Hiking is one of the recreational activities that everyone does on their vacations. Hiking is a vigorous walk in the countryside on different trails and paths. It promotes health and fitness and is economical as well. It is a way to praise the beauty of nature by stopping at exotic places and breathtaking views. However, this beautiful hiking journey could result in life-threatening and heart-wrenching events.
Some barriers impede hiking and cause problems. The most notable cause among them is snake attack. Hiking is done mainly in mountains and bushy areas, home to snakes and other reptiles. Hence, those places are at greater risk of wild snakes having toxic venom. Therefore, a person should choose the best time for hiking to avoid any intrusion of the snakes.
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Best time to hike to avoid snakes
Snakes are one of the most lethal animals that bite almost 5.4 million people annually. Most of them died while others suffered permanent body damage, including limb amputation, difficulty breathing, circulatory system disorders, kidney failure, etc. These attacks are most common in bushy areas, fields, forests, or mountains. Mainly wild snakes reside in the mountains. Hence for hiking in the mountains, one must choose a suitable time to prevent any snake attack.
Snakes are ectotherms or cold-blooded reptiles. They mostly come out during the warmer part of the day as they cannot resist the cold. Hence, the best time to choose hiking is in the early morning, as it is a relatively cooler part of the day. Furthermore, snakes are nocturnal as they come out at night. Therefore a person should not plan to hike at night as it would be fatal for him. A person should plan hiking to cooler regions or in winters as snakes do not come out in winters.
Snakes yearn to soak their body in the sunlight as they are geothermal. Therefore, a person should not plan for a hike on warm days. Choose a cold region or winter if one wants to go hiking. Snakes are lethal to humans as they could inject their deadly poison. Therefore, consider all the precautionary measures before you head towards hiking.
Guidelines to plan a safe hiking
Before hiking, one must take preventive measures to avoid any unforeseen encounters with snakes. Follow these steps:
- Wear protective boots to avoid snake attacks. Snake-proof boots are helpful as they do not allow the penetration of snake venom inside it.
- Always travel with a hiking pole to deflect snakes if you encounter any.
- Make noise with a stick to astray snakes if they are around you.
- Always be alert while passing through bushes or fields as such places have a high probability of having snakes.
Conclusion
Snakes vary according to their species as some are diurnal that come out during the day, while others are nocturnal that come at night. One can not be sure whether it is safe to hike at night or during the day. If the temperature is too hot, then snakes will seek a place to cool down their body temperature, for instance, under a log or leaves. While if the temperature is too cold, they will come out in the sunlight. Sometimes rain also makes snakes come out. Hence, a person should take precautions of all types before going hiking. You never know when or where you can encounter snakes.
Richard Sam is a 22-year-old Blogger from the USA. He loves traveling and exploring the terrific stuff. His hunting experience began at an early age. He enjoys outsmarting challenges.