Prevention is the key to avoiding a trip to the hospital. When hiking, wear thick soled, ankle-height boots and keep an eye out for snakes sunning themselves on the trail or in nearby undergrowth. Listen for the rattling sound of a frightened or cornered snake. If you see a snake, stop or move away from it. Do not attempt to kill or frighten it.
Snakes can strike rapidly at a distance approximately equal to their body length.
If a bite occurs, take the victim to an emergency department for evaluation and possible treatