How to face a snake encounter while camping?

While encountering a snake isn’t a very common circumstance while camping, it is not impossible or absurd either. If you choose to visit National Parks, woods, forests, etc, the primary research you have to do is to ensure the area isn’t snake-infested. Ideally, avoid any such areas for camping unless you are a pro at it. However, this is also true that even if no such snake sightings are reported, it doesn’t mean that snake cannot be sighted at all. So, it is better to be prepared all the time.

How to handle a snake encounter while camping?

Encountering a snake in the wild and remote places can be very unnerving. But that is just what is required for that moment- keeping your nerves! Here’s what you can do under different circumstances.  

Prevention during camp set-up

You can try to avoid any snake encounters by choosing a spot which is relatively safer. Pick a site which is clear and best to avoid any place which has a dense growth. Snakes often hide in these dense grasses. Always zip up your tent. This would block them from entering. When you go out or come inside the tent, shake all the gears on you and with you to see that no snake has crawled in it. When you walk around the campsite after nightfall, use a flashlight. Always have proper boots on so that your feet are protected. If you are cooking your own food at the campsite, then store the food and other edible products well so that it doesn’t attract rodents which in turn don’t attract snakes.

Sudden snake encounter

The first thing to do is stay absolutely still. Any sudden movement can alert the snake and they can advance towards you rapidly in defense. If it is directly in front of you, then slowly start backing away and try making as little noise as possible.

If the snake is at a good enough distance from you, then quickly take a snap for records, in case anything untoward happens, then the photo will be able to help experts identify the snake and its venom. If you happen to spot a snake alone but are part of a group camping, then quietly alert the rest so that they don’t panic, but also keep a watchful eye to prevent any disasters. At this time, it is best not to think of showing your bravery and trying to approach it and even talk to it.

Snake bite SOS

 In the worst-case scenario, if you come across someone who gets bitten by a snake, never make any assumption about the presence or absence of venom. Any snakebite is an emergency. Call for emergency help without delay, and either stay or make the victim stay absolutely calm with the bite kept lower than heart level. Never remember any fictitious drama scenes and try to suck out the venom or apply any first aid, except perhaps tying the space so that the circulation slows and the venom, if any, cannot reach the heart.

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