See the Massasauga. See the Timber Rattlesnake. Preventing Snake Bites Watching where you step, put your hands, or sit down is one of the best ways to prevent snake bites. Poisonous snakes live on or near the ground and often like rocks, wood piles and other spots that offer both a place to sun and a place to hide. Snakes avoid your huge body, but will definitely bite if stepped on or otherwise trapped.
Most bites occur in and around the ankle.
About 99 percent of all bites occur below the knee, except when someone accidentally picks up or falls on the snake. The fangs of venomous snakes, though long and sharp, are relatively fragile and easily deflected or broken. These fangs usually don't penetrate canvas tennis shoes and almost never penetrate leather shoes or boots. Watching where you step and wearing boots in tall grass can prevent most snake bites. Snakes are not something to be feared, but rather a creature to be respected as a fascinating member of the outdoors.