It's very good of you to put out advise however, after dealing with rattlers for decades in the Sonoran Desert I would advise against an inexperienced person using trekking poles to move a snake. Rattlers can jump about as far as they are long. A 4 ft pole against a 5 ft rattler is unsafe. Arms from elbow down are one of the most common bites specifically for this reason. Instead, throw sand at it to move it. Or get a longer stick. Thanks for your input. Stay aware.
Likewise, I live in the Sonoran Desert and encounter snakes in the backcountry every five hikes or so. Rocks and dirt thrown in their direction is my go-to. Although, when the sun starts growing legs and about stomp us, I see a lot of lethargic snakes sunbathing on the trail after a night of successful hunting. I can never get those to move, especially, it seems, the Mojave Rattlesnake. They need a direct nudge.
Don't step OVER a log or fallen tree blocking a trail, step ON to it, then over. Less chance of something resting under the log or behind a rock biting you. (From Africa where the vipers/adders don't have rattles to warn you!)
* Very true. I saw a hunting show, years ago, where one of the hunters stepped over a log, and a Puff Adder struck but fortunately missed him. It was laying on the other side of the log.
Unless, of course, the log is rotten, and you break through it, righteously annoying the hazzard inside. Nothing that a solid whack on the log before putting your weight on it won't mostly take care of. I really like putting a hiking staff down on the other side first, too.
Personal experience; While moving through deep sage, my trekking poles alerted a large and very angry rattlesnake just as I was about to step on it. Highly recommend poles for desert hikes.
Here in the Sierra when daytime temps are over 95 our Rattlesnakes become Crepuscular. Active at twilight. You’ll rarely encounter one in the sun. Also most Rattlesnakes won’t Rattle, they prefer to blend in and let you pass on by. Most envenomations in the US happen on the hand or arm. Because the victim is messing with the snake. Also worth mentioning is that the Lion’s share of envenomations in the US come from Copperheads not Buzzworms. I caught two on my deck this summer and neither rattled even after I picked them up with my tongs. The first one was a yearling and just layed there comfortably coiled next to our front door. My dog and I walked within a foot of it twice before I even spotted it. The second one was a ten plus pounder. Big Pacific Rattlesnake. Again, wanted nothing to do with humans aside from getting away. They are so much less aggressive than wive’s tails would have us believe. I’ve been hiking in Rattlesnake country for lost 60 years with zero close calls. Cheers. +x
I am a huge outdoorsman and spend as much time as I can hiking/hunting. I’m mid 30s and have never once been fearful or worried about snakes. I just flat out don’t see them. Until last night when I nearly walked on a rattler (within 10-18”) in the dark with a red headlamp on.. now I’m terrified of that experience.
I just caught another one. Little fella. AGAIN minding its own business. I was watering the pots on our patio when I spotted it. I walked over to the front door and grabbed the Snake Tongs and there it still was when I got back. The snake was ignoring me. It’s currently in a bucket awaiting extradition.
Some great tips and practical advice in this one. I'd recommend that hikers become familiar with the snakes in the area they are going to hike. Googling reptiles and amphibians of (whatever state you're hiking) should yield a few sites to see species, range maps, and typical behaviors. Cheers!
There are several other tips. If the air temp is over 95 degrees F, the rattlesnakes will be in the shade since even a few minutes in the sun will kill them. Keep your hands and feet more than 2 feet from shade, bushes, etc, and then chances of being struck are much lower at this temp. If the temp is cooler than 80 degrees but warming and they are out, they usually will not rattle nor move out of your way. I stepped on a big diamondback in just this condition. I also walked up into about 40 of them on an outcrop in AZ during February when the temp suddenly rose to 80+ and they had all come out of a den to sun themselves. I did not see any of them until I almost jumped on one and this made him rattle. After that I could see them all around me, and there was at least 40 of them. Took me almost half an hour to safely work my way out of this crowd.
Appreciate the temperature tip. Here in north Georgia, i encountered a very shy, non-rattling rattlesnake. Temperature was around 60 so that may have explained his lack of aggression.
Good advice. I only hike in the Mojave Desert in the winter when it is cold at night and only 50-60 degrees in the daytime. Still stay alert for reptiles.
Great video! It’s spring here in Southern California and the babies are out. We almost stepped on one that was in the middle of the trail last weekend. Blended right into the dirt. Better believe I am on high alert now!!
I’ll be out in Florida next month and honestly that is where I see the most snakes… I have done hundreds of miles of trails In The SW but see maybe 2…in the SE dozens…
Hiking along a creek makes it impossible to hear anything! Eyes open! BUT ...in my area we have 30 to 50 foot creek beds vertically....trees usually grow in these outcropping of rocks, and snakes will get onto the branches to wait for birds‼️🚩‼️ I found this out the hard way when leaves and acorns kept hitting me when I stopped to enjoy the shady area and drink water....the snake didn’t expect the limb to break any more than I did I’m sure! But, I heard a little snapping sound, and had just started to walk ahead when the snake fell out of the tree! He was just as freaked as I was but he moved just as fast, and the same direction I chose! He veered to the left and I went home!
Thanks for sharing these tips! Moved to a state that is ridden with rattlesnakes and am petrified. Your tips helped to make me feel a little more confident on what to look for when I leave my house! What would you say is the best course of action if you are hiking/walking and hear the rattling but cannot identify where it’s coming from?
