All RVers need to know the following snake safety tips to keep you, your family and pets safe while camping or hiking…
Do you know how many states in America have venomous snakes? And I’m talking Toxic Not just common snakes, but snakes.
If you don’t know, go ahead and guess. I can hear your thoughts churning…
Okay, Alaska is too cold, and some northern states are probably too cold. All Southern states have snakes, but do all states have venomous snakes? Hmm, Hawaii?
I think your guess is in the 30s range, right? Yes, I’m sure there are other states with snakes, but you asked about venomous snakes!
Unless you exclude only four states from the list, you would be wrong. He has venomous snakes in 46 out of 50 places in America. (I will tell you which four at the end.)
So no matter where you travel, you need to ensure snake safety. Whether venomous or not, you need to know how to avoid snakes and what to do if you encounter one. This knowledge can keep you, your children, and your pets safe!
Types of Venomous Snakes by State
The rattlesnake was probably the first venomous snake we saw in America. And for good reason. There are 32 species of rattlesnakes in the United States, but rattlesnakes aren’t the only potential threat.
(note that I say Potential Because following snake safety protocols greatly reduces the risk of being bitten. And let’s be honest, it’s us humans who usually carry out the blackmail. )
Some rattlesnakes in the United States, such as the Sidewinder and Massauger, do not have “rattle” in their names, but they are still rattlesnakes.
Then there are Copperheads and Cottonmouths (aka water moccasins). These snakes are rattle-like copperheads, but lack the rattle at the end of their tails. However, some are known to wag their tails like rattlesnakes.
Finally, we have coral snakes. These colorful snakes are most closely related to cobras and mambas and have highly toxic venom.
Coral snakes are more poisonous than rattlesnakes. However, it is not fatal. why? One is less aggressive. Additionally, their fixed fangs and small mouths don’t make for very good bites. They are inefficient at delivering their venom and must “bite” their prey to deliver it effectively.
Despite being “lethal” compared to rattlesnakes, coral snake bites can be extremely painful and can still lead to cardiac arrest if left medically unattended.
5 Basic Snake Safety Tips You Need to Know
Share Snake Safety Basics every day In the first installment of the series, RVer needs to know. Stay tuned for more snake safety articles!
Tip #1: Do your research every time you go to a new place
I came across this excellent resource that lists the types of venomous snakes in each state. Check the list whenever you travel to a new state and read up on each type of snake.
Familiarize yourself with where snakes are most likely to be found, their aggressiveness, and what to do if you encounter one.
Tip 2: Check your campsite upon arrival
If you are camping during snake season*, it is important to check the campsite for snakes when you first arrive. Snakes are more likely to avoid you once they know you’re there, but may “stalk” them when they first arrive.
Leave your dog and kids (and a scared spouse) in your RV and browse the campground safely. If you have logs, rock cuttings, or heavy bushes, look in from a few feet away and use long sticks if necessary.
Remember that rattlesnakes have excellent camouflage. I’ve scanned it before and had to take a double take to realize it was a snake.
Move slowly and take firm steps so that you can freeze in place if necessary.
*Please note that unusually warm weather can cause snake season to start earlier or be longer.
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Tip #3: Freeze and Retreat Slowly
If you see a snake (all snakes), freeze it immediately. It can be difficult to distinguish between rattlesnakes and gophersnakes, coral snakes and kingsnakes. (Some snakes wag their tails to imitate rattlesnakes.)
Non-venomous snakes have evolved to look like poisonous snakes. Some of them do such a good job that it makes us insensitive. Oh, it’s just another gopher. Oh no, no!
Small rattlesnakes, especially babies, are especially difficult to identify. Their triangular heads may not be so conspicuous. But their fangs still have poison!
So if you see a snake, freeze it on the spot. Assess your position and step away slowly with a sure footing. If you’re curious, keep a safe distance and try to determine if it’s poisonous.
If snakes are on your campsite, send someone to alert the campground manager while you monitor them. Campground managers can identify snakes and treat them accordingly. There is a possibility.
If the snake is away from your campsite, you are at that campsite and need to leave.
Tip #4: Keep your dog on a leash
Dogs like to run, jump, and poke their noses into every corner of the outdoors, making them more likely to get bitten than humans. If they come across a snake, they won’t freeze and slowly retreat.
As with nearly all camping and hiking scenarios, it’s a good idea to keep your dog on a leash. You need to be able to pull them away from the threat.
If your dog finds a snake, don’t reach for your dog with your hands! You risk scaring the snake and biting yourself that way.
If your dog attacks a snake, keep your hands out! Do not reach out to pull the dog away. Try to pull your dog off the end of the leash. But make sure your dog doesn’t throw the snake or let it come near you.
Most likely, the attack will end soon. Remove your dog from the end of the leash as soon as he drops the snake. If your dog isn’t on a leash, try to get his attention by calling him or moving a stick or small stone away from the snake.
I know you love your dog (I love mine!), but it’s better for your dog if you don’t bite too. please do not. Especially for venomous snakes, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Here’s what to do if your dog is bitten by a snake: Dog antivenom is available and I have seen even small dogs survive rattlesnake bites.
Tip #5: Teach Kids About Snake Safety
It is important to teach children snake safety before starting a camping trip. Calmly explain that you don’t have to be afraid of snakes, but that you should be careful around snakes.
Explain to the children that the snake doesn’t want to bite you, but will bite if it thinks it will hurt you.
Let young children imagine what it would be like to be a small snake looking up at a large human body. ) Then tell me what you want humans to do if they were scared little snakes…
freezing. calm down. Retreat slowly. get an adult
Have the stick pretend to be a snake and practice. You can even test it several times during your trip. Throw a “snake stick” in the middle of the campsite and see if it responds correctly. Retrain if necessary.
detailed tips
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Today we’ve covered 5 basic snake safety tips every RVer should know. We’ll bring you more snake safety articles that list the dos and don’ts and provide even more in-depth tips.
Keep an eye on them in your newsletter. If you haven’t received our newsletter yet, sign up below.
In the meantime, be sure to watch the video above and also check out our bear safety and tick safety articles.
(By the way, if you’re still wondering, the only states without venomous snakes are Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and Rhode Island.)
Look for the second part of this series soon. In the meantime, where are you going to RVing next?
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