How to Protect Yourself from Snakes
More Articles Related to SafetyMost snakes do not actively seek out people to bite. Rather the snakes that bite people are only attempting to protect themselves from a perceived threat. They would much rather crawl elsewhere than confront you and risk injury to themselves.
Generally snakes will bite only as a last resort. Exceptions include the poisonous king snakes and black mambas that are known to defend their territory against intruders, including man. Survival in areas with snakes of these snake species requires constant vigilance.
The most common areas on the body that a snake bites are the feet and ankles. For this reason it is important that you wear rugged footwear and long pants in poisonous snake country.
A snake is most likely to bite a person if the snake is startled. You must be careful and observant at all times:
- Try to stick to worn paths while walking
- Before stepping over logs and other obstructions make sure to see if there is a snake on the other side.
- Check for snakes lying off to either side of your intended route.
- When climbing place your hands only where you can see.
- Keep at least twenty feet away from any snake you happen upon.
- If you do chance upon a snake back off slowly and choose another route.
- Dead snakes can still bite you through reflex action.
- Be very careful when moving logs, lumber, and other objects that are laying on the ground and may provide excellent shelter for poisonous snakes.
During many large scale disasters snakes may be dislodged from their natural environments and seek shelter elsewhere. Floods are notorious for bring snakes into the path of humans as they swim to safer areas and concentrate where humans are likely to be. These snakes are especially dangerous as they are both stressed and in close proximity to people.
Remember that snakes serve an important purpose in the scheme of things. Snakes keep the rodent and insect populations in check, an excellent service done free of charge for mankind. So respect snakes, allow them to carry on with their lives, and be careful when in snake country.
Next up SnakeBite First Aid.
Nicaragua, Central America
Protect yourself from snake bites and protect the snakes. In a survival situation when you come across a snake and you haven't caught any other animal for food, a snake is a very tasty and nutritious meal. If it is a poisonous type just chop it at least six inches from the head.
Remember any animal in the wilderness and in the jungle is a good meal. Save the skin as trophy. To kill it, a machete would be nice to have instead of a knife, unless you beat it to death with a stick. Be Safe!!!
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Slithering
Always bring a snakebite kit!