Easy Ways That Will Keep You And Your Dog Safe When Hiking With Snakes

Easy Ways That Will Keep You And Your Dog Safe When Hiking With Snakes

I have to mention that I debated whether this topic is one we should write about. Kristi and I are truly positive people and this is a very negative, and scary subject for us. Nevertheless, I feel this is important and needs addressing.

Now, more than ever, people feel the need to be outdoors. In record numbers, our parks and outdoor spaces are experiencing crowds never seen before. We want you to have a safe time. Easy ways to keep you and your dog safe when hiking with snakes is crucial.

Let me explain, any snake horrifies us. It doesn’t matter whether baby, non-venomous, or venomous, they still freak us out.  

I only included one photo because I don’t even want to look at them. This photo was taken by our son at a university geology field camp in Wyoming. Rattlesnakes were everywhere. One was even slithering towards a small group of students sitting on the ground by their bus. He happened to see it and alerted them when it was only about twenty feet behind them.  

Nevertheless, we have had our experiences through the years, and I’m the one that has to deal with them.  

This is Important. Always Practice The Seven Leave No Trace Principles When Outdoors.

I Was A Snake Teaser In My Younger Days

Yet, in my younger days, they didn’t bother me very much. A lot of my days were spent in the woods and on a small lake. Ever since my early middle school days, I would hike alone on trails around our house. Albeit times were different then, kids roamed free without parents worrying very much. Or, maybe I didn’t listen?  

Taking a canoe out on the lake was my favorite thing to do. This was my happy place. Sometimes in summer during droughts snakes, in particular, poisonous water moccasins made their way from the unpopulated wooded section to sun themselves on the grassy banks closer to the houses.  

While canoeing I would spot them and slowly sneak up to them from an angle. Sometimes up to three would be together. Obviously, since I sat in the back, the front of the canoe raised out of the water.  

As I got closer I would quietly speed up until I reached the bank. Suddenly, I did one sweeping back paddle on the opposite side causing the front of the canoe to swiftly change direction and swing over the top of them. Scared, they ran off. This was exciting!

The Day My Life Changed Forever

However, this exciting fun abruptly changed in an instant. I bragged to my grandfather one day about this fun experience. He simply asked two questions that created an image that still haunts me today. He said, “what would you do if one jumped in the canoe?” Then he followed up with “you did know that water moccasins are aggressive, didn’t you?”

The thought of being trapped in a canoe with nowhere to go as an aggressive poisonous snake attacked scared the crap out of me. I would never look at snakes the same again.

Needless to say, this is dangerous and stupid. Do not try this! 

This is only one of my younger braindead experiences. Hopefully, you will never have to deal with a snake in your space.

However, if you do, these tips will enlighten you on how to react to snakes outdoors so that there’s less risk of bad things happening.

Besides, do you remember hearing the boy scout motto “Be Prepared”?

Let’s Get Started By Taking Away One Of Our Biggest Fears

The US Department of Wildlife and Ecology states that you have a better chance to be struck by lightning than dying from a venomous snake bite. With a snake bite that’s a 1 in 50 million chance. Above all, in the US less than 1 in 38,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes.

In like manner, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten yearly. In contrast, only about 5 of these turn into fatalities. Most bites are from rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. The greatest amount of bites are due to trying to kill or move a snake.

What To Do If You See A Snake

Give it plenty of space. Just remember to err on the side of caution. Move away and wait for it to move out of the way.  

This is important. Some poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes look similar. Know before you go what characteristics belong to each type of snake.

As a general rule, a rattlesnake can strike up to 2/3 the length of its body.

You can always carry a field guide to learn firsthand the characteristics of different snakes.

What Not To Do If You See A Snake

If you see a snake don’t approach it, try to scare it away, move it, or try to kill it. Snakes don’t like people and want to get away as soon as possible. However, if provoked they will stand their ground and prepare to strike. This applies to all snakes, including harmless ones like black snakes.  

In the same way, do not poke them with a stick or throw objects at them. This will enrage them and they’ll plan to strike. After all, when a rattlesnake is irritated it releases the most venom and can strike the furthest away.

Don’t ever pick up a snake, even if it looks dead. Did you know that some snakes act like they are dead when threatened? This is why you should never pick up a snake. A dead snake can still strike after it has been dead for an hour because of its reflexes.   

Ways To Lessen The Risk Of Being Bitten By A Snake

Understand the area where you will be. Dangerous or not, know which breeds of snakes exist there and where they live. By knowing what areas they prefer you can avoid these in warmer months. Save these places for after the weather cools down when they are not as active. Needless to say, don’t bring young children into these areas.  

Pick trails that are wide and busier since snakes don’t want to be around busy places or people. In the event a snake does come on the trail it will be easier to spot because of the wider trail.  

Whenever you come across a rock or log try to step on it first. If you step over it then you might scare a snake hidden under it. Likewise, don’t put your hands or step where you can’t see. If you come to a place where you can’t see your feet then use your trekking poles to poke around before you take a step. Basically, try to avoid places where you can’t see, brushy places, and clumps of berry bushes.

Since a majority of snake bites occur on the inside ankle another key point is to wear hiking boots that rise above the ankle, and long pants. You can even go as far as wearing snake gaiters.

