Different people hike for different reasons. Some want to explore the backcountry, some want to enjoy nature, some want to enjoy the company of friends or family.
Whether you are hiking by yourself or with others, your footwear must protect you from snake bites.
Can Rattlesnakes Bite Through Hiking Boots
This is a question that many hikers have asked over the years, especially when it comes to choosing between leather and synthetic materials. Hiking boots are more often made of synthetic materials nowadays, which are usually much stronger and durable.
The answer to the question “Can Rattlesnakes Bite Through Hiking Boots” is that it depends on the thickness of the hiking boots and of course, the size and type of the snake.
If you are wearing a thick pair of hiking boots, then rattlesnakes will likely not be able to bite through them. Likewise, if you are wearing a thin pair of hiking boots, then it will be easy for rattlesnakes to bite through them.
Will Rubber Boots Stop a Rattlesnake Bite?
The rattlesnake bite is one of the most dangerous snake bites. A common myth suggests that if you put on rubber boots before getting bitten then the venom will not be able to enter your body. However, this is not true.
The idea behind this myth is that a rubber boot would protect your leg from the venom either by blocking it or because it would provide a barrier to slow down the venom’s spread through your system.
However, a rattlesnake attacks with its fangs and injects venom into you through them, so a rubber boot cannot block the fangs from coming into contact with your leg and injecting you with poison.
What To Do If Bitten By A Rattlesnake While Hiking?
There are many ways to avoid getting bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking. One of the most important things to do is to identify the snake and stay away from it.
The following advice is a summary of what to do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking:
1. Stay calm and get to safety. The person should not panic and try to run away from the snake, which could result in getting bitten again.
2. If you are not sure if you have been bitten by a snake, we recommend that you call 911 or visit the hospital for immediate treatment.
3. Apply a pressure bandage on the site of injury and cut below it with a knife or scissors, but avoid cutting near the wound site if possible.
4. Place pressure bandages on both sides of the wound and wrap tightly around the limb at least two times then tie off tightly with strips of clothing or other material that can be used as a makeshift tourniquet to stop bleeding
How Common Are Snake Bites While Hiking?
The CDC estimates that there are about 7,000 snake bites per year in the United States. However, that number is tough to confirm because many snake bites go unreported.
For example, there are over 500 species of snakes in the United States and only about 25% of them are venomous.
This means that most people who encounter a snake will not get bitten.
If they do get bitten, if it is by one of the venomous snakes, they will most likely just receive a scratch with possible swelling and numbness around the area where they were bitten.
Bottom line: It is more common for people to be killed by bees or wasps than by snakes in the US.
How Do You Avoid Snake Bites While Hiking?
If you are hiking in an area where snakes are common, there is a real risk that you will be bitten by them. For this reason, it is important to know how to avoid snake bites while hiking. If you want to avoid getting bitten by a snake while hiking, then take these precautions:
- Don’t wear sandals when you’re in a high-risk area
- Watch where you step and be careful not to touch any brush or leaves on the ground without looking closely first. This is because snakes often live in these areas.
- Wear thick hiking boots
- Wear bright clothing and carry a flashlight if you’re in the dark
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times
- Stay away from tall grass
- Stay in groups
Which Hiking Boots Protect Against Rattlesnake Bites
The first step in avoiding a dangerous snake on your hike is to determine if the snake is venomous or not. This can be done by looking at a map, asking an expert in local wildlife, or consulting internet sources.
After identifying the type of snake you are looking to avoid, it’s important to think about how your shoes will protect you from this threat. For instance, if you’re walking in sandals, the snake is more likely to slither up your leg and bite you on the ankle. In contrast, closed-toed shoes provide a barrier that the snake cannot penetrate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you’ll want to first identify if there will be snakes on the trail you’re hiking. If there aren’t any snakes in the area, then great! You’ll be good to wear whatever hiking boots you choose.
If you find out that there are snakes like rattlesnakes in the area, or on the trails, then you need to ensure you have boots thick enough and strong enough to prevent getting bitten. It would also be wise to bring along all the necessary first aid equipment, just in case.
You never want to be in the middle of the wilderness and face an emergency snake bike without the proper first aid safety equipment.
