Hike with another person. Avoid hiking alone in a snake-infested area. If bitten, it is important to have at least one companion to perform lifesaving first aid measures and to kill the snake. Providing the snake to medical personnel will facilitate both identification and treatment. Handle freshly killed venemous snakes with a long tool or stick.
Snakes can inflict fatal bites by reflex action even after death.
Wear heavy boots and clothing for some protection from snakebite. Keep this in mind when exposed to hazardous conditions. If a person should accidentally step on or otherwise disturb a snake, it will attempt to strike. Poisonous snakes do not always inject venom when they bite or strike a person. Get the subject to a medical treatment facility as soon as possible and with minimum movement.