Dealing with snakes and other dangerous wildlife while on the trail!

[Bobo Uzala]

I happened upon 5 rattlesnakes this weekend, once again atop Sullivan Mtn. 4 along the rocks and 1 moving in the grass towards my backpack and gear! No way I could get a picture of all of them at once, but they all appeared to be very mature snakes (well fed and long rattles). I'm going to call the ranger station tomorrow, maybe they're already aware of the situation. I'd hate to see something bad happen to them but I'd also hate to hear about someone eventually getting bit.

Rattlesnake in the grass

3 snakes along the rocks

"I don't like spiders and snakes"!

[Bobo Uzala]

I like the idea that we are visiting the animal's domain and that we should play by their rules, not the other way round.

rig - I totally agree with you there. Thanks for the interesting stories of your snake encounters. Once you see a snake on the trail, every twig and branch appears to be another one!

[derekd]

Bobo, does the entire McIntyre Wild Area have a Timber rattler population like this or are you just this lucky? LOL Here in Southern IL we have pockets that contain larger populations but as a general rule, if your on trail chances are you wont encounter one, with that said there are encounters but not as many as one would think. I personally would HATE to know just how many I have walked past and never seen lol. Once I see a snake or start thinking snake, thats all I seen to look for.

[Bobo Uzala]

Hi Derek, I wouldn't consider myself lucky, lol! It's always primetime for Rattlesnakes on the mountaintops in the heat and sun. I haven't encountered snakes in the colder shady areas in the McIntyres (doesn't mean they're not there!).

[Walking Enigma]

Here in Florida, almost all of what I see is black racers. I haven't seen one rattlesnake in all of my hiking here. The ONLY snake that I'm afraid of is the one I don't see. If I see it ahead of time, cut them a wide berth and you'll be fine. Snakes just generally do not attack, unprovoked unless you step on them.

Probably 95% of snake bites in FL and elsewhere are from 'handling' or 'provoking' the snake. A 5 year old boy here in NE FL did just die from a snakebite but it is VERY VERY rare. Something that some folks don't understand is not all bites are 'wet bites' anyway. Meaning, EVEN IF you got bit, all bites do not inject venom.

[Bobo Uzala]

Don't Lick Toads, it was a very long, strange day......

Edited July 28, 2014 by Bobo Uzala
Aren't all toads frogs but not all frogs toads?

[tmountainnut]

Don't Lick Frogs, it was a very long, strange day......

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Looks more like a toad, but I'll take your word for it :-)

[Bobo Uzala]

Sorry - You be right, I'll edit that. yup, I gotta stop licking them.

Edited July 28, 2014 by Bobo Uzala

[Mike L]

Afternoon ya'll,

What ways do you guys deal with snakes (if they are irritated) and other dangerous wildlife while on the trail or when at base camp? Just thought I would post and hear some feedback.

Bonus Question:

What is the craziest or most dangerous situation that you have gotten into on your adventure?

The best way to deal with a snake is to avoid it. I ran across the below guidelines earlier this summer..... thought they were pretty good.

Avoid tall grass. Many of the snakes mentioned in Part 1 of this post like to hang out in grassy areas and heavy underbrush. If you can, stick to the trails so you can clearly see what you’re stepping on. If you have to go off trail, be attentive lest you inadvertently step on a sleeping rattlesnake. If you must venture through tall grass, carry a stick and use it to probe the ground in front of you. And remember, there are always exceptions to the rule; a snake could very well be curled up in the middle of a well groomed trail. Always be aware of your surroundings.

Remember that snakes can climb. While they’re not squirrels, snakes can slither up trees and bushes. Most people never imagine they’ll see a snake at eye level, and are thus quite vulnerable to an aerial attack. The last thing you want is to feel that forked tongue on your face, so keep your wits about you.

Check before you stick your hand into a crevasse. Because snakes are pure evil, they like to hang out in the dark. Holes, a hollow log, or a crevasse in a rock are perfect places for a snake to hide. So before you go sticking your hand in any dark hole, check to make sure there isn’t a snake (or another critter) in there.

Zombie snake attack. Say you find a dead snake that you want to take and turn into a pair of snakeskin boots. Right on. But be careful when picking it up. Freshly dead snakes still have reflexes and can still bite you if you’re not careful. I’ve seen a dead snake slither around firsthand. It’s really creepy. Plus, many snakes are pretty sloth-like during the daytime. And they’re quite skillful at keeping completely still; it’s how they catch their prey. So a snake sunning himself may look good and dead, but may very well be sleeping with one beady eye open, its little reptilian brain thinking, “Just try it buddy.”

Don’t sleep in the enemy’s lair. Most snakes are nocturnal, so you don’t want to let down your guard come sunset. Don’t make your camp in snake territory. Avoid sleeping near a log or large branch, in tall grass, or next to rocky areas. And of course zip up your tent tight. Snakes may have those fierce fangs, but alas, they lack an opposable thumb. Keep your boots inside the tent (most tents come with shoe pockets) and make sure to zip the tent up again in the morning, lest a snake invite himself in while you’re on a hike.

Wear heavy boots and pants. If you’re going to be out exploring in the uncivilized wilderness, make sure your lower extremities are protected. Heavy boots and pants not only protect against fierce snakes but also your ankle’s other nemesis-ticks.

[Bobo Uzala]

I wouldn't consider snakes "pure evil". Just another of Pachamama's critters... although I'd rather tangle with a (black) bear than a big ole snake.