Would you be pleased to see snakes crawling in your sleeping bag while camping? Probably not! Any camper or hiker must know what to prepare for in case you come across a snake bite. However, you should identify what to do to refrain from getting into that set of circumstances in the first place, as this particular visitor wouldn’t be so welcoming! The following guide is loaded with suggestions regarding snake-free camping and could certainly save your life!
You should know that once you leave your sleeping bag or footwear out in the open, those sneaky reptiles called snakes might crawl inside as they seek warmth and shelter. Hanging back from this unpleasant situation is certainly, up to you.
Table of Contents
Be Observant of Your Environment
There are several points that we need to closely observe when checking for snake presence while camping:
- It is advisable to carry a repair kit, as snakes can get inside your tent whether something shreds it. Examine if there are any holes in your tent right after you set it up.
- Do not forget to check the entire area around your tent and beneath it as well, considering snakes seek shelter.
- Pay attention that you always check your footwear! Footwear is another hiding place for unwanted visitors, such as snakes and spiders.
- When you decide to leave the campsite, check that all zippers on your tent are sealed. Make sure that there are no opportunities for snakes to slink in through the small openings.
It is worth specifying how vital it is to determine the right tent brand for you before camping, as it will be your main camping gear. You should absolutely review these articles about tent brand comparison.
Wear Proper Clothing
When it comes to picking the appropriate clothing to avoid snakebites, you should take the following tips into consideration:
- It is crucial to cover all the regions that are prone to snakebites, such as hands, ankles, and the lower sections of the legs. This way, you can diminish the risk of poison invading your bloodstream, supposing that a snakebite occurs.
- Since nearly all snakes have short fangs, they definitely cannot inject the venom far into the skin whether you choose to wear jeans or a pair of snake gaiters, for instance.
- Sealed footwear can not only protect your feet, but it can undoubtedly produce way more ground vibrations. It is critical to remember that ground vibrations can encourage snakes to abandon the area, signaling danger.
Be Vigilant While Walking
We already know that most snakes will sense your presence through ground vibrations and leave right away. However, it is crucial to know that once caught by surprise, snakes can strike out of fear. Therefore, rocks and logs need to be checked in detail in order to reduce the chances of a snakebite.
Be Cautious When Collecting Firewood
Whether or not you are about to collect firewood, always remember to wear a long-sleeved shirt along with gloves, considering snakes frequently sneak beneath leaf scattering and logs. Also, remember to carry a torch at night.
Pick a Snake-Free Area for Camping
Speaking of the best camping locality to camp without the unwanted reptile companions is an area with an abundance of expansive space. Snakes do not have a fondness for being exposed out in the detectable locality. Note that the environment that is under complete darkness should be avoided at all costs as there is a tremendous likelihood of stepping on a snake when they are moving around.
Choosing to camp in a location that is straightforwardly snake-free is expected to be the most suitable alternative. Noteworthy, in Hawaii, for instance, no poisonous snakes can be found. However, within reach is an abundance of places and relaxation expanses in the country where you can stop by without needing to worry about getting bitten.
Whether you hold permission, lighting a fire is another beneficial line of action to keep rodents and snakes at a distance.
What to Do When You Spot a Snake?
Whether you stumble on a snake slinking anywhere near the campsite, be cautious and memorize the following advice:
- Since we are well aware that snakes usually strike when they sense danger, once you come across a snake, remember to remain calm, preferably take two wide-ranging steps back, and wait for it to leave.
- Do not attempt to kill a snake. Apart from snakes being protected animals, most of the bites happen meanwhile somebody tries to kill them.
- Avoid making any unforeseen actions as snakes can recognize that as intimidation.
- Never poke a snake with a branch or whatever object, as many snakes can strike suddenly from a high reach.
- Be cautious when foot-stamping. Even though ground vibrations can scare the snakes off, only do it if you are entirely sure a snake isn’t close to you. Owing to the fact that the snake is being cornered or somehow cut off, it could give you a nasty bite!
- It is generally the case that infant snakes can be threatening as well. They are much smaller in size and can strike quite quickly due to their unpredictable character.
- Make sure to regularly shake your sleeping bag before tucking in to avoid unpleasantness when you get inside.
You should definitely consider checking out this article if learning about many varieties of sleeping bags sounds interesting to you!
What to Do if You Get Bitten
- Immediately call 911 or go to the emergency department that is in close proximity, whether you cannot determine if the snake that bit you is venomous.
- On the assumption that medical care is out of reach, you should try hiking out to the nearest roadway in order to request medical service. However, if you did manage to call for medical help in the first place, try minimizing your movements to the fullest extent.
- Assuming that you are bitten on the hand or arm, attempt removing any accessories that you might possess, such as rings or bracelets, to avoid arm inflammation.
- Be careful to always keep the bite underneath the level of the heart. Try not to raise up! Stay relaxed and peaceful.
- Keep away from the snake to evade any additional distress. Supposing there is someone beside you, they could try taking a snapshot of the snake to identify it while maintaining the distance. However, do not try this measure whether you are entirely by yourself.
- Know that most snakes are harmless, and the majority of snakebites are not lethal.
Do Not:
- Never try washing or cutting the injury, as the medical professionals will utilize venom on the skin surface to distinguish whether the snake is poisonous or not.
- Apply a pressure immobilization bandage, tightly wrapping the entire limb, but do not use a rope that could entirely disconnect the circulation.
- Avoid drinking any alcohol or taking medication after a snakebite has occurred.
Maintaining your fear of snakes
Assuming that you are someone who is coping with ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, you should be able to acknowledge the indicators and learn more about this particular phobia. The pointers of ophidiophobia are:
- shuddering and shaking
- shortness of breath or any difficulty breathing in general
- expanded heart rate
- tightness in the chest
- sweating, pay close attention to your palms
- dizziness or vertiginousness
- motion sickness
- it seems like the snake or snakes are getting closer to you
- you struggle to manage your fear
- dryness in your mouth
Methods of Treatment
Understand that there is the implementation of diverse styles of treatment in regards to this phobia, such as exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle treatments.
- Exposure therapy. Exposure therapy treatment consists of slowly expanding your exposure to the objective of fear in different steps until you’re capable to manage the fear. For instance, your therapist may start talking about snakes, asking you questions about them, showing you drawings, or photos of different snake species, organizing a vacation to see snakes at a regional zoo, and ultimately challenging you to attempt holding snakes. This results in different levels and you move to the next level as your level of well-being increases.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Your psychiatrist will work with you to acquire unique approaches to picture snakes and behave around them applying cognitive-behavioral therapy. You will also study effective techniques to cope with your phobia so that you can amplify the confidence to deal successfully with the fear.
- Medicating. The majority of phobias can commonly be resolved with utterly speaking therapy. However, sometimes your psychiatrist may recommend prescription pills on a short-term basis, essentially to better treat the anxiety.
- Lifestyle treatments. Other forms of treatment that are profoundly effective are mindfulness techniques, meditation training, and physical exercise in the form of practice to encourage you to deal with anxiety and tension.
A fear of snakes is a well-recognized phobia amongst the immense range of personalities. However, the most reliable way to overcome our anxieties is to identify them and overcome them.
Try consulting with a therapist or seek support from open-minded, knowledgeable friends or family members. Therapy can provide you with guidance to diminish anxiety, live a happier life, and most definitely, enjoy the things you love to the fullest extent.