I was 15 miles into a 30-mile day hike in the Santa Catalinas in Tucson and got tricked by the wind and the faux rattles. Heard that for hours and dismissed all “rattling” sounds…until I saw a Mojave on a boulder about chest level and feet from me coiled and threatening to strike. That was the day I stopped listening to music in both ears. (Trekking pole probably saved me, and that was the only time I’ve ever used one)
I've spent my 76 years off trail in southern California . Used to keep a snake log the point is I,ve seen a lot of snakes. Watch the area 3 feet ahead and 1 to the side. If off trail use a stick to make a fuss that they will respond to. Don't count on the rattle to alert you. If you hear a rattle, stop and figure out where it's coming from. Once I heard one that I thought it was about 20 feet away and it was only about 7. I was walking up a stream an saw an unusualy colored flower on the bank . It was flat to the ground and was about to touch it then realized that it was a baby Mohave curled up in a 3 inch circle. There is a wonderful book that covers rattlesnakes written by Laurence (K)Clauber who was the snake guy at the San Diego Zoo .( I don't know if I spelled the name right as I've loaned out the book.) The book points out that the vast majority of people that are struck are young men that were messing with them . several times I've been too close and was not struck.
My friend and I recently hiked down Zion Top-Down Narrows Virgin River. On the rare times we were hiking on land, my friend walked by him and I just noticed him just in time, baby two feet away and rattling. Yikes. No Search and Rescue really on that hike either.
I had your in my pocket listing while walking on a road that I saw a rattler the day before, and when you shook that rattle, I dead stopped to see where it was. Scared me good.
Tip: When walking imagine an area...... the size of a sheet of plywood .......in front of your feet .... just make sure the area is clear.... if it's not slow down a LOT.
I went hiking down in southern Arizona a few years ago where western diamondbacks are common but I didn’t even see one. You just have to keep alert when you are on the trail because they are around. If you step close too one you’ll know it.
Very good presentation, I don't look for them but in sept of 2020 one came to see me, in fact it came to the base of my front porch step. It was around 3pm and right around 80 F. I was sitting in my living room and suddenly heard a very high-pitched rattling/ ringing sound out front. I looked out the window and there was a classic full grown north American diamond back rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. I opened the front door threw a stick towards it and one of my dogs ran under the deck, the other dog chased it away. It was close to the dog's water dish when it got chased away. I live in the high desert of rural Idaho. I'm scared of them now.
I went to a conservation reserve along the beach this morning. Within 100m of my walk, along a dirt track, I heard rustling, then very loud hissing. When I looked to where the hissing was coming from I saw a snake in the striking position. I stepped away slowly then it slithered up a tree close to the track and hid. I think I just startled it. I was just as scared as it was not knowing if it was venomous and coming very close to it's striking zone. I was wearing thongs (*flip flops for Americans; not a g-sting 😅) and had no stick. My heartrate jumped a bit 😅 but I continued along the path. They hide very well and will blend in with just about anything. I wouldn't recommend hiking with headphones in otherwise you might not hear the warning signs, such as hissing, and get smashed by some snake who is just terrified that you are intruding on their home.
Best advise I heard was in Boy Scouts, "Watch where you put your hands and feet." My father was in New Guinea during World War II. There were serious snakes there. He said only one guy got bit, the guy who played with the snakes. "Don't play with snakes." Also, in New Guinea don't accept the natives' invitation to dinner. You could be on the menu.
Keep your tent zipped up so they don’t try to cuddle with you when it gets cold. In 16 years of backpacking and camping, I’ve never encountered a rattlesnake in my campsite.
6th tip. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone. I would also suggest to never step over a log , step on it and look down to see if one is laying there , they are ambush hunters and like cover. Now as crazy as it sounds if you see some hogs or sign of hogs in the area there is a better then normal shot a rattler will not rattle at you so pay attention to where you step. Hog's eat rattlers and apparently the snakes know the rattle sound will attract them so they don't rattle. Well experienced snakes ( bigger ones ) don't.
I did not know that about the hogs, thanks. I knew the rattlers had adapted to not rattling in some places to keep from getting caught by people. I had no idea hogs ate them.
@@scottjohnson360 There are lots of wild hogs that live in the Congaree National Park. So many people hike here that the hogs have almost become tame or so it seems. Saw one lady feeding one.
This was so informative! I’m thinking about moving to Lake Havasu City, AZ. What are the chances of seeing snakes in neighborhoods, in or near your home?
You’ll encounter them outdoors occasionally. Especially during colder months, you may see them trying to warm themselves on pavement/asphalt. Sometimes it gets so cold they can’t make it out of the road until a car gets them ☹️ It’s unlikely they’ll make it into your home, but I have heard of them making it into someone’s garage because they left the door open on accident. As for near your home, it’ll depend on your proximity to large natural spaces. If you’re in the middle of a neighborhood you’ll probably see fewer than if your home butts up to undeveloped land. There are also snake fence experts that can help secure your backyard using metal mesh if you feel that’s necessary.
