Many people find themselves terrified at the idea of encountering a snake during the course of their daily activities. Unfortunately for the snake-averse, there's one particular weather condition that may make you more likely to stumble upon one of these legless reptiles when you're out and about this summer.
You're more likely to encounter snakes after a flood.
While the after-effects of flooding can be devastating, leading to everything from serious health issues to structural damage, snake encounters likely aren't on most people's list of worries following a natural disaster like a flood—but they should be.
It is recommended wearing protective gear, like leggings or boots that are at least 10 inches high, and gloves, when cleaning up after a storm; using a shovel or tool to lift debris, rather than using your hands; not stepping over piles of debris if you can't see what's on the other side; and not reaching overhead to clear debris unless you have a clear visual on what you're reaching for first, as snakes could be nesting in debris piles.
Snake bites have the highest prevalence during this six-month period.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the majority of snake bites take place between April and October each year, typically due to greater human activity in nature during this period. The USDA notes that it's not flooding alone that can drive snakes out of their typical habitats, however; the agricultural authority notes that wildfires often drive snakes from their normal habitats and into closer proximity to humans, leading to increased rates of human encounters.
In the United States, venomous snake species include rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins, and coral snakes. Contrary to popular belief, color and head shape are not reliable indicators of whether a snake is venomous. Prior to your adventure, check with your state or national park ranger or local biologist to find out what species you may encounter - relying on the internet to identify a species is generally not accurate. Having a good field guide may also be helpful. I recommend the Peterson Field Guides to Reptiles and Amphibians - there is an eastern and western version for North America, and they fit right into your day pack. Having a regionally appropriate field guide is more helpful than guessing what species your snake is!
Where are you likely to encounter a snake?
While the obvious answer may be “anywhere,” knowing a little bit about snake ecology helps take the guesswork out of where you could potentially encounter an animal. Because snakes are ectotherms, they depend on external sources for heat.
This is why you’re likely to find a snake stretched across a trail in the early morning or evening - he or she is just gathering energy for the day! During the hottest part of the day, snakes seek shelter from the sun like we do, and you may find them resting under rocks and limbs. Depending on the species, you may be more likely to find snakes nestled in rocky crevices, in leaf litter or debris, on the edge of streams and creeks, or in tree canopies.
Snakes may travel via ravines, riparian corridors, or trails in order to meet their resource needs. Regardless of whether they huff, hiss, or rattle, the snake is always more scared of you than you are of it- remember, you are bigger, warmer, and smarter! When faced with a predator, many snake species will flee, but if they coil up in an S shape, rattle, or writhe around, they are scared and are telling you to leave them alone! Some species will even play dead, like the hognose snake.
Your best bet on or off the trail is to be mindful of where you put your hands and feet, as not all snakes make a warning sound. If you cannot clearly see a ledge or are stepping into tall brush, take a moment to pause and look around before continuing onward.
Responding to a snake on the trail
Even when you’ve done everything possible to prevent a snake encounter, there is still the possibility of bumping into one - after all, your hike is in their territory! If you see a snake, the first thing you want to do is to give the animal some space. Second, if you can, determine the species of the snake (using that handy field guide). Regardless of whether the animal is venomous or nonvenomous, you’ll want to treat it the same way: leave it alone. That’s right- don’t touch the snake! Most snake bites occur when people try to move or kill a snake. The closer you get, the more likely you are to suffer a bite. Fortunately, the venomous snake species in the United States very rarely pose fatal threats to humans, which means there is absolutely no need to harm a snake on the trail, venomous or not (according to the Center for Disease Control, of the 7-8,000 people in the US bitten by snakes, only 5 will die). Moving around the snake, even if in the middle of the trail, is your best option.
What to do if you are bitten
Most snakes aren't dangerous to humans. Only about 15% worldwide and 20% in the United States are venomous. In North America, these include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin and copperhead. Their bites can cause severe injuries and sometimes death.
If a venomous snake bite you, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful. Many emergency rooms stock antivenom drugs, which may help you.
If possible, take these steps while waiting for medical help:
Move beyond the snake's striking distance.
Remain still and calm to help slow the spread of venom.
Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.
Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
Clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
Caution
Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice.
Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
Don't drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed your body's absorption of venom.
Don't try to capture the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it, which will help in your treatment. If you have a smartphone with you and it won't delay your getting help, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance to help with identification.
Symptoms
Most snakebites occur on the extremities. Typical symptoms of the bite from a nonvenomous snake are pain and scratches at the site.
Usually, after a bite from a venomous snake, there is severe burning pain at the site within 15 to 30 minutes. This can progress to swelling and bruising at the wound and all the way up the arm or leg. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, labored breathing and a general sense of weakness, as well as an odd taste in the mouth.
Some snakes, such as coral snakes, have toxins that cause neurological symptoms, such as skin tingling, difficulty speaking and weakness. Sometimes, a venomous snake can bite without injecting venom. The result of these "dry bites" is irritation at the site.