Snakes While Camping or Hiking- How To Prevent Problems and How to Handle a Snake Bite
Disclaimer: this blog is NOT a substitute for medical advice or medical care. Please seek medical care immediately in the event of a snake bite, and consult a healthcare provider’s recommendations for bite care.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because this is from my YouTube video on this topic, but I wanted to share it in blog form for those who prefer that.
Most snakes are not a threat, but it can be hard to distinguish between ones that are and ones that aren’t, especially if you’re panicked.
In North America there are several species of venomous snakes. I understand many people have a paralyzing fear of snakes, so I will not show photos here, but this link will provide some identification.
Within the following categories are several species:
Rattlesnakes
Copperheads
Cottonmouths/Water Moccasins
Coral Snakes
To see what snakes are in a given state, you can see this map. (Disclaimer: This site is from a drug company that provides anti-venom medication)
In California, where I am, rattlesnakes are the biggest risk. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and don’t want to bite if they don’t have to. In a state of 30 million people, approximately 300 rattlesnake bites are reported annually. In the US, a country with 340 million people as of 2024, 7-8000 snake bites, and about 5 deaths are reported annually, according to the CDC.
Most bites occur from handling to accidentally touching snakes, including dead snakes or decapitated heads. A dead snake is still a risk- it can have reflexes and venom that are still active. Many snakes can swim, so be careful about grabbing what might appear to be a stick!
Not all bites inject venom. Depending on the source checked, anywhere from 20-50% of bites are considered dry bites, meaning venom was not injected. Even if no venom is injected, you can get tetanus from a snake bite, so medical care is critical.
What To Do If You’re Bitten:
First, check that it really was a snake bite- if you saw the snake, then you know what happened, but if you didn’t, look for any of these signs and symptoms following the possible bite:
2 fang marks
Swelling
Moderate to severe pain
Skin discoloration (redness, bruising)
Bleeding, often excessive with trouble clotting
Blistering
Enlarged lymph nodes in the area
Burning
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Slurred speech
Sweating
Fever
Altered mental status
Loss of coordination
Convulsions
Shortness of breath/labored breathing (or stopping breathing)
Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
Disturbed vision
Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in mouth
Increased salivation
Increased thirst
Numbness and/or tingling around face and/or limbs
Try to have someone else go for help immediately, activate the SOS button on a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator, or call 911 on a cell phone
Reduce movement to the area of the body with the bite, possibly immobilize with a splint. Keep it very loose because of potential swelling
Relax to slow down heart rate
Keep the bite elevated higher than the heart if at all possible
Don’t try to catch snake, but do try to note its species, size, color, pattern, and any other details. Take a pic if possible/safe.
Remove rings, watches or bands that may restrict swelling
Clean the wound with soap and water
If possible, mark the leading edge of swelling and write the time
Cover with a clear, dry dressing
Seek immediate medical attention (as best you’re able)- get to the trailhead and have someone drive to hospital
Don’t:
Delay seeking medical care
Use a tourniquet
Suck out venom
Cut the site
Apply ointment of any kind
Ice the site
Use electrical shocks at the site (yes, this has been done)
Drink caffeine (increases heart rate) or alcohol (thins blood)
Take pain medication, including aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen
How To Avoid Negative Encounters With Snakes in the First Place:
Avoid handling or getting close to a snake
Keep your camp crumb clean- rodents are attracted to food, and snakes are attracted to rodents
Have a campfire- snakes don’t like smoke
Check your campsite for them, as they may seek heat at night.
Snakes are most active at in the morning and evening, and are more likely to be out in warmer weather
They seek sun during cooler parts of the day, and shade when it’s hot.
Avoid bushes, tall grasses, heavy underbrush and loose rocks
Step on, not over, large rocks or logs. Watch where you place your hands
Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Avoid wearing sandals in bushy, wild areas. Some people wear snake gaiters, but this is not necessary, and won’t completely prevent a bite.
You can use your trekking pole to push aside brush or leaves on the path (DO NOT use one to try to move a snake!)
Use caution when picking up anything off the ground, including your shoes or pack if they’ve been there awhile.
Keep dogs on a leash.
If you see one:
Back away if you can.
Try to wait it out or give it a very wide berth while keeping your eye on the snake in case it tries to escape in the same direction you are. Most snakes can strike about 2/3 their body length.
You can try stomping from a safe distance so they can feel that you’re there. Yelling will not help, as they do not have external ears.
Do not use a trekking pole or stick to try to move it or scare it.
Additional Sources and Resources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/snake-bites
