Snakebite prevention guide

Obviously the best prevention is to avoid getting bitten. This is facilitated by the fact that humans are not the natural prey of any
venomous snake. We are a bit large for them to swallow whole and they have no means of chopping us up into bite size pieces.
Nearly all snakebites in humans are the result of a snake defending itself when it feels threatened. In general snakes are shy and will
simply leave if you give them a chance. The basic rule is to be sure the snake knows you are coming. Walk heavily, they probably
sense ground vibrations better than sound. If they sense your presence they will almost always leave before you even know they are
there. (This may not apply in other parts of the world. Some of the more potent snakes may protect their territory as well as their
bodies.)

If you do unexpectedly confront a snake, stay calm, back away and do nothing to threaten it. (This assumes of course that the
surprise didn't cause you to jump well beyond the snake's reach. It's amazing what the human body can do in such circumstances.)

Don't run around barefoot in snake country, especially after dark. During warm weather snakes will be most active at night and will
defend themselves if stepped on or if you walk too close and they sense danger. MFM lists going barefoot and gathering firewood
after dark as two of the more common activities leading to snakebite. Going barefoot not only exposes you but also makes your
footsteps quieter so you are less likely to be felt. You could invest in a pair of "snakeproof" boots but any high top leather boot is
probably adequate. Long pants will also help since the snake has difficulty distinguishing between clothing and you. Venom injected
into a fold of your clothing won't hurt you much.

Remember that snakes like to hide under rocks, logs, brush etc. to protect themselves from sun or cold. Be *very* careful in snake
country about moving such objects or reaching into anywhere a snake might hide, or even walking by them. They might well
perceive your actions as aggressive and defend themselves. This is probably the most dangerous situation since there may be more
than one snake in the same place and, taken by surprise, they will strike without warning. Furthermore they will be more likely to
bite your unprotected hand, not a leg or foot protected by clothing.

Rock climbers should be careful in snake country. Snakes like to sun themselves on ledges and it can be a real eye-opener to poke
your head up and stare one in the eyes. And while you won't find them in the middle of a 5.12 face you may find them in cracks
near ledges etc. Remember, the mice and rats which inhabit many cliff areas mean food to a snake and so attract them.

It is also a good idea to protect yourself while sleeping. Snakes won't come looking to bite you, but when the temperature starts to
drop they often do look for a warm place to spend the night. That sleeping bag with you inside can be very attractive. Use insect
netting or something else to keep them out (unless you relish the thought of waking up to find a snake in bed with you). There is a
bit of controversy about if they will actually crawl into bed with you, but I would want to take precautions. Also check the sleeping
bag before you get in to be sure it isn't already occupied. The same goes for your boots in the morning.

Be careful entering old buildings such as mining cabins. They make nice homes for snakes.

Obviously you should not handle or tease poisonous snakes. Less obvious is the danger of handling them when they are dead. A
reflex strike from a dead snake can be just as dangerous as a bite by a live one. This also applies to detached heads of dead snakes.

Cobra Information Page 8

Bite Prevention