Just found your channel here and this informative creation here. We especially appreciate your knowledgeable, conservational approach. Too many viewers on our rattlesnake video leave negative, hate ridden responses about them to the point where we've had to delete a few. Full support here, full watch 6:24 and a huge 👍🏽308🧡Happy trails!✌🏽🌟
They don't always rattle. I came up to within six feet of a rattler sunning himself midday and perfectly motionless. Never rattled, even after I very gently touched him with a long stick to get him off the trail so I could proceed.
I live in snake country and what is most troublesome is its very difficult to distinguish between a baby snake and a simple twig. I lager Rattlesnake can be difficult enough to spot, but there is an internal visual warning of danger with the shape of a Rattlesnake, but the young ones are very tough to see. Like he says 'keep your eyes open".
I was nine when we moved to CO; red rocks to climb, sage and scrub oak to frolic thru - Pop told us "Don't put your feet, your hands or your face anywhere you don't look first!"
I do land surveying for a living. Its best job in the world if hiking in the woods is something you enjoy. Our region being all mountains this is something that always worries me in the warmer months. Got some snake gaiters but still. When you do it all day every day it ups the chances of an encounter. Good tips man!
Gaiters are snake bite resistant chaps that you can wear over your boots/hiking pants. I find them to be cumbersome in the AZ heat, and most rattlers will let you know about their presence well before they strike. I’ve never worn them, and I work outside daily in AZ. Maybe I’m the fool though, you should do whatever makes you feel safe according to your personal risk tolerance, informed by your own experiences.
Nice presentation, I agree except for one point. I worked for a mining company in exploration and have hiked hundreds of miles in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho and New Mexico. I never see them because I am not looking for them. Iguana
For the last five or six weeks I've been on 5.5 acres of wooded undeveloped land. The front acre is not as wooded but had very tall grass higher than my vehicle. I've mowed that on a few occasions now and need to do it again but I am terrified of snakes. 2 days ago a utility company was driving down out rural road and a rattlesnake was in the middle of the road heading towards an area that i need to mow. Now z I'm afraid to go outside let alone mow. Allo ready fighting a major tick battle this is ruining the tranquility for me. I'm a 58 year old city girl learning. Help lol
Snake chaps and permethrin sound like your best friend. Snakes will want to stay away from a loud electric or motorized mower. The vast majority of snake bites are from people messing with snakes. They don’t want anything to do with you. Even if you do get bit, it will be stopped by chaps, or treated by anti venom and won’t be fatal.
@@TrailTime I have done the Permethrin on my clothes and covered myself bug spray with deet including my hair which is very thick and very long. I'm still getting therm on me. Some i can't reach and I'm out here alone. I bought granules to use with a spreader buy it says to water in. No running water on the property yet. I think I'm just getting frustrated. I appreciate your answering, i wasn't sure if this channel was still active. I found you doing a search on utube.
As someone who summer hikes in the Sonoran desert, get yourself some snakebite proof boots. Can't tell you how many close calls I've had hiking. Some will rattle and some stay still. The sidewinders are the worst.
Wear them if you’re that concerned. I find them too bulky and hot. I’ve never had an issue while hiking. During field work, I might consider wearing some if working in dense brush or tall grass.
So I’m heading to Sedona, Arizona on vacation next month and I’m trying to learn all I can because I am not trying to see no snakes lol. On a another video someone left a comment and said snakes like to hide in rental cars; in bathtubs and under beds. I don’t know if this person was pulling my leg or if they were serious. Do you know any of this to be true? Also what about night time? Do they come out at night, say you are doing a night hike?
They’re definitely pulling your leg. Rattlesnakes don’t want anything to do with you. Stay aware, they’ll let you know if you get too close, and if you encounter one just give it plenty of room as you maneuver around it. They can certainly be active at night, especially when there is decent light from the moon, and on warm nights.
Another good idea, Hoss, is to wear snake chaps. Get good ones that go up to the knee. Sooner or later you will accidentally get too close to a snake and not see or hear it.
Not kidding, I saw a video of young rattlesnakes resting in small pine trees, on the limbs, on clusters of pine needles. There were five or six of them. Watch out if going through tightly grouped small pines. Sheesh.
If you’re near a creek, be super cautious! You cannot Hear them! Even adults are not audible near rapids or even just a bit of rushing water! And...they don’t rattle while swimming across ponds and lakes!
They can if they’re designed for it. But run of the mill hiking boots don’t typically offer that kind of protection. Snake chaps work great too if you’re working in an area where you expect to see snakes.
@@headbusta202 not always and not everywhere in the state. Up until roughly 80F snakes get more active, higher or lower temps from that the snake begins to lose the ability to expend as much energy since they’re exotherms.
Always be aware of hazards on the trail. When the weather is moderately warm, especially in the early morning, look out for snakes especially as one of those hazards.
Been my experience that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous because more people try to pick them up on account of the lack of rattles. Yup, I've know of 3 individuals in my small home town in BC Canada who have been bitten by baby rattlesnakes attempting to pick them up thinking they weren't rattlesnakes, one small child, unfortunately. However the child ended up being okay, RCMP cars raced from my town to the next town and from that town towards our town with antivenom, met in the middle. Don't pick up snakes, that's the lesson there, I've had a large rattlesnake right up on the front step while the kids where playing but every since they where young I've taught and drilled them over and over, what to do when you see a snake: calmly step away and come get an adult immediately and never try to pick up a snake. Same thing I've done with firearms since they where 2 years old, my neice could properly handle a firearm by 6 years old and never touches one without permission. To this day I randomly drill them on things like what to do when you see a snake and when do you put your finger on the trigger of a firearm. Answer are: calmly step back and find an adult and Never unless you are ready to shoot. There, simple, constant training and drilling so it's always in their minds and there's nothing to think about if something happens, just automatically follow training.
