By Jeremy Patton
1. Watch your step. If you must pass over a log, step onto it and check the other side before stepping down.
2. Mind your hand-holds. Do not put your hands anywhere you cannot see.
3. Take your time. If you rush through the forest, you are less able to mind your steps and hand-holds.
4. Stay on the trail. Snakes have fewer places to hide there. If you must bushwhack, do so during the winter when snakes are in-active and the bush is thin.
5. Avoid summer hiking. We all break this rule, of course, but save the overgrown areas for winter.
6. Carry a stick. I have stirred many snakes by tapping a stick ahead of me.
7. Wear snake armor. Long, baggy pants provide minimal protection. High boots and snake guards are better.
8. Always assume that snakes are active. I have never seen a snake in December, but it would be foolish to assume that they can never be out then. One might decide to be a rebel.
9. If you are camping, sleep in a closed tent so a snake cannot slither into bed with you. If you leave your boots outside, flip them up-side down in the morning before putting them on.
10. Most bites occur due to stupidity. Leave snakes alone and they will probably leave you alone.
Added 12/5/14 – Updated 8/2/26