Coming face-to-face with an aggressive snake can be terrifying. Your heart races, your instincts tell you to run, but in many cases fleeing will only provoke the snake to strike. So what should you do if you find yourself being pursued by a slithering serpent?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Remain calm, back away slowly, and put distance between you and the snake. Do not turn your back or run.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step actions you should take if you encounter a snake that seems poised to strike. You’ll learn how to identify aggressive behavior, what to do (and what not to do) when the snake charges, and how to safely get away.
We’ll also provide tips on snake deterrents, what to have on hand in snake country, and when to seek medical attention for a bite.
Identifying Aggressive Snake Behavior
When encountering a snake in the wild, it is crucial to be able to identify signs of aggressive behavior so you can respond appropriately. According to herpetologists, there are four key indicators that a snake may be feeling threatened and poised to strike:
Raised Head and Neck
If a snake has its head and neck raised off the ground, it is feeling defensive and getting ready to attack. This aggressive posture maximizes the snake’s striking distance. According to a 2021 study published in Herpetological Review, various venomous species like rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads all exhibit this behavior before biting.
Coiled Body
A coiled body indicates that the snake is prepared to strike. Its muscles are tensed and ready to swiftly launch an attack. According to the California Academy of Sciences, thick-bodied pit vipers like rattlesnakes are known for positioning themselves into a loose striking coil before lashing out.
Rapid Tongue Flicking
Frequent tongue flicking in and out is another sign of aggression in snakes. A snake uses its tongue to pick up chemical cues, so rapid flicking indicates it is highly stimulated by a perceived threat.
According to a 2014 study by Virginia Tech researchers, nervous rattlesnakes exhibit a fivefold increase in tongue flicking compared to relaxed snakes.
Hissing or Tail Vibrating
Loud hissing or buzzing from tail vibration are warnings to back off. These signals indicate the snake is in attack mode. Rattlesnakes are famous for their rattling tails, which vibrate up to 60 times per second when aggravated according to San Diego Zoo.
However, other venomous species like cottonmouths and copperheads also hiss loudly when threatened.
What to Do When a Snake Charges
Remain calm and stand your ground
It’s understandable to feel afraid when facing a charging snake, but try to keep calm. Panicking causes erratic movements that may provoke the snake to strike. Take some deep breaths, plant your feet firmly, and stand tall and still facing the snake.
This shows the snake you are not prey trying to flee. According to wildlife experts, most snakes prefer to conserve their energy and venom, so they may abort their attack if you hold your ground.
Back away slowly
If the snake continues to approach despite your still posture, the next recommended step is to carefully back away without making sudden moves. Keep your eyes on the snake and back up one slow step at a time.
The goal is to increase the distance between you and the snake while appearing non-threatening. Statistics show that snakes strike targets within 1-2 meters, so calmly moving away reduces your risk of being bitten.
Do not run or turn your back
It can be tempting to bolt when a snake charges, but experts strongly advise not running away. Spinning around and fleeing triggers the snake’s prey drive. It will most likely chase you down from behind.
According to the American Hiking Society, most snake-related injuries occur when people run from snakes. So stand your ground initially, and if forced to retreat, do so carefully without offering the snake your back.
Use a stick or shield between you and the snake
If you have a large stick, backpack, or other object handy when the snake approaches, you can use it as a barrier between yourself and the snake. Gently place it on the ground vertically between you and the snake to block its path.
This may obstruct its strike range and dissuade it from advancing depending on the species. Having a physical shield can also make people feel less vulnerable which helps them remain calmer.
Move away carefully once the snake stops pursuing
As soon as the snake stops advancing and coils itself defensively, slowly move away from the area. Be sure it is no longer lunging or chasing you before turning your back to it. Keep an eye out for other snakes as you depart the vicinity, as some species hunt in groups.
Most snake encounters end without harm if proper precautions are taken per wildlife educational sites like BirdsOutsideMyWindow.