80 is way too high to be your “worry temperature.” I’m in Southern CA and almost learned the very bad way - 50s and 60s but sunny… THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. This is much cooler than I thought the “worry temperature” was supposed to be. Don’t go, or heavy boots + snake gaiters, or snake boots. Disagree? More than welcome to! Just know 800 people a year are bitten by rattlesnakes. It happens.
Anytime the temps are between 60F-90F is when they’re most active. Late summer/early fall is when they’re typically giving birth to the next generation, so you need to keep an eye out for babies.
A rattlesnake can have a bad day too or be rattlesnake mentally ill as they will chase you first before entering their immediate space. I have such experiences in my wood travels. Always in hot July. My relatives and friends have had similar encounters too. Moccasins will definitely come after you. However, armadillos and wild pigs have reduced the snake population in my area of the country as I do not encounter near the same number these days.
I've killed a lot of snakes with 44mag rat shot works Way better than 38,357mag rat shot much more range, Way better than a shot gun, where I live on a creek in a swamp, I just couldn't get the shot gun on the Snake fast enough plus long guns don't swing both ways like a Hand gun so quickly where the snake is on the bank and can get in the water in about 2 seconds I tried it once with a 12 gage but In the thick woods I was Just to slow that lasted about a day, when I worked out of town I would come home on the weekend and walk the Creek and kill 3 or 4 snakes in about an hour and a half for about 2 years 4day work week 3 days off, 38 shot shells are good for about 3 yards go for protection when they are close to you, 44 shot shells have always reached as far as I could see them, 15 yards or so,
Tip number 6..learn to say AW HELL NO!! to your friends who want ro hike in rattlesnake areas..tip number 7..bring a pet mongoose, thats entertainment...your welcome
What ARE the most dangerous seasons for Rattlesnakes? I do a lot of climbing in the mountains and high desert canyons of the Chihuahuan desert in Southern New Mexico. I want as many useful tips in avoiding them as possible.
They’re most active when it’s around 70-80 degrees F. So primarily spring and fall in the southwest, or early/late in the day during the summer. You’ll also run into more juveniles in the Fall due to that being their breeding season.
@@TrailTime what should I wear during a hike in snake territory/habitats? I always hear about long pants/boots, but that’s not conducive/comfortable on a hot summer day or morning.
You can wear snake chaps from your knee down for the best protection if you’re very concerned. That’s going to be even warmer than your typical hiking pants, but they will actually protect you, whereas hiking pants won’t do too much. Higher hiking boots could offer some added protection as well, but durable leather boots that would stop a snake bite would most likely be hot and heavy. I’ve hiked, backpacked and bushwhacked in the southwest for over 15 years, have never used snake chaps, and have never felt that I’ve needed them. Everyone has their own philosophy though, so do what you think is best for you. I hope that helps!
Pushing 80 and can no longer hear them. Bought a pair of knee high snake boots. Great investment!
It's very good of you to put out advise however, after dealing with rattlers for decades in the Sonoran Desert I would advise against an inexperienced person using trekking poles to move a snake. Rattlers can jump about as far as they are long. A 4 ft pole against a 5 ft rattler is unsafe. Arms from elbow down are one of the most common bites specifically for this reason.
Instead, throw sand at it to move it. Or get a longer stick.
Thanks for your input.
Stay aware.
Likewise, I live in the Sonoran Desert and encounter snakes in the backcountry every five hikes or so. Rocks and dirt thrown in their direction is my go-to. Although, when the sun starts growing legs and about stomp us, I see a lot of lethargic snakes sunbathing on the trail after a night of successful hunting. I can never get those to move, especially, it seems, the Mojave Rattlesnake. They need a direct nudge.
Just go around !!!
Don't step OVER a log or fallen tree blocking a trail, step ON to it, then over. Less chance of something resting under the log or behind a rock biting you. (From Africa where the vipers/adders don't have rattles to warn you!)
* Very true. I saw a hunting show, years ago, where one of the hunters stepped over a log, and a Puff Adder struck but fortunately missed him. It was laying on the other side of the log.
Unless, of course, the log is rotten, and you break through it, righteously annoying the hazzard inside.
Nothing that a solid whack on the log before putting your weight on it won't mostly take care of. I really like putting a hiking staff down on the other side first, too.
I tap log with hiking pole before stepping over, depending on condition and size of Log to step on it... or over.
My grandfather told me this while hiking upstate NY when I was about 6 years old. To this day, I still remember his words of wisdom when I go hiking.
Personal experience; While moving through deep sage, my trekking poles alerted a large and very angry rattlesnake just as I was about to step on it. Highly recommend poles for desert hikes.
