. "text": " For the same reason, the best time of year to go hiking to avoid snakes is during the winter or cooler parts of the year. If youre reading this while eating a sandwich, it might be good to put it down for a minute while we have real-talk about your dogs poop. If you can access a phone or are hiking with others, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. By staying on trails you can avoid rattlesnakes where they blend into the habitat MrDinger/Shutterstock.com. If you see a rattlesnake in your yard, there are some things you can do to stay safe and avoid being bitten. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This will help, "I am writing an article on Yosemite National Park and I needed to know what to do when you see one, so thank you!". Rattlesnakes rarely come out in the open, if they do it's generally in the early morning hours when they first emerge to soak in the sun's heat. The Best Ways To Avoid Rattlesnakes While Hiking. "acceptedAnswer": { As stated in the previous item, the context that exists in our minds can greatly influence how we handle a situation, and how we remember it. If youre hiking in an area where copperheads are known to live, there are a few things you can do to avoid them. If a poisonous snake has bitten you, there's a chance that you could go into shock.