View Full Version : Snakes In Florida
NatureTalk
03-11-2009, 12:38
How much do you guys worry about snakes? Or rather, what precautions do you take?
I've been going off trail more and more this year. When going through the woods I walk pretty patiently, slowly, alertly. Perhaps this is enough.
At a trailhead yesterday I was reading a great display about common Florida snakes. Got me wondering if I'm taking proper care.
I rarely see snakes actually, but once in a rare while I'll come across a big rattler curled up in the middle of a sunny trail.
What say you?
I spen 15 years in central and North Florida. I was always out in the woods, walking ponds fishing, messing around outside. I just payed attention to where I was stepping and what I was doing. I never really had any problems. I am sure that I walked past many, many snakes. My attitude was as long as I did not step on/near them I would be ok. I worked for me!!!!!!!:D
Cannibal
03-11-2009, 13:24
Same as for bears, make noise. They don't want anything to do with you and will most likely be cleared out before you get to them. I probably saw less than 20 of them during my year semi-sectioning the FT, probably walked past 200 without knowing it.
Saw way more snakes on the AT, course I was out there daily so that probably makes a difference.
SloHiker
03-11-2009, 14:21
Pretty much what they said .... watch where you sit & step and don't try and pick one up .... that alone will prevent 99% of all snake bites.
NatureTalk
03-11-2009, 15:07
Thanks guys, appreciate the reassurance. My wife has what seems a good idea. Carry a cell phone.
DISPATCHER: Hello, 911, what is your emergency?
ME: I've been bit by a snake!!
DISPATCHER: Where are you sir?
ME: I'm in the woods!
DISPATCHER: Which woods sir?
ME: Some woods with too many snakes!
DISPATCHER: We're going to let you die now sir, have a good day.
Saw way more snakes on the AT, course I was out there daily so that probably makes a difference.
I may have only been on the actual AT once. Saw a giant rattler in the middle of trail. Got to walk through knee high weeds for about the next hour. Whoopie, that was fun. (The AT was very very cool though, snakes aside.)