Here in the Sierra when daytime temps are over 95 our Rattlesnakes become Crepuscular. Active at twilight. You’ll rarely encounter one in the sun. Also most Rattlesnakes won’t Rattle, they prefer to blend in and let you pass on by. Most envenomations in the US happen on the hand or arm. Because the victim is messing with the snake. Also worth mentioning is that the Lion’s share of envenomations in the US come from Copperheads not Buzzworms. I caught two on my deck this summer and neither rattled even after I picked them up with my tongs. The first one was a yearling and just layed there comfortably coiled next to our front door. My dog and I walked within a foot of it twice before I even spotted it. The second one was a ten plus pounder. Big Pacific Rattlesnake. Again, wanted nothing to do with humans aside from getting away. They are so much less aggressive than wive’s tails would have us believe. I’ve been hiking in Rattlesnake country for lost 60 years with zero close calls. Cheers. +x
this makes me feel a lot better, saw my first rattlesnake today but researching all this makes me feel better!
I am a huge outdoorsman and spend as much time as I can hiking/hunting. I’m mid 30s and have never once been fearful or worried about snakes. I just flat out don’t see them. Until last night when I nearly walked on a rattler (within 10-18”) in the dark with a red headlamp on.. now I’m terrified of that experience.
I just caught another one. Little fella. AGAIN minding its own business. I was watering the pots on our patio when I spotted it.
I walked over to the front door and grabbed the Snake Tongs and there it still was when I got back. The snake was ignoring me.
It’s currently in a bucket awaiting extradition.
Some great tips and practical advice in this one. I'd recommend that hikers become familiar with the snakes in the area they are going to hike. Googling reptiles and amphibians of (whatever state you're hiking) should yield a few sites to see species, range maps, and typical behaviors. Cheers!
Same creatures almost everywhere
There are several other tips. If the air temp is over 95 degrees F, the rattlesnakes will be in the shade since even a few minutes in the sun will kill them. Keep your hands and feet more than 2 feet from shade, bushes, etc, and then chances of being struck are much lower at this temp. If the temp is cooler than 80 degrees but warming and they are out, they usually will not rattle nor move out of your way. I stepped on a big diamondback in just this condition. I also walked up into about 40 of them on an outcrop in AZ during February when the temp suddenly rose to 80+ and they had all come out of a den to sun themselves. I did not see any of them until I almost jumped on one and this made him rattle. After that I could see them all around me, and there was at least 40 of them. Took me almost half an hour to safely work my way out of this crowd.
Appreciate the temperature tip. Here in north Georgia, i encountered a very shy, non-rattling rattlesnake. Temperature was around 60 so that may have explained his lack of aggression.
Desert dweller here. Snakes are still out even in high 60’s low70’s.
To be fair I think he just means the likelihood of you seeing one is higher at those temps
Thanks, I’m a hunter and I spend a lot of time in the woods. Good tips. Thanks and God bless.
I like your name, Hunter.
Good advice. I only hike in the Mojave Desert in the winter when it is cold at night and only 50-60 degrees in the daytime. Still stay alert for reptiles.
This man needs more subscribers
Great video! It’s spring here in Southern California and the babies are out. We almost stepped on one that was in the middle of the trail last weekend. Blended right into the dirt. Better believe I am on high alert now!!
I'm hiking in a week in Arizona, Utah. Good advice and a great reminder 👍
Thank you 👍
Very Good advice. Thanks for the video.
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. Stay safe out there. 🤗 👋
I’ll be out in Florida next month and honestly that is where I see the most snakes… I have done hundreds of miles of trails In The SW but see maybe 2…in the SE dozens…
Hiking along a creek makes it impossible to hear anything! Eyes open! BUT ...in my area we have 30 to 50 foot creek beds vertically....trees usually grow in these outcropping of rocks, and snakes will get onto the branches to wait for birds‼️🚩‼️ I found this out the hard way when leaves and acorns kept hitting me when I stopped to enjoy the shady area and drink water....the snake didn’t expect the limb to break any more than I did I’m sure! But, I heard a little snapping sound, and had just started to walk ahead when the snake fell out of the tree! He was just as freaked as I was but he moved just as fast, and the same direction I chose! He veered to the left and I went home!
I am always on the lookout for rattlesnakes. Last year, I bought trekking poles and Crackshot Snake Guardz that give me peace of mind in the desert.
Thanks for sharing these tips! Moved to a state that is ridden with rattlesnakes and am petrified. Your tips helped to make me feel a little more confident on what to look for when I leave my house!
What would you say is the best course of action if you are hiking/walking and hear the rattling but cannot identify where it’s coming from?
Great video! Thanks for sharing, nice tips! We are currently driving through Oregon!
Timely information for the SOBO season here in AZ. I hope you are staying safe up there.
The one video clip of a rattler slithering through pine needles was from last month while I was at my day job. Keep your eyes peeled 👀🐍
Thanks for sharing this information!
I was 15 miles into a 30-mile day hike in the Santa Catalinas in Tucson and got tricked by the wind and the faux rattles. Heard that for hours and dismissed all “rattling” sounds…until I saw a Mojave on a boulder about chest level and feet from me coiled and threatening to strike. That was the day I stopped listening to music in both ears. (Trekking pole probably saved me, and that was the only time I’ve ever used one)
I've spent my 76 years off trail in southern California . Used to keep a snake log the point is I,ve seen a lot of snakes. Watch the area 3 feet ahead and 1 to the side. If off trail use a stick to make a fuss that they will respond to. Don't count on the rattle to alert you. If you hear a rattle, stop and figure out where it's coming from. Once I heard one that I thought it was about 20 feet away and it was only about 7. I was walking up a stream an saw an unusualy colored flower on the bank . It was flat to the ground and was about to touch it then realized that it was a baby Mohave curled up in a 3 inch circle. There is a wonderful book that covers rattlesnakes written by Laurence (K)Clauber who was the snake guy at the San Diego Zoo .( I don't know if I spelled the name right as I've loaned out the book.) The book points out that the vast majority of people that are struck are young men that were messing with them . several times I've been too close and was not struck.
