How Fear Leads to Unnecessary Snake Deaths — and Why We Need to Find a Better Way

When an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake was found dead — having been senselessly killed on the grounds of the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens, there was quite a response to the gardens’ social media post urging people to be kind to these reptiles. The post simply requested that rather than killing the snake, whoever encountered this shy, reclusive species could simply have maneuvered around it. Instead, whoever encountered the snake on the grounds let fear take hold and that person’s misunderstanding of the snake led to its death, an act that was both unnecessary and illegal at once.

Unfortunately, snakes are often the victims in these encounters, with many individuals preferring to kill on sight rather than take a more thoughtful approach. Their fearsome reputation precedes them, even though most snakes (including venomous ones) would rather leave humans well enough alone. 

Despite our instinctual fear of these slithering reptiles, the average person may not know what to do when they encounter a snake. Avid hikers, rock climbers, and even the average campus student may find themselves face-to-face with a snake and be uncertain about how to proceed. 

How can you stay safe while also respecting snakes in their natural habitats? This is your guide for what to do should you encounter any misunderstood snake species — especially venomous ones.

Encountering Snakes in Nature: How to Stay Safe

Prevention and awareness are the first steps you can take to stay safe while in a snake’s natural habitat. Whether you’re hiking in rattlesnake country or a humble garter snake’s territory, here are some tips and tricks to avoid any snake encounters.

Always Hike in Long Pants and Boots

Regardless of the season, hiking, walking, or climbing in long, durable pants and ankle-length boots is always the way to go. While snake bites can happen when you least expect them, their fangs and bites are rarely powerful enough to puncture strong fabrics. Protecting these parts of your body (one of the areas snake bites most commonly occur) will give you peace of mind.

Maintain Awareness of Sights and Sounds

One of the main reasons snake bites occur is because humans don’t see them in time and get too close. Keeping your eyes peeled for any abnormal movements or silhouettes on your trail is necessary. Likewise, hiking in headphones isn’t a wise idea. Many snakes have unique ways of warning humans of their presence, such as rattling their tails, hissing, or rustling surrounding leaves. Pay attention and you’ll stay safe.

Timing is Key

Snakes typically hatch in springtime in many regions, which can increase the likelihood of encounters in those areas. However, the level of danger varies depending on the region and snake species. Likewise, spring and summer months leave rocks and pavement hotter than in fall and winter– a snake’s favorite thing.

It’s far more common to encounter sunning snakes as the seasons change; the time of day matters too. Dusk can be a time when some snakes are active, but activity levels vary by species. It’s important to be cautious during this time as visibility is lower. Be aware of these things before planning your next outing!

Bring a Walking Stick or Pole

Utilizing a pole or walking stick can be a useful tool for brushing aside long grasses or debris before potentially stepping into a snake’s striking distance. While you should never use your walking stick against a snake in an aggressive manner, it can be a helpful accessory. This is especially true if you’re hiking in an overgrown area.

Don’t Wander Off the Path

Speaking of overgrown areas, snakes tend to avoid locations humans frequent, preferring areas of tall grass and plenty of cover. Simply staying on your hiking trail is a way to stay safe from snakes. While many snakes will sun themselves along open paths, they’re less likely to remain there should they sense a human approaching.

Interpreting Snake Behavior: Warning Signs

Snakes don’t like us any more than we like them. That’s why multiple snake species have specific warning signs they utilize to keep us away. These are some of the most common snake behaviors you’ll encounter while hiking and how you should interpret them.

Hear a Rattle? Back Away

If you’re hiking in virtually any state, particularly the southwest, you’re probably in rattlesnake territory. Familiarize yourself with what a rattlesnake’s rattle sounds like, as this is often the first (and potentially only) warning you’ll receive. Back away from the sound should you hear it, and try to find where the snake is so you can avoid it!

Don’t Follow a Fleeing Snake

Regardless of species, never chase after a snake that’s attempting to flee. Not only will they likely be too fast for you to catch– there’s no reason for you to catch them. Remember: they’re more scared of you and don’t want any trouble!

Coiled Up? Ready to Strike

If you see a snake in a coiled up position, head raised toward you, it’s time to back away slowly. Rattlesnakes in particular tend to coil up right before they strike, a defensive and prepared stance. Move calmly but quickly away from the creature, at least ten feet back.

Hissing is a Form of Protection

Besides rattling, hissing is another common sound you may hear while hiking in snake territory. This is another method snakes have of warning humans they’re getting too close. Avoid the area where you hear the sound as best as you can!

Laying in the Sun? Leave It Be

If you spot a snake on the trail, unmoving in the sunshine, leave it alone. It’s simply trying to regain energy and warm up; snakes want to enjoy gorgeous days as much as humans! Give the resting snake a wide berth and go about your business.

How to Handle Encounters With Common Snake Species

In general, you should treat every snake species with respect, regardless of their venomous status. These tips can help you better interact with common snake species of all types, especially if you get surprised on a hike.

Keep the Snake in Your Sight

Not maintaining awareness is the number one reason snake bites occur. Should you see a snake on a trail, keep your eyes on it until it slithers away or you alter course.

Give the Snake Plenty of Space

By staying outside of a snake’s striking distance, you stay safe. Maintain a bubble of 5-10 feet away from any snake, whenever possible.

Stomp a Safe Distance Away

If you spot a snake in your path, stomping or making noise before you get too close can be enough to scare it away. Snakes sense ground vibrations and will readily depart an area humans enter. 

Wait it Out

Sometimes, all you can do is wait for a snake to finish sunning and depart your designated trail. If you can’t move past a snake without getting too close, take a break a safe distance away. They will move on soon and you can both enjoy your day without putting one another in danger.