Avoiding A Potential Snakebite

As far as nightmares go, being a victim of a snakebite is rated as one of the top ten worst incidents that people most fear in life along with shark attacks.
Ophidiophobia , or the fear of snakes is quite common. While it is true that certain snakes have the potential to inflict serious pain, and even death, understanding their behaviour can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
The guidelines listed below will help you minimise the risk and hopefully change an encounter with a snake from what would normally be a traumatic experience to one of fascination and respect.

How to minimise the risk of snakebite

* Wear protective footwear and ideally long trousers. The majority of snakebites occur below the knee. Refrain from running around bare-foot where you are likely to encounter snakes.

* This may be stating the obvious, but look where you walk. Most snakes will attempt to avoid a potential confrontation by slithering away before you even see them. However some snakes rely on their cryptic patterns and colouration in order to avoid detection. These snakes usually belong to the Viperidae family (rattlesnakes, adders, and vipers) and rely on their camouflage rather than moving away.

* If you're walking at night, use a flashlight. Most snakes are active at night and often lie on pathways and roads.

* Be aware of your sorroundings. Avoid areas where snakes are likely to hide. These areas include dense vegetation and tall grass. Avoid areas where your visiblity is obscured. Remember, a snake that you can't see is more dangerous than one that is visible.

* Look where you place your hands. For example, if you're rock climbing, collecting firewood, or simply working in the garden where there could be snakes you should be careful of where you put your hands.

* Picking up objects. It is good practice to lift objects towards you rather than away from you. You never know what could be lying underneath.

* If you're camping, it is also a good idea to ensure your tent is closed at all times.

It's one thing minimising the risk of a snakebite, but what do you do when you encounter a snake?

* Do not attempt to kill the snake. By trying to kill the snake you are in fact aggravating an already potentially volatile situation. Faced with aggression a snake has no option other than retaliation which greatly increase the risk of you becoming a victim.

* Do not attempt to move the snake. If you're out in the bush then leave it alone...it belongs there. If the snake is on your property, or in your home, contact the professionals they will gladly remove it for you. If you're living on a farm, or miles away from any form of assistance then it may be a good idea to do a snake capture and handling course.

* When you encounter a snake do not run This may seem ridiculous, but it is sound advice. Think of it this way...You know your neighbourhood pretty well. You know where the shopping mall is, your favourite pub, hairdresser, best restaurants, etc etc. Snakes are no different to us in that respect. They know where to find water, where to find food, and where their favourite hiding places are. When disturbed the snake's first instinct is to hide. If you happen to run in the same direction where the snake's favourite hideout is...

* Stand dead still (no pun intended). Snakes generally do not strike at stationary objects. In addition to this, by standing still you are giving the snake an opportunity to escape without a confrontation. Snakes are not aggresive nor vindictive, and they do not chase people. If the snake does not move, then slowly move away in the opposite direction.

* Avoid sudden movements. Snakes perceive rapid jerky movements as a threat and by doing this you are increasing the risk of a snakebite.


By following these tips and advice which have been tried and tested you will no longer need to think about what to do when encountering a snake.
Instead you may find the time to grab your camera, take a photograph, and remember the day where you stood metres away from a snake and the little guy did nothing...

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