My friend and I recently hiked down Zion Top-Down Narrows Virgin River. On the rare times we were hiking on land, my friend walked by him and I just noticed him just in time, baby two feet away and rattling. Yikes. No Search and Rescue really on that hike either.
It can get sketchy in remote areas!
I had your in my pocket listing while walking on a road that I saw a rattler the day before, and when you shook that rattle, I dead stopped to see where it was. Scared me good.
Tip: When walking imagine an area...... the size of a sheet of plywood .......in front of your feet .... just make sure the area is clear.... if it's not slow down a LOT.
I went hiking down in southern Arizona a few years ago where western diamondbacks are common but I didn’t even see one. You just have to keep alert when you are on the trail because they are around. If you step close too one you’ll know it.
Just because you didn't see one does not mean there weren't any!
Very good presentation, I don't look for them but in sept of 2020 one came to see me, in fact it came to the base of my front porch step. It was around 3pm and right around 80 F. I was sitting in my living room and suddenly heard a very high-pitched rattling/ ringing sound out front. I looked out the window and there was a classic full grown north American diamond back rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. I opened the front door threw a stick towards it and one of my dogs ran under the deck, the other dog chased it away. It was close to the dog's water dish when it got chased away. I live in the high desert of rural Idaho. I'm scared of them now.
Good to know that fall is a dangerous time … leapt over a baby a few weeks back on a trail run.
I was surprised when I found out!
I went to a conservation reserve along the beach this morning. Within 100m of my walk, along a dirt track, I heard rustling, then very loud hissing. When I looked to where the hissing was coming from I saw a snake in the striking position.
I stepped away slowly then it slithered up a tree close to the track and hid. I think I just startled it. I was just as scared as it was not knowing if it was venomous and coming very close to it's striking zone.
I was wearing thongs (*flip flops for Americans; not a g-sting 😅) and had no stick. My heartrate jumped a bit 😅 but I continued along the path.
They hide very well and will blend in with just about anything. I wouldn't recommend hiking with headphones in otherwise you might not hear the warning signs, such as hissing, and get smashed by some snake who is just terrified that you are intruding on their home.
Great vid.. hope see on trail, you seem supper chill brother 😎🌲🐍🦅🍹
Thanks for this!
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Nice 👍 Thank you for sharing and wishing you a wonderful day.
Best advise I heard was in Boy Scouts, "Watch where you put your hands and feet." My father was in New Guinea during World War II. There were serious snakes there. He said only one guy got bit, the guy who played with the snakes. "Don't play with snakes." Also, in New Guinea don't accept the natives' invitation to dinner. You could be on the menu.
Any tips for tent camping?
Keep your tent zipped up so they don’t try to cuddle with you when it gets cold. In 16 years of backpacking and camping, I’ve never encountered a rattlesnake in my campsite.
Awesome vid man!!
6th tip. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone. I would also suggest to never step over a log , step on it and look down to see if one is laying there , they are ambush hunters and like cover. Now as crazy as it sounds if you see some hogs or sign of hogs in the area there is a better then normal shot a rattler will not rattle at you so pay attention to where you step. Hog's eat rattlers and apparently the snakes know the rattle sound will attract them so they don't rattle. Well experienced snakes ( bigger ones ) don't.
I did not know that about the hogs, thanks. I knew the rattlers had adapted to not rattling in some places to keep from getting caught by people. I had no idea hogs ate them.
Do you know if this would include the Eastern Diamondback? Where I hike there are a lot of wild hogs. Did not realize the hogs ate them.
@@flyingthesails6801 hogs hate everything
@@scottjohnson360 There are lots of wild hogs that live in the Congaree National Park. So many people hike here that the hogs have almost become tame or so it seems. Saw one lady feeding one.
I feel bad for the snakes that invasive hogs are interfering with one of their main defense strategies.
Thank you for these tips 👍🏽
This was so informative! I’m thinking about moving to Lake Havasu City, AZ. What are the chances of seeing snakes in neighborhoods, in or near your home?
You’ll encounter them outdoors occasionally. Especially during colder months, you may see them trying to warm themselves on pavement/asphalt. Sometimes it gets so cold they can’t make it out of the road until a car gets them ☹️
It’s unlikely they’ll make it into your home, but I have heard of them making it into someone’s garage because they left the door open on accident.
As for near your home, it’ll depend on your proximity to large natural spaces. If you’re in the middle of a neighborhood you’ll probably see fewer than if your home butts up to undeveloped land. There are also snake fence experts that can help secure your backyard using metal mesh if you feel that’s necessary.
@@TrailTime Thank you for the detailed reply.
