Hiking with Snakes
With the recent news about Helen Worrell’s snake bite and rescue, I wanted to take todays email to discuss SNAKES. As we hike in the national parks, we hike alongside native animals. We love to see a wallabies, a lyrebird, or even a goanna, but the one animal we hardly ever see, but is hiking with us, are our Australian Snakes.
As the days start to warm up, they are often out and about seeking somewhere warm to heat up, looking for mates or feeding. It is not uncommon to find snakes coiled up on the trail sleeping as often trails will be in open sunny areas, so what you think might be a stick may not be. Remember to always look where you put your feet and don’t assume that when you step over logs that the path is clear.
I have come many snakes on trails, most of the time its been a pleasant encounter, where they are slithering off into the bush after they hear me coming. The most famous encounter I had was hiking on the Yuragir trail, and there in the middle of the path where two very large Male Eastern Brown snakes fighting. It was an incredible sight, and thankfully our camera had zoom lenses , yes, we stayed right way until they moved on.
Whether you are hiking with us or with a group of friends , it’s essential to be aware of snake prevention techniques to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. While most snakes on a path, are not dangerous to humans, it’s always wise to take precautions. Here are my top tips for staying safe
Stay on Designated Trails
One of the most effective ways to prevent snake encounters is to stay on designated hiking trails. Trails are typically well-maintained and clear of tall vegetation, making it less likely for snakes to hide and surprise hikers. Avoid wandering off the path into tall grasses or underbrush where snakes may be hiding.
Be Mindful of Where You Step
Always watch where you step, especially when hiking in long grass or around logs and rocks. Scan the trail ahead and be cautious when stepping over rocks or logs, as these can be favourite hiding spots for snakes.
Watch where you put your hands and feet
Always keep your hands and feet out of areas where you are unable to see them and be careful around rocks or while picking up firewood. Be careful when stepping in areas where snakes could be hiding, such as under rocks or logs. If you are entering an area where you can not see your feet, kick ahead of you to give snakes enough warning and time to slither away.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Wearing the right clothing can provide an additional layer of protection against snake bites. Opt for long pants and high-top boots to reduce the risk of a snake striking your lower legs or ankles. Wearing Gaiters adds another layer to your legs
Use a Tree Branch or Trekking Poles
Using trekking poles while hiking serves a dual purpose. It helps with balance and stability on uneven terrain, But also creates a vibration in the ground, which might alert snakes and give them time to move away from your path. If you don’t have trekking poles, use a tree branch that you’ll find on the trail.
Hike During Cooler Times
Snakes are ectothermic, which means they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. They are more active during warmer parts of the day. To reduce the chances of encountering a snake, consider hiking during the cooler hours of the morning or late afternoon.
Make Noise
Snakes are typically shy creatures and will often retreat from noise and vibrations. Make your presence known by talking, singing, or clapping your hands as you hike. This will give snakes a warning and encourage them to move away from the trail.
When you see a snake , keep calm, keep away
Snakes are startled by sudden movement, so if you are in a position to move away from the snake, do so slowly and smoothly. In many cases, if you remain motionless, the snake will move away of its own accord. Snakebite is a defensive reaction, so give the snake plenty of room to make an escape.
Remember: “If you corner them, they’ll defend themselves to frighten you out of the way.”
Be Firstaid Aware / Treating a snake bite
Being prepared is crucial. Someone in your group should carry a snakebite first aid kit, primarily a wide crepe snake compression bandage several metres long (10m), and from our Hiking safety tips, you will have the Emergency app loaded on your phone.
✅ On the rare occasion that someone in your groups gets bitten, the first thing to do is remain calm, stay as still as possible, and dial 000. Use the emergency app to share your exact GPS location coordinates with the emergency services.
✅ Apply a firm pressure bandage to the bite site and along as much of the limb as possible. Once the bite site is covered, continue wrapping the bandage up the length of the limb in a spiral motion with firm, even pressure, and back down the limb if the bandage is long enough. Use roughly the same pressure as if you were wrapping a sprained ankle. The bandage must not be so firm that it cuts off circulation to the limb.
✅ Mark the spot on the Bandage, where the bite occurred.
✅ Victims should stay as still and calm as possible to slow the spread of the venom.
✅ Immobilise the affected limb with a splint (tying legs together, using a plank of wood or hiking poles as splits ). If applied promptly and correctly, the pressure and immobilisation method is very effective.
✅ Wait for the emergency crew to arrive
The majority of snakebites in Australia (73%) can be attributed to three species of snakes:
????Brown Snake (41%)
- They’re very common in regional areas and love to hide in fallen logs and in between rocks.
????Tiger Snake (16%) and ???? Red-bellied Black Snake (16%)
- Love to eat frogs, so they’re usually basking close to rivers and swamps. Baby red-bellied black snakes eat tadpoles so they can also be found in water holes and lakes.
????Death adder
- Usually hides in “leaf litter” in woodlands or forests waiting to pounce on its prey — like a bird or lizard.
????Copperheads
- Love to eat frogs and small lizards, so you might spot them in bush scrub or resting near creeks.
Hiking in Summer, means we will be hiking with snakes, as long as we take the necessary precautions, you shouldn’t be worried. By staying on designated trails, wearing appropriate clothing, and following the tips mentioned above, you can minimize the risk of snake encounters and enjoy the beauty of nature with peace of mind. Remember that most snakes are not aggressive and would rather avoid humans, so respecting their space is essential for coexisting safely on the trail.
While you here, check out our last hikes, we have 5 each week
