As the weather warms during Spring time you may be
spending more time outdoors. While
outside, you are likely to encounter many different creatures. Snakes are one of the many fascinating animals
you might come across while outside. During
this time of year, it is especially important to be aware of your surroundings
and on the look out for snakes because they are hatching in the warm weather
and are especially difficult to see in their natural habitat.
Observing an insect or an animal in its own natural
habitat can make for a memorable outdoor experience. With just a little
knowledge and some common sense, it can be a safe experience, too. It is important to have some knowledge about
snakes, because while most are harmless, there are some that are venomous and
could put you in danger if you to encounter one unexpectedly while outdoors. Although the mere thought of snakes conjures
up alarm in many people, most snakes mean no harm if they are not provoked or
threatened. By taking a few simple precautions—such as by giving snakes a wide
berth—most of the people that go exploring outside will never be bitten by a
snake. A trip into the woods need not be any more dangerous than a stroll
through your own backyard. Just remember
to respect the wildlife that you encounter.
The first thing to do when venturing into the outdoors
is to have some basic knowledge about snakes.
There are over 2,700 different breeds of snakes in the world and less
than one-third of those snakes are classified as poisonous and fewer than 300 species
of snakes may be fatal to humans, according to the United States Wildlife
Federation. In fact, more than twice as
many people in the United States are killed annually by bees, wasps, and
scorpions than by snakes. Snakes are one
of the only animals in the United States that helps control the US rodent
population. Most snake species in the
Southeast are harmless and all bite only in defense. The risk of snakebite is exaggerated. Most
are bites easily avoided with common sense and basic safety. Snakes do not intentionally chase people. They
are much more afraid of us than we should be of them. Venomous snakes use
their venom primarily to kill prey. They use it as a defense only when they are
harassed or handled.
The second thing to do to avoid being bitten by a snake
is to leave snakes alone and practice safety. Most bites occur when people get too close or
try to touch or kill a snake. Snakes can strike faster and farther than you
might think – some nearly half their body length. If you see a snake in the
wild, practice “social distancing” by maintaining a distance of at least 6
feet. If you accidentally step too close
to a snake, take at least two giant steps backwards to get out of the snake’s
reach. Never touch a snake, even if you think it is dead. The fangs of a dead
snake can still inject venom. Don’t tread or step into places outdoors that you
can’t see. Don’t pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake’s
striking distance. Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks. If you have to
traverse a fallen log, step on the log and then down instead of just over. That
way, you’ll have a chance to see if you are about to step on a snake. Wearing
boots and long pants when in the woods may prevent snakebites. Stay out of tall
grass unless you wear thick leather boots, and remain on hiking paths as much
as possible.
Most snakes are harmless and the majority of snakebites
are not fatal. Usually a snakebite results in only minor injury. Very few
people are actually at risk of even encountering a snake with venom powerful
enough to kill. However, people with underlying health problems may be at
greater risk even when facing a non-lethal snake, so be sure to see a doctor
just in case. For the most part, if you
practice safety when outdoors and have some basic knowledge and common sense,
finding a snake in the wild can be an educational, memorable learning
experience.
