Worse case scenario - What happens if you DO get a snake bite? While it is extremely rare to get bit by a snake, if the unthinkable happens and you get bit by a rattlesnake, heres what you need to do. In the rare circumstance that you can’t move safely around the snake, you can always turn around or take another route. Find a way to safely move around the snake. Due to my schedule it doesn’t always work for me to run with a friend so I like to feel safe running with or without a friend.ĭon’t Panic- if you do see a snake. I feel like the ultimate goal should be for you to feel comfortable running alone but the way you will get to that level of comfort is with practice. Run with a friend- running with a friend really does help tame down the animal fear. Typically it is fairly easy to see a snake on the trail but off trail they can easily hide in rocks and loose boulders. This is one of the best ways that you can protect yourself. This means you may need to turn down/off your music or run with 1 earbud in (that’s what I typically do). Pay attention to your surroundings- If you know you are in a high snake zone, pay extra attention and keep your eyes and ears open. If you want to limit risk factors, snakes are less likely to be around in cooler temperatures. Run when it’s cool- snakes like the heat of the day. I have gaiters from Ultimate Direction and they come in handy year-around on the trails. My favorite compression socks are CEP brand they are pricey but worth it. I don’t think that these are a must but if you are on the concerned side or in a high rattle snake zone during peak season, this is an easy thing to throw on. There are really fantastic tall compression socks for runners, they are thick and breathable and offer good protection. Tall socks and gaiters are an extra measure of safety. Never purposely get to close or try to touch a venomous snake. For example, you don’t need take action if you see at garter snake but if you see a rattlesnake you will need to move away and quickly be on your way. If you know what types of snakes are around you, you will be less scared and more prepared. If you are running in an area with an abundance of snakes, there are a few simple steps that you can take to ease your fears and protect yourself from the very small chance you would be at risk for a snake bite.Įducate yourself on your surrounding/be aware of Snake warning signs in the area. With a little practice and education- you too can feel safe and comfortable while trail running. I have run up close to countless snakes (many rattlers) and recently I was even up close and personal with a mountain lion and I am still here to tell the tell. While wild animals can be scary and should be respected, I know what to do if I have an animal encounter and logic tells me that I will be just fine if I react properly. This comes from experience and education. While sharks plain scare the bleep out of me, like surfers with sharks in the ocean I am at peace and comfortable in the mountains and on the trails knowing that animals are all around. Should that stop you from heading out on the trails? No way! Think about how surfers feel about sharks- they know sharks are around and they know what to do if they do encounter one but they are comfortable and at peace in their environment. For experienced trail runners, animals like snakes, mountain lions and bears are less of a fear then one might assume.
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