What to do in a Venomous Snake Encounter
Most venomous snakes will avoid contact with something considerably larger than themselves, since they perceive it as a predator. The snake will likely get protective the moment you approach it. Just like you would if a person who was much bigger than you came at you aggressively and attempted to manhandle you. The snake will attempt to bite if it feels cornered.
Never Touch a Venomous Snake
Every time you touch any kind of snake, regardless of how calm the snake may be, how knowledgeable you are, or how gently you handle it, you run the danger of being bitten. Any animal with a mouth can bite. There are several factors that may trigger a snake to bite you. General warning signs are a rigid body shape, with the neck held in a tight S shape. The snake will flick its tongue seldomly, and when it does it is often held out long and slow. Snakes will often open their mouth and feign strike preceding a real strike in order to scare you away. These signs may not always be shown before a bite, so always be smart and stay out of striking range if you do not want to be bitten.
If You Are Within Striking Distance, Generally Between One Third and One Half of its Length, Just Freeze and be Still
Movement is a hazard since you are much bigger than the snake, particularly if you are near it. Venomous snakes will usually withdraw if given the chance and are not hostile. Simply step back and maneuver around it if you are far enough away from it to be outside of its striking distance. The snake won't mess with you if you don't tamper with it.
First Things First
Calm down by taking a few deep breaths. The majority of snake bites just cause shock and tension. Most nonvenomous bites merely produce slight discomfort and do not significantly injure the victim. Some even miss the skin entirely.
The majority of bites are defensive in nature; the snake will bite and then it will flee if you back away. There are no venomous snakes that view humans as prey. If you fear there is a venomous snake on your property, inform the local authorities and let them handle the snake. This is much safer than trying to kill a snake, as this is when most people are bitten.
Just Walk Away
Walking away is a perfectly reasonable choice, but other dangerous snakes, under other situations, may call for alternative reactions. If you see a venomous snake in your yard, move all people out of the garden and wait a few hours to see if the snake leaves. Snakes are often seen traveling through lawns, but if there is not shelter, water, or food available for them, they will leave the area. See our article on how to keep out of you lawn to ensure the best chances that snakes will not reside in your lawn. If the snake is still in your lawn after a few hours, it is recommended to call local wildlife control to relocate the snake.
Be Extremely Careful Where You Walk if you Live in an Area Where Snakes are Common
Wear boots and jeans if snakes may be present in the bushes or forests, and avoid wearing sandals or open-toed shoes. Do not forget that snakes just want to survive and have no desire to be anywhere near you. So, if at all possible, avoid killing the snakes and simply leave them alone.
Learning how to recognize local snake species quickly is the only method to swiftly determine whether a snake is venomous. You must be familiar with every snake in your area and be able to distinguish between them quickly. It requires research and practice, but it is possible.
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