Snakes live in many climatic zones and various types of terrain. In some cases, they can even show up in your garden. Most of these reptiles are harmless, but in rare circumstances, they can hurt you. If you encounter a snake, absolutely avoid approaching it, even if you don't think it is dangerous. There are some tips you can follow to minimize the risks.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Think About Your Safety
Step 1. Pay attention to your surroundings
If there is a chance that you will encounter a snake, for example on a camping trip or on a hike, you need to take a good look at the surroundings. Consider where these reptiles are most likely to be found.
- When hiking, try never to leave the trail. You may still encounter a snake, but the odds are lower on the more traveled path.
- Avoid tall grass. That habitat is very tempting for snakes.
- Snakes love to hide under stones and logs. Be careful when walking near similar objects. Keep your eyes peeled and look for any snakes.
- You should also be careful when climbing. Snakes have a habit of hiding in crevices and niches. Take a good look before placing your hand on the wall.
Step 2. Stay calm
At best, paying attention to your surroundings will help you stay away from snakes. However, it will not always be possible. If you encounter a snake, you can take many steps to stay safe.
- Try not to panic. Staying calm will help you make the right decisions and stay safe.
- Do not make sudden movements in the direction of the snake. Keep calm and try not to scare the animal.
- Remember that the snake was not looking for you. He was probably interested in finding a warm place.
Step 3. Walk away
One of the best ways to survive a snake encounter is not to get close. If you see one on your way, go somewhere else. If you can't turn around and change direction, make sure you pass as far away as possible from the reptile as you go around it.
- Remember that most snakes don't want anything to do with people. This is why you rarely see them.
- If you see a snake in the garden, stay away from it. He will probably run away when he sees you.
- In some cases, you may come across an aggressive snake or one that doesn't have a chance to escape. The same advice applies. Don't try to catch the reptile and proceed in another direction.
Step 4. Make loud noises
Making noise can help keep a snake out of your path. These animals have no ears, but they are very sensitive to vibrations. Loud sounds often lead them to escape to quieter places.
- Raise your voice. Try yelling "Go away, snake!" or just shouting.
- Stomp your feet hard. You can also try banging two sticks together.
- If you see a snake in the garden, the noise can help you escape. To annoy him you can turn on the lawn mower.
Method 2 of 3: Treating a Wound
Step 1. Keep the victim calm
In some cases, you won't be able to avoid a close encounter with a snake. Unfortunately, it happens that you get bitten. If you or a friend do end up in this situation, there are a few steps you can take to resolve it effectively.
- Make sure the person who was bitten doesn't panic. Staying calm isn't easy, but it's definitely helpful in this situation.
- If you get bitten, don't move. Limiting movement helps reduce the flow of poison.
- In some cases, you may not be sure if you or a friend were actually bitten. This is why it is important to know the most common symptoms of a snake bite.
- You should notice tooth marks or swelling near the wound. Fever, dizziness, and fatigue are also common symptoms.
Step 2. Seek medical attention
You need professional help for all snake bites. Even if you think it's a minor injury, call a doctor. If necessary, call an ambulance.
- Call 113. The operator can advise you to take the patient to the nearest hospital or they can send you an ambulance.
- Victims of snake bites must be given an antidote, but there are many different types.
- Try to explain to your doctor or operator what kind of snake bit you. If you don't know, describe what it looks like.
- You can also call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. You can get treatment advice 24 hours a day.
Step 3. Take care of first aid
You should seek medical attention for all snake bites, regardless of severity. If you can't get the victim to the hospital right away, take care of the emergency room.
- Have her remove all rings, jewelry and clothing in the bitten area. This helps prevent swelling.
- Gently clean the wound with water and a clean cloth. Do not wet it directly with water.
- Wrap the injured limb with a compression bandage. Apply these wraps as you would for a sprained ankle, wrapping the area well but not too tight. Continue wrapping about 10 cm above the wound.
- Do not apply a tourniquet. Don't try to suck the poison out with your mouth.
Step 4. Get ready
You must know that when you are outdoors, it can happen at any time to meet a snake. This is especially true in the hot summer months. If you go camping or hiking, be prepared for snakes.
- Bring a first aid kit with you. When you go camping or hiking, you should have at least basic equipment.
- The kit should include compression bandages, antibiotic ointment and gauze. You should also have a booklet with first aid directions.
- Bring lots of water bottles with you. You can use them to moisturize the victim of a snakebite and to cleanse wounds.
- Bring a cell phone with you. You must call for help if you or a friend are bitten by a snake.
Method 3 of 3: Identify the Dangerous Snakes
Step 1. Observe the snake's posture
Not all of these reptiles are dangerous. However, it is a good rule to avoid them when you encounter them in the wild. Some signs can tell you if a snake is particularly dangerous.
- Pay attention to the position of the animal. If it is gathered on itself, it prepares to strike.
- If you encounter a rattlesnake, walk away slowly. If the animal is picked up and makes its own distinctive sound, it prepares to strike.
- Be aware that snakes can strike from all positions. They reach farther when collected, but are able to attack even when lying down.
Step 2. Recognize poisonous snakes
There is no surefire way to tell if a snake is poisonous, so it's a good idea to assume everyone is and walk away. However, venomous snakes have some common traits that you can use as helpful pointers.
- Poisonous snakes in Italy are almost exclusively vipers. They have a triangular head, stocky body and short tail.
- Many poisonous snakes have triangular heads. Some examples are the water moccasin, the rattlesnake and the copper head.
- The water moccasin is also known as cotton mouth and is found in many waterways in the southern United States. Its venom can cause damage to muscles and tissues.
- The coral snake is the exception to the rule and is the most venomous snake living in the United States. It has a round head, rounded pupils, and more vibrant colors than other snakes.
Step 3. Avoid rattlesnakes
Hikers and fishermen often encounter these reptiles, which live throughout the United States. They are particularly common in the southwestern part.
- You can recognize a rattlesnake by the clearly visible scales at the end of the tail that produce the characteristic sound of these reptiles. Be careful, as not all rattlesnakes make noise, but they are still dangerous.
- Rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers. Watch out for them when fishing in a river or lake.
- The rattlesnake has hollow, retractable fangs, which appear when attacking and can inject large amounts of venom into the victim.
Step 4. Get rid of a snake
The best thing to do when you encounter one of these reptiles is to walk away and leave it alone. However, in some cases you may need to delete it. In this case, be sure to prioritize your safety.
- If you see a snake in the garden, you may be afraid it will bite your children or pets. To send it away, spray it gently with the water pump. Stay at a good distance while you bathe it.
- If you find a snake in the house, try to isolate it in a room. If you are certain that it is not dangerous, you can set a trap with glue to catch it, then free it.
- Call the agency that deals with the capture of dangerous animals. Turn to the experts who can help you solve your problem with the snake invading your space.
Advice
- Seek medical treatment for all snake bites.
- Don't go near snakes. Walk away slowly and leave them alone.
- Put your boots in tall grass so the snakes can't bite your feet.