Just found your channel here and this informative creation here. We especially appreciate your knowledgeable, conservational approach. Too many viewers on our rattlesnake video leave negative, hate ridden responses about them to the point where we've had to delete a few. Full support here, full watch 6:24 and a huge 👍🏽308🧡Happy trails!✌🏽🌟
TIP#6 - Don't hike below 9,500 ft. If you have a real fear of snakes. There are no snakes typically above 7,500 ft. In Colorado. Typically.
Remembering the words of good old Forest Dump..life is like a box of Rattlesnakes..You never know which one is going to bite You first.
They don't always rattle. I came up to within six feet of a rattler sunning himself midday and perfectly motionless. Never rattled, even after I very gently touched him with a long stick to get him off the trail so I could proceed.
I live in snake country and what is most troublesome is its very difficult to distinguish between a baby snake and a simple twig. I lager Rattlesnake can be difficult enough to spot, but there is an internal visual warning of danger with the shape of a Rattlesnake, but the young ones are very tough to see. Like he says 'keep your eyes open".
Great video.
Good advice
I was nine when we moved to CO; red rocks to climb, sage and scrub oak to frolic thru - Pop told us "Don't put your feet, your hands or your face anywhere you don't look first!"
Sometimes my anxiety just makes me wanna leave my hiking hobby all together🤣
Same! But the wilderness calls me. LOL
I have hiked a bit and wanted to get back into it but I'm annoyed already lol
I am beginning to feel the same way
What about gaiters?
I do land surveying for a living. Its best job in the world if hiking in the woods is something you enjoy. Our region being all mountains this is something that always worries me in the warmer months. Got some snake gaiters but still. When you do it all day every day it ups the chances of an encounter. Good tips man!
What are Snake gaitors
Gaiters are snake bite resistant chaps that you can wear over your boots/hiking pants. I find them to be cumbersome in the AZ heat, and most rattlers will let you know about their presence well before they strike. I’ve never worn them, and I work outside daily in AZ.
Maybe I’m the fool though, you should do whatever makes you feel safe according to your personal risk tolerance, informed by your own experiences.
Nice presentation, I agree except for one point. I worked for a mining company in exploration and have hiked hundreds of miles in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho and New Mexico. I never see them because I am not looking for them.
Iguana
For the last five or six weeks I've been on 5.5 acres of wooded undeveloped land.
The front acre is not as wooded but had very tall grass higher than my vehicle. I've mowed that on a few occasions now and need to do it again but I am terrified of snakes.
2 days ago a utility company was driving down out rural road and a rattlesnake was in the middle of the road heading towards an area that i need to mow. Now z I'm afraid to go outside let alone mow.
Allo ready fighting a major tick battle this is ruining the tranquility for me. I'm a 58 year old city girl learning. Help lol
Snake chaps and permethrin sound like your best friend. Snakes will want to stay away from a loud electric or motorized mower. The vast majority of snake bites are from people messing with snakes. They don’t want anything to do with you. Even if you do get bit, it will be stopped by chaps, or treated by anti venom and won’t be fatal.
@@TrailTime okay so I need to do an internet search for snake chaps.
@@TrailTime I have done the Permethrin on my clothes and covered myself bug spray with deet including my hair which is very thick and very long. I'm still getting therm on me. Some i can't reach and I'm out here alone. I bought granules to use with a spreader buy it says to water in. No running water on the property yet. I think I'm just getting frustrated. I appreciate your answering, i wasn't sure if this channel was still active. I found you doing a search on utube.
As someone who summer hikes in the Sonoran desert, get yourself some snakebite proof boots. Can't tell you how many close calls I've had hiking. Some will rattle and some stay still. The sidewinders are the worst.
What about wearing snake gaiters
Wear them if you’re that concerned. I find them too bulky and hot. I’ve never had an issue while hiking. During field work, I might consider wearing some if working in dense brush or tall grass.
Maybe I missed it: When is rattle snake season? Thanks
They’re most active when it’s between the outdoor temp is 70-90F. They give live birth in the fall around September-October.
What if they come to ur tent at night
Keep the doors to your tent zipped and you won’t have that issue.
So I’m heading to Sedona, Arizona on vacation next month and I’m trying to learn all I can because I am not trying to see no snakes lol. On a another video someone left a comment and said snakes like to hide in rental cars; in bathtubs and under beds. I don’t know if this person was pulling my leg or if they were serious. Do you know any of this to be true? Also what about night time? Do they come out at night, say you are doing a night hike?
They’re definitely pulling your leg. Rattlesnakes don’t want anything to do with you. Stay aware, they’ll let you know if you get too close, and if you encounter one just give it plenty of room as you maneuver around it.
They can certainly be active at night, especially when there is decent light from the moon, and on warm nights.
@@TrailTime good to know and thanks for responding!
@@TrailTime It makes no difference if the moon is out or not. It's better not to hike at night!
Another good idea, Hoss, is to wear snake chaps. Get good ones that go up to the knee. Sooner or later you will accidentally get too close to a snake and not see or hear it.
Not kidding, I saw a video of young rattlesnakes resting in small pine trees, on the limbs, on clusters of pine needles. There were five or six of them. Watch out if going through tightly grouped small pines. Sheesh.
If you’re near a creek, be super cautious! You cannot Hear them! Even adults are not audible near rapids or even just a bit of rushing water! And...they don’t rattle while swimming across ponds and lakes!
why don't special tall snake bootsprotect you
They can if they’re designed for it. But run of the mill hiking boots don’t typically offer that kind of protection. Snake chaps work great too if you’re working in an area where you expect to see snakes.
