Awareness is the best medicine against snake bites, but Blocker Outdoors offers products that add a layer of protection…and peace of mind..
Hunters who live in snake country are keenly aware of venomous snakes, but often maintain a blasé attitude about them. Given the statistics, it’s no surprise most people who spend time in areas where they are likely to encounter venomous snakes are not overly concerned with the prospect of being bitten.
The Numbers
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife about 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the US annually, of which only 0.2% fatally succumb to envenomation and related trauma. On average, between one and two people in Texas die each year from snake bites, with North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana falling in line behind the Lone Star State. To put this in perspective, Texans have a better chance of being fatally struck by lightning or dying from a venomous insect bite.
The odds of being bitten may remain low, but when it happens, the stakes can be high – not to mention a perfectly good hunt will quickly be ruined. So why worry about prevention and protection from snake bites if the number of bites is relatively low? Well, it’s simple math really: Outdoor activities such as work, hunting, foraging, fishing, and even hiking often places people in prime snake habitat.
The Snakes
Common venomous snake species include rattlesnakes, cottonmouth, copperhead, and coral snakes – all more likely to be encountered when humans venture into their habitat during outdoor activity. While hunters in the north rarely encounter venomous snakes, a big contingent of outdoorsmen who spend time afield in the southern two thirds of the country may be one step away from dialing 911.
The copperhead is a common snake throughout many regions of the country and is known to sit quietly and still to avoid being noticed. Unfortunately, this leads to them being responsible for more bites than other venomous snakes found in the US. This can even happen while somebody is walking across their lawn. While considered a medical emergency that should be dealt with by doctors, thankfully their bites rarely cause more than temporary issues.
In contrast, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake – largest rattlesnake in the world – is one of the more deadly snakes hunters encounter in the southeast. This bulky rattlesnake can exceed lengths of 6-feet and employs fangs that can surpass an inch to inject a massive dose of hemotoxin. They happen to prefer the very same habitat wild turkey and whitetail deer do as well, which maximizes hunter exposure to these potentially lethal snakes. On the upside, they usually let you know where they are with a very audible rattle of the tail. When bitten by an eastern diamondback, the clock is ticking and if the victim does not receive antivenom quickly, the result can be deadly within a matter of days.
The western diamondback is common in the southwest and northern half of Mexico. Its habitat ranges from coastal plains to rocky canyons and hillsides, to desert, scrubland, and wooded areas. The point being is that western diamondbacks can be found in most hunting areas. In particular, boar, whitetail deer, and dove hunters stand a chance of operating amongst them.
Numerous rattlesnake species are present throughout North America and each one commands respect and medical attention if bitten.
The semi-aquatic cottonmouth or “water moccasin”, is a common pit viper throughout the southeast and west through east Texas. While they are shy and overall docile snakes, being bitten by one is extremely painful and can cause serious damage which needs to be addressed very quickly by medical professionals.
Living near water, cottonmouths can wreak havoc for waterfowlers, easily penetrating waders. And lookalike water snakes can keep you on your toes. Best to simply be aware, avoid them all, and not try making judgements whether it’s a harmless water snake or venomous cottonmouth.
These species live where hunters spend most of their time. While they are typically very reclusive and blend into their surroundings perfectly with their uncanny camouflage, once a snake’s personal space is breached, they may present defensive warnings including showy coiling, rattling/tail vibration, and hissing, among other interesting behavior.
Avoid Crises
Attempting to handle a snake that is attempting to flee is often when bites occur. Anyone who encounters a venomous snake would be well-advised to back away carefully and let it go about its business. “You may not see a snake as you move through their habitat, but chances are they are there and may even sense your presence. Most snakes remain motionless and allow you to pass and you’ll never even know they are there,” says snake researcher Calvin Vick.
Vick cautions that these reclusive habits can lead to being bitten if somebody reaches down to pick a mushroom or steps off-of a log where a snake may be hiding for example. Climbing rocky banks also increases the likelihood of surprising a snake that is essentially hanging out on its front porch.
Further increasing the odds of an encounter is the fact that hunters regularly enter snake habitats during spring and fall when reptiles may be lethargic and more likely to expose themselves as they seek the sun’s warmth. These are factors that emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant.
“While in the outdoors in areas where snakes may be resting or ambushing prey – a turkey hunter for example who is attempting to find a spot to sit down, increases the odds of a bite. It’s important to recognize these areas and understand when snakes are more likely to be present. When climbing over a deadfall, or sitting down against a tree for example, it’s important to observe the immediate area,” he adds.
Prevention
While roughly half of bites are “dry,” which means no venom is injected, bites that include penetration and envenomation are liable to cause serious medical issues, some grave. Different types of venom cause a variety of symptoms, some much worse than others.
The best way to prevent experiencing this firsthand is to protect yourself with specialized snake proof clothing. Blocker Outdoors offers a complete line of protective adjustable chaps and gaiters designed to be worn over regular pants and boots that will deflect a strike and thus prevent penetration. This is a great option for a host of reasons – not the least of which the ability to be easily carried and worn – or removed, as need arises.
These durable, lightweight polyester shells are available in several styles and configurations and provide superior protection from the venomous snakes, so you can focus on the hunt. Blocker’s economical snake protection doesn’t require breaking-in and easily fit over your most comfortable clothing and boots, including scent control pants. They are also great for traveling outdoorsmen who have limited luggage space for items such as bulky snake boots.
Giving venomous snakes plenty of space when encountered is by far the best way to avoid being bitten, but when in areas where they exist, it’s important to wear protective clothing which will help mitigate disaster. Blocker Outdoors has you protected.
