Close Encounter With a Rattlesnake While Hiking | *Startle Warning* | Close Ups
Don't do what I did! Always keep a safe distance from and always try to avoid venomous snakes at all cost. I was a bit daring here, so I assumed the irresponsible risk of my actions. Though, I never once allowed any part of my body to get closer than 5 feet to the snake once I was aware of its presence. I had long, telescoping legs on my tripod that allowed me to maneuver the camera, hands-free, to within a few inches of the snake. The snake understandably did not like to be bothered by my camera. So, I was out hiking in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park in north Napa County, enjoying the warm spring day, when I was exploring the perimeter of this rocky outcropping. I stepped up onto a rock and was about to step over it, when in my direct path 4 feet away from me, was a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. I instantly recognized what it was, even though it was neatly camouflaged with the other rocks. I first noticed its fat body and dark gray tone, typical tone of Rattlers in my county. Instant red flag for me! Now, I have been hiking for 30 years and this is the first time ever, that I have seen a rattlesnake while hiking. But, I have trained myself to ALWAYS be alert for snakes and to always look out for them and recognize them as rattlesnakes vs other non-venomous species. And in snake territory and during snake weather, I always hike with snakebite proof boots. Having situational awareness, being alert for snakes at all times and wearing my boots, saved my butt today, quite literally. This experience was exhilarating, adrenaline laced and reinforced my respect for things that can hurt me. Let me share some hiking best practices tips I've learned. When you are out hiking in venomous snake territory during snake season (some places are snake season year-round): *Always watch your step *Never put your hands or feet where you cannot see *Step ON logs and rocks, not over them *Don't grab anything that looks like a "stick", it could be a snake *Be even more careful and observant around rock piles, logs, rocky outcroppings and tall grass *Avoid walking too close to a place where a snake might be hiding out of view *Be careful around rocky ledges where a snake could be sunbathing and within striking range of your mid-upper body. *If you see a venomous snake, STOP! Avoid it altogether. Allow it to escape. Keep your hands, feet and body as far from it as possible. *Be aware that rattlesnakes blend in with their surroundings too well. REALLY look for them to make sure there isn't one you're not seeing *Never let your guard down *Hike with a long hiking stick or pole, so you can probe areas you're about to walk into *Wear snake-bite proof boots
Don't do what I did! Always keep a safe distance from and always try to avoid venomous snakes at all cost. I was a bit daring here, so I assumed the irresponsible risk of my actions. Though, I never once allowed any part of my body to get closer than 5 feet to the snake once I was aware of its presence. I had long, telescoping legs on my tripod that allowed me to maneuver the camera, hands-free, to within a few inches of the snake. The snake understandably did not like to be bothered by my camera. So, I was out hiking in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park in north Napa County, enjoying the warm spring day, when I was exploring the perimeter of this rocky outcropping. I stepped up onto a rock and was about to step over it, when in my direct path 4 feet away from me, was a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. I instantly recognized what it was, even though it was neatly camouflaged with the other rocks. I first noticed its fat body and dark gray tone, typical tone of Rattlers in my county. Instant red flag for me! Now, I have been hiking for 30 years and this is the first time ever, that I have seen a rattlesnake while hiking. But, I have trained myself to ALWAYS be alert for snakes and to always look out for them and recognize them as rattlesnakes vs other non-venomous species. And in snake territory and during snake weather, I always hike with snakebite proof boots. Having situational awareness, being alert for snakes at all times and wearing my boots, saved my butt today, quite literally. This experience was exhilarating, adrenaline laced and reinforced my respect for things that can hurt me. Let me share some hiking best practices tips I've learned. When you are out hiking in venomous snake territory during snake season (some places are snake season year-round): *Always watch your step *Never put your hands or feet where you cannot see *Step ON logs and rocks, not over them *Don't grab anything that looks like a "stick", it could be a snake *Be even more careful and observant around rock piles, logs, rocky outcroppings and tall grass *Avoid walking too close to a place where a snake might be hiding out of view *Be careful around rocky ledges where a snake could be sunbathing and within striking range of your mid-upper body. *If you see a venomous snake, STOP! Avoid it altogether. Allow it to escape. Keep your hands, feet and body as far from it as possible. *Be aware that rattlesnakes blend in with their surroundings too well. REALLY look for them to make sure there isn't one you're not seeing *Never let your guard down *Hike with a long hiking stick or pole, so you can probe areas you're about to walk into *Wear snake-bite proof boots