What does this time of year mean
Any time temps are 70 or above, be aware. Breeding season is in August-October.
@@TrailTime AZ always 70
@@headbusta202 not always and not everywhere in the state. Up until roughly 80F snakes get more active, higher or lower temps from that the snake begins to lose the ability to expend as much energy since they’re exotherms.
@@TrailTime so watch out when it's around 80 degrees?
Always be aware of hazards on the trail. When the weather is moderately warm, especially in the early morning, look out for snakes especially as one of those hazards.
Been my experience that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous because more people try to pick them up on account of the lack of rattles. Yup, I've know of 3 individuals in my small home town in BC Canada who have been bitten by baby rattlesnakes attempting to pick them up thinking they weren't rattlesnakes, one small child, unfortunately. However the child ended up being okay, RCMP cars raced from my town to the next town and from that town towards our town with antivenom, met in the middle. Don't pick up snakes, that's the lesson there, I've had a large rattlesnake right up on the front step while the kids where playing but every since they where young I've taught and drilled them over and over, what to do when you see a snake: calmly step away and come get an adult immediately and never try to pick up a snake. Same thing I've done with firearms since they where 2 years old, my neice could properly handle a firearm by 6 years old and never touches one without permission. To this day I randomly drill them on things like what to do when you see a snake and when do you put your finger on the trigger of a firearm. Answer are: calmly step back and find an adult and Never unless you are ready to shoot. There, simple, constant training and drilling so it's always in their minds and there's nothing to think about if something happens, just automatically follow training.
When I come to a a part I can’t see my feet I usually Usain Bolt myself out of there🤣
80 is way too high to be your “worry temperature.” I’m in Southern CA and almost learned the very bad way - 50s and 60s but sunny… THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. This is much cooler than I thought the “worry temperature” was supposed to be.
Don’t go, or heavy boots + snake gaiters, or snake boots.
Disagree? More than welcome to! Just know 800 people a year are bitten by rattlesnakes. It happens.
Get some snake proof boots or gators.
How do y'all feel about snake guards? Useful or cumbersome?
Watch your step
Stay groovy🥰
What is considered Rattlesnake season?
Anytime the temps are between 60F-90F is when they’re most active. Late summer/early fall is when they’re typically giving birth to the next generation, so you need to keep an eye out for babies.
A rattlesnake can have a bad day too or be rattlesnake mentally ill as they will chase you first before entering their immediate space. I have such experiences in my wood travels. Always in hot July. My relatives and friends have had similar encounters too. Moccasins will definitely come after you. However, armadillos and wild pigs have reduced the snake population in my area of the country as I do not encounter near the same number these days.
Tip number 6 stop wearing low cut shoe's and wear boots or snake leggings Obviously
I've killed a lot of snakes with 44mag rat shot works
Way better than 38,357mag rat shot much more range, Way better than a shot gun, where I live on a creek in a swamp, I just couldn't get the shot gun on the
Snake fast enough plus long guns don't swing both ways like a
Hand gun so quickly where the snake is on the bank and can get in the water in about 2 seconds I tried it once with a 12 gage but In the thick woods I was
Just to slow that lasted about a day, when I worked out of town I would come home on the weekend and walk the Creek and kill 3 or 4 snakes in about an hour and a half for about 2 years 4day work week 3 days off, 38 shot shells are good for about 3 yards go for protection when they are close to you, 44 shot shells have always reached as far as I could see them, 15 yards or so,
Trip 6… snake boots to your thighs! 🐍
wear snake boots, that should be number 2 after number 1, watch where you're going
Tip number 6..learn to say AW HELL NO!! to your friends who want ro hike in rattlesnake areas..tip number 7..bring a pet mongoose, thats entertainment...your welcome
Take only pictures...not snake bites 😂😂😂
Tip #6 Leave the rattlesnakes alone.
Tip # 1- stay out of the woods.
I don't think you can AVOID a rattlesnake.. maybe wear tall boots
Snakes do NOT hibernate…..they brumate……
This guy looks like he LOVES Donald Trump 😝
What ARE the most dangerous seasons for Rattlesnakes? I do a lot of climbing in the mountains and high desert canyons of the Chihuahuan desert in Southern New Mexico. I want as many useful tips in avoiding them as possible.
They’re most active when it’s around 70-80 degrees F. So primarily spring and fall in the southwest, or early/late in the day during the summer. You’ll also run into more juveniles in the Fall due to that being their breeding season.
@@TrailTime what should I wear during a hike in snake territory/habitats? I always hear about long pants/boots, but that’s not conducive/comfortable on a hot summer day or morning.
You can wear snake chaps from your knee down for the best protection if you’re very concerned. That’s going to be even warmer than your typical hiking pants, but they will actually protect you, whereas hiking pants won’t do too much. Higher hiking boots could offer some added protection as well, but durable leather boots that would stop a snake bite would most likely be hot and heavy.
I’ve hiked, backpacked and bushwhacked in the southwest for over 15 years, have never used snake chaps, and have never felt that I’ve needed them. Everyone has their own philosophy though, so do what you think is best for you.
I hope that helps!
Yes this is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the response!