Almost all of the world is home to snakes that can be dangerous. In rural areas, snake bites are a problem for people who work on farms and hunt. This is because snake bites are a common environmental and occupational disease. In West Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Papua New Guinea, and the Amazonian region, snake bites are a significant cause of death and disability.
Many people die from snake bites in India and Bangladesh every year. Survivors often have physical and mental problems that last for a long time. Weather and climate factors can affect how many snake bites happen. Annual peaks happen during the monsoon rains and flooding, linked to cycles of snake reproduction and human activity (farming). Many bites happen at night, and they may happen to people who sleep on the floor of their homes.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Snake Bites
Preventing snake bites is essential to precautionary measures since snake bites can be devastating. Read on for a few tips to avoid snakebites.
When hiking, wear boots and long pants
Your clothes are your first line of defense against snake bites. You should wear long pants, boots, and gaiters. When walking in places where you can’t see where your feet are going, don’t go barefoot or sandals.
Hike on paths, away from underbrush and weeds
Snakes can hide from predators, stay calm, and hunt for food. Trails have less space for snakes. This gives you a sense of safety. Snakes can hide from predators in the brush. A rattlesnake could be hiding in plain sight, so stay on the trail and don’t move it.
Never touch a snake, even if it seems dead
To surprise and kill their prey, snakes hide. Don’t think that because they look like they’re not moving that it’s safe to go and look at them. Even dead snakes can bite.
Before picking up rocks or firewood check for hidden snakes
Rattlesnakes may be difficult to notice because they hide effectively and wait patiently for prey. Snakes may hide in various situations, including piles of boulders or logs, thick plants, and tall grasses. Ensure that any logs or rocks you want to pick up or sit on are thoroughly checked for rattlesnakes.
In isolated locations, never go hiking alone
Even if a snake attacks you or your hiking companion while hiking, having a friend to call for aid is essential. Have your hiking companion picture the snake if it is safe to do so, so that identification may be established to help with treatment.
Teach youngsters to be careful around snakes.
Children who are curious about snakes and attempt to handle them often get bitten. Teach kids always to give snakes the right to avoid snake bites.
Most of the time, the snake is more afraid of you than you are of it. Giving the snake a chance to get away stops most bites.
Don’t try to handle, catch, or play with venomous snakes or snakes that don’t know who they are. A lot of the time, snake bites and alcohol use go hand-in-hand. Having a drink can make you less likely to think before you do something, making it more likely that you’ll pick up a snake. Alcohol also makes it more likely that you will make a mistake.
You can help protect yourself from getting bitten by boots if you’re outside. Long pants can take a bite. Always be careful where you put your hands and feet in picking berries. Do not walk barefoot after dark, and don’t pick berries alone.
If you work with dangerous snakes regularly, you might want to think about what to do before a snake bites you. The medical staff will be able to treat you better if you tell them about the type of snake, the type of venom, and how to get and use antivenom.
Conclusion
Getting bitten by venomous snakes can cause many things, from superficial puncture wounds to life-threatening illnesses and death. They may not be as bad as they seem at first. A victim may not show any signs but then have difficulty breathing and go into shock. If you don’t act quickly, snake bites can be very dangerous and even kill you. They’re not very common, but there are still things you should do to avoid getting hurt by a venomous snake.
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.