My family thinks I'm crazy!

[CameraSkunk]

HAHA, snakes are the least of your worries if you're out hiking. Legitimate snake bites tend to be from traveling off trail and not paying attention, putting your hand down in a spot the snake was in. In general they see us as big nasty creatures that will at worst be out for lunch, at best maybe squish them. Defense tactics initial is to stay still, then try to run, last is bite. Cougars and Bears know they can do us in with a swat of a rather large paw. Respect the snake, fear the cougars and bears :P.

[IDvsEGO]

Originally Posted by Scubadiver59

Snakes are the least of their worries...just mention bears of cougars (USA) and see what they say!

Originally Posted by DJC Reptiles

Lol, when I went backpacking in New Mexico, that is exactly what I told my Dad. Never mind the prairie rattlesnake I saw, but the cougar sightings in the camps the day before I got there.

Originally Posted by CameraSkunk

HAHA, snakes are the least of your worries if you're out hiking. Legitimate snake bites tend to be from traveling off trail and not paying attention, putting your hand down in a spot the snake was in. In general they see us as big nasty creatures that will at worst be out for lunch, at best maybe squish them. Defense tactics initial is to stay still, then try to run, last is bite. Cougars and Bears know they can do us in with a swat of a rather large paw. Respect the snake, fear the cougars and bears :P.

I mean, if you are out there and you are scared of snakes, maybe you shouldn't be out there because they arent at the top of your list of worries. But legitimately, the bears will leave you alone for the most part as well. The one time I ran across one he was maybe 400 yards away. Looked at me, then walked off. I wasn't a threat and there is far easier food available. Even in a campsite, they would rather have my peanut butter than chew on my leg. Not saying they are harmless or anything. To be respected and avoided for sure.

Cougars...if you see it you are probably already in trouble.

I am more worried about scorpions and ticks on a trail than a snake. Like you guys said, if you let it, a snake will go away. I have found scorpions in pants that were left out. Also why I now have a dirty sack that all clothes go in when camping and I keep my clean clothes packed and zipped up.

[StevenL]

Advantage of owning snakes for decades and being 56 years old my give a crap meter doesn't register anymore on peoples negativity about any snake. My attempts to educate people over the years were thwarted by the internet. You know the pictures, 75 foot snake eating an elephant while holding a school bus hostage until someone provides the snake with a tootbpick. If it's on the internet it has to be true...smh.

[IDvsEGO]

Originally Posted by StevenL

Advantage of owning snakes for decades and being 56 years old my give a crap meter doesn't register anymore on peoples negativity about any snake. My attempts to educate people over the years were thwarted by the internet. You know the pictures, 75 foot snake eating an elephant while holding a school bus hostage until someone provides the snake with a tootbpick. If it's on the internet it has to be true...smh.

lol, yeah. I dont care, I just get surprised at people I know and didnt expect it from. Its amusing.