-
Step 1
Prior to your hike, familiarize yourself with the local species of snakes: knowing their habits and habitats may help you avoid coming into contact with them unexpectedly. Plan your route in advance and let someone know where you will be located in case of an emergency.
-
Step 2
For your hike, wear heavy, knee-high socks, high-top boots, and long pants tucked into your shoes. Stay on the trail, if one is available and keep out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots, chaps or gaiters. Walk around logs or large stones, instead of stepping over them.
-
Step 3
During your hike, bang a walking stick against the ground. The vibrations will coax the snake out of your path. Take special care not to reach or step into places that you cannot see and be especially careful when climbing rocks, whose crevices may house quiet, venomous tenants.
-
Step 4
If you come across a snake, stay as far away from it as possible. at least six feet or more than the snake's body length. If you find yourself close to a snake, take at least two giant steps back. Leave the snake alone as they can strike much faster and farther than most people think. Stay away even from dead snakes because their reflexes can still cause a bite for an hour after death.
-
Step 5
When you make camp, do so on open ground. Check the area for likely hiding places such as rock piles, holes or empty burrows. And don't collect firewood (especially after dark) with your bare hands; instead, break a piece away from the pile with a long stick. Each night, zip your tent firmly closed and ensure that your sleeping bags are snake-free before entering them.
