In contrast, in the summer, snakes are more active at night because it is cooler than the daytime. Snakes become sluggish anywhere below 60 degrees° F, so as long as warmer temps prevail, as it seems to be this year, depending on where you live, we all still need to be diligent and have a watchful eye when outside working or hiking. A steady temperature drop is a signal for the snake to enter brumation (similar to hibernation), but that’s not happening yet in most areas. No matter the season, your first line of defense is awareness. Most rattlesnakes don’t want to be bothered and will only strike if they feel threatened or are taken by surprise. Usually they will rattle, and this gives you time to slowly back away. Keep these tips in mind this fall while you take advantage of nice weather: Don’t automatically think of rattlesnakes as aggressive
Every snake is different. People don’t necessarily think of reptiles as having personalities, but they do, experts say. Some are going to be more shy, and they’re going to be quicker to rattle at you or try to get away, whereas others are going to be more bold. Consider the snake’s perspective: What would be the point of it wasting energy and venom to bite something that they perceive might eat them, when they could use their ability to blend into their environment and hide (and you might accidentally step near or on one)? Generally, rattlesnakes will do their best not to engage with you. But if one is moving toward you, step out of the way quickly! About 8,000 people in the U.S. are bitten each year by venomous snakes. Statistically that means you are 6 times more likely to die from a lightning strike or a dog attack, 8 times more likely to die from a TV set or other large furniture falling on you, 14 times more likely to die falling out of a tree, and 95 times more likely to die falling off a ladder. But don’t push your luck. Instead, be prepared, be aware and take precautions such as wearing snake boots or snake-proof leg gaiters. Don’t throw things at a rattlesnake If you encounter a rattlesnake while hiking, it likely knows you’re there. The reptiles have a heightened sense of touch and feel our vibrations through the ground long before we walk near them. Throwing something at a snake will not succeed in getting it to move but will annoy it. Go as far as you safely can around any snake you find in your path, preferably around its back end to avoid getting bit. If the trail is narrow, you have two options: Turn around and call it a day, or find a stick at least twice the length of the snake, and use it to lightly nudge it away from your path. The stick length is important because rattlesnakes can strike from about half their body length. Emphasis on lightly. A nice little tap is all that should be needed. Of course a snake could get mad, but often they leave because a predator (you) is nearby. Your goal should be to motivate the snake to move off the trail in a direction away from your and future hikers. Be mindful where you step Even though snakes might detect you’re in the area, still let them know you’re around. Lightly stomp your feet before entering a narrow or overgrown section of a trail to alert critters of your presence. Also be mindful when encountering parts of the trail where snakes might be taking shelter. In other words, watch where you step. Brush, rocks, and logs can provide shade to critters, including snakes. Many people have been bitten by surprising a snake by stepping on or near it by accident. Be alert. Snakes can swim Hikers and swimmers alike should exercise caution around lakes and streams while in snake county. Rattlesnakes were not common in waterways until recently due to climate change. Despite rattlesnakes being strong swimmers, the chance of being bitten by one while swimming is unlikely unless provoked, but just be aware you might see one. Rattlesnakes do play a really important part in our ecosystems. People like not having rodents in their homes and rattlesnakes are one of our main ecosystem cleanup machines for things like mice and rats. The next time you see a rattlesnake on the trail, try to approach your next move from a place of respect, not fear. And wear snake gaiters to be on the safer side. Comments are closed.
|