Keep in mind, snakes are especially active on warm nights so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to always use a flashlight at night.

Prepare Kids Ahead Of Time

With this in mind, keep kids close and don’t let them wander off the trail. Teach them ahead of time to always be aware of snakes, then this will help everyone to stay aware just in case any appear. Teaching children other types of dangerous wildlife before you go is essential. Discuss what they might encounter with natural hazards too, like swift water and steep drop-offs.  

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What To Do For A Snake Bite

Most importantly call 911 first, then a nearby medical center AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. If you don’t have a cell signal then send someone to get help right away. That could be a ranger station, forest service, park management, or better yet a fire department. You can also call the National Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) as you wait for help to arrive.

Tip: You should take these numbers with you in case of an emergency.

It’s important that the victim stays calm and restricts any movement. Keep the site of the bite below heart level so that venom doesn’t flow easily through the blood. Remove constricting items such as rings because the affected area might swell. Next, make some kind of a loose splint to limit the movement of the affected area.

Additionally, clean the wound and wrap it in a clean, dry dressing.

What Not To Do For A Snake Bite

Don’t allow a victim to have any pain medications or stimulants unless a doctor instructs you to. This includes caffeine too.

Don’t allow the affected sight to get above the heart.

Don’t use ice or cold compression.

Don’t allow the victim to do anything strenuous.

Don’t use a tourniquet.

Don’t use your mouth to suck out the venom.

Don’t cut into the bite by razor or knife.

Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol.

Hiking With Dogs Around Snakes

We all love taking our fur friends along but keeping them safe is a little more difficult. They are naturally curious and love to explore. When it comes to protecting our loyal companions we need to put in extra effort to keep them safe. That is why we want to share Easy Ways That Will Keep You And Your Dog Safe When Hiking With Snakes.

Our Firsthand Experience

Years ago we had a large dog named Moose. Moose was big since he was half Irish Wolfhound and half Black Labrador Retriever. He was the most lovable, caring dog. Although I hate to say it, he wasn’t the smartest either. In our garage, he would lay in front of the infrared space heater. So close his tail would start smoking. Then he would lift his head and start sniffing since he smelled smoke. Next, he would lay his head down and go back to sleep.  

This happened time after time. Even though we moved his tail each time it just never clicked.

We always had to keep an eye on him for fear that something might happen. And it did.  

One day we were doing yard work and he was roaming around close by in the back. Moose came frolicking up to us but this time the tip of his nose was round and swollen. He was in a happy mood even though something was wrong.

We rushed him to the veterinarian. Consequently, he tried to make friends with a venomous copperhead snake but the snake wasn’t in the mood for another friend. He took his medicine and after a few days, his nose went back to normal.  

Learn From Our Mistake

We could have lost moose to the snake bite, but thankfully he was so large. A little dog wouldn’t have had the same result though. This experience has taught us more about keeping our dogs safe from snakes.  

We don’t want other people to find out the hard way as we did so we included this section to help others.

Even though Moose had a copperhead snake bite, rattlesnake bites are the most common for dogs. Additionally, you should always consider a rattlesnake bite on your dog an emergency. Seek medical attention immediately.    

Accordingly, did you know you can get a rattlesnake vaccination for your dog?

Follow these tips to ensure your outdoor hiking experience with your dog will become safer.  

Be Conscious Of Your Environment

Keep them on a short leash where you can see everything around them and pull them back quickly if needed. How can you protect your companion if allowed to roam without a leash?  

If you hike on wide, clear trails then you can easily scan ahead. Furthermore, don’t wander off trails. If you do see a snake then make sure you keep at least six feet away. Regardless, always use a flashlight at night since this is when snakes like to be active.   

Since dogs are naturally curious, stay away from bushes and tall vegetation. You never know what surprises they may find.  

If your dog does begin to act differently, search right away for any signs of a snake bite. Any suspicions take them to a vet right away.

Look For These Symptoms

Lethargy

Heavy Panting

Shortness of Breath

Shaking and Shivers

Whimpering

Swelling

Bleeding

Dead Tissue Around the Wound

Vomiting

Abnormal Drooling

Limping

Signs of Pain

What If A Snake Bites my Dog

The first thing you should do is find medical help ASAP. Veterinarians will know exactly how to treat your dog and should be the first choice. For best results, they need to treat your dog within 24 hours.  

Just like people you want to keep your pet as calm as possible. Carry your dog carefully so that their movements will be as little as possible. Ideally, sleeping is the best scenario since they are not using any energy.   

As much as your dog loves you it can become aggressive since snake bites are painful. You should avoid their head if the bite is on its face.  

Despite what has been suggested in the past, do not suck the venom from the wound.

Final Thoughts

In reality, snakes are afraid of people. They would much rather leave the area than confront people or dogs. Snakes do not have evil intentions to hurt you but need to defend themselves if startled.

Simply, make smart decisions when choosing trails and outdoor activities. Always watch your surroundings, keep your kids and dogs close to minimize confrontations.  

Most importantly, don’t let them keep you from enjoying time in nature.

When have you experienced a snake when hiking or at an outdoor activity?

How do you keep your pets safe when outside?

What would you do if you came across a snake?

Thanks for reading Easy Ways That Will Keep You And Your Dog Safe When Hiking With Snakes!

Tom and Kristi