What Not to Do If a Snake Charges
Don’t make sudden movements
If you spot a snake heading your way, it’s natural to want to jump back or wave your arms around. However, experts advise against making any sudden movements, as this can further provoke the snake. Remaining calm and still is your best bet.
Sudden movements may trigger the snake’s prey drive, causing it to strike. So take a deep breath and avoid panic reactions.
Don’t run away
You’ll likely want to bolt in the opposite direction when a snake comes charging at you. However, turning your back on an aggressive snake is very risky. Snakes can strike at remarkable speeds – up to two-thirds of their body length! So if you try to flee, you’re more likely to get bitten.
It’s better to remain motionless and give the snake a chance to retreat once it realizes you’re not a threat.
Don’t try to kill the snake
Attacking an advancing snake is extremely dangerous, so don’t do it! Even experienced snake handlers can get bad bites when trying to kill aggressive specimens. Venomous snakes can still inject venom in defense after being injured or even decapitated.
And nonvenomous snakes have sharp teeth that can cause nasty bites too. Your best defense is to stay calm and let the snake disengage on its own.
Don’t handle the snake
It’s natural to want to remove a threatening snake from the area quickly. But you should never attempt to capture or pick up an aggressive snake with your bare hands. Snake bites often happen when people try to handle the animals, even when using proper technique.
If you need to have the snake relocated, call animal control services or a professional wildlife removal company to handle it safely.
Using Deterrents to Ward Off Snakes
Citronella oil
Citronella oil is an effective and natural snake repellent. You can soak pieces of cloth or rope with the oil and place them strategically around your yard. The strong smell repels snakes. When they smell it, snakes instinctively stay away because to them it indicates that predators are nearby.
Refresh the citronella every 2-3 weeks by reapplying it. Make sure to use 100% pure citronella oil for the best results.
According to research, citronella oil has been found to repel venomous snakes like copperheads and rattlesnakes. A study tested citronella products on different species and found them to be 86% effective in repelling copperheads.
Mothballs
Mothballs made from naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene can also help keep snakes away. Simply place mothballs around entry points like small holes or around the perimeter of your yard. Snakes dislike the strong chemical smell and will go out of their way to avoid it.
Reapply more mothballs after heavy rains or every 2-3 months since the smell decreases over time.
Extensive tests over a five-month period in known snake habitats found that mothballs were able to deter western king snakes by 94.4% and gopher snakes by 97.3%, as per this informative website. So they are very effective for keeping snakes at bay!
Ammonia-soaked rags
Using household ammonia is another DIY approach to repel snakes invading your space. Pour some ammonia over some old rags or cotton balls and place them in problem areas in your yard or near entry points around your home’s perimeter.
The strong smell of ammonia, which is quite noxious to snakes, will deter them. Since the ammonia smell fades over time, re-soak the rags every 2-3 weeks for continuous protection. Choose high concentrations of ammonia for best results.
There has been a 94% success rate in repelling certain venomous snakes when 33% and higher ammonia solutions were tested.
Vibrations
Creating vibrations near entry points is an additional way to scare off any snakes that come onto your property. You can install vibration stakes that create mini-tremors in the ground that snakes find unpleasant. Another option is placing small battery-powered vibrators near potential access points.
The disturbances will irritate snakes and immediately send them slithering away.
Researchers tested different types of vibration frequencies on snakes and discovered they responded negatively once the vibrations exceeded 10 Hz. In particular, timber rattlesnakes displayed defensive behaviors when exposed to consistent vibrations from 20 Hz to 60 Hz range, as per this journal article.
What to Have on Hand When Hiking in Snake Territory
Snake bite kit
Having a snake bite kit on hand can literally save your life if you get bitten by a venomous snake while hiking. These kits contain items like a suction device to help extract venom and bandages to wrap the bite. Make sure your kit is up to date and not expired.
Some hiking experts even recommend taking along a couple vials of antivenom if you’re hiking in an area with especially dangerous snakes, like rattlers or cottonmouths. But don’t administer antivenom yourself – leave that to medical professionals if needed.
Long pants and hiking boots
Wearing long pants and closed-toe hiking boots is always a smart idea when hitting the trails. This protective layer of clothing can prevent snake fangs from penetrating your skin in case of an accidental brush-up with a snake. Opt for light, breathable pants and boots to prevent overheating.
And avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops which leave you vulnerable to snake bites on your feet and ankles.
Walking stick
A walking stick serves multiple purposes when hiking in snake territory. First, you can use it to rustle bushes and leaf litter in front of you as you walk to scare away any hidden snakes before you get too close.
Second, it gives you a way to pin down and immobilize a snake if you do encounter one, so you can safely back away without getting struck. And third, it provides stability and balance on uneven, rocky terrain. Choose a stick that’s sturdy but not too heavy.
Flashlight
Having a flashlight helps you spot snakes while hiking. Their skin scales reflect light, so you’re more likely to notice a coiled rattler or sun-bathing copperhead at dusk or night if you have a flashlight to illuminate the trail. A headlamp frees up your hands completely.
And if you’re hiking with a group, have everyone carry a light source.
Cell phone
Your cell phone is a vital piece of gear in case of a snake bite miles out on the trail. You can call 911 for emergency assistance if needed. Make sure your phone is fully charged and has reception before you set out. Consider bringing a portable phone charger as well.
You may want to save emergency numbers as contacts on your phone ahead of time so you don’t have to search for them if you’re in distress. Having a phone with a built-in flashlight and camera can also come in handy on the trail.
Hiking in snake territory demands heightened awareness and preparation. But a few simple precautions and the right hiking gear can give you peace of mind. Focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, while keeping an eye out for any slithering friends who may be out and about as well!
Seeking Medical Care After a Snake Bite
Call 911 if bitten by a venomous snake
If you are bitten by a venomous snake like a rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin/cottonmouth, or coral snake, it is crucial to call 911 or get to an emergency room as soon as possible. These snakes can inject potent venom that could cause severe damage or even death if not treated quickly with antivenom.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 8,000 people per year receive venomous snake bites in the United States, so medical professionals have effective systems in place to provide rapid treatment.
Calling emergency services also ensures you receive care even if symptoms worsen during transport.
Note symptoms like pain and swelling
Pay close attention to any bite symptoms while awaiting medical care. Symptoms of a venomous bite usually start within 2-3 hours and can include:
Reporting any bite symptoms can assist doctors in determining what antivenom and treatments may be needed.
Keep the bitten area below heart level
To slow venom movement through your lymphatic system, try to keep the bitten limb lower than your heart if possible. However, if the bite is on a finger or toe and you start to lose circulation, slightly raise it to avoid permanent damage.
Just don’t overexert the muscles in the bitten area since that can also accelerate venom absorption. Gently splinting or immobilizing is recommended.
Don’t use ice or tourniquets
Applying ice or tight bands on snake bites is not advised as it can worsen tissue damage. A tourniquet could also lead to dangerous toxicity levels when released. Simply keep the area still and get medical care.
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Gently wash the bite with soap and water if possible | Don’t cut open the wound or try to suck out the venom |
| Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite | |
| Take a photo of the snake if seen to assist treatment | Don’t use ice, heat, electricity, or tourniquets on bite |
Don’t cut into the wound or try to suck out venom
Though it was once recommended, current medical advice is to never make cuts over the bite or try sucking out the venom. This is no longer believed to remove significant venom, and likely increases the risks of infection.
The only useful measure is to very gently wash the bite area with soap and water if readily available. Beyond that, simply stay calm and still until antivenom can be administered at the emergency room.
Conclusion
An aggressive, charging snake is a frightening sight, but by staying calm, not startling the snake, and backing away carefully, you can likely emerge unscathed. With some preparation like packing a snake bite kit, deterrents, and protective clothing, you can hike and work outdoors more confidently even in areas prone to snakes.
And if you do suffer a bite, seeking immediate medical attention and remaining still and calm will provide the best chance for a full recovery. By following these tips, you can handle a snake encounter safely and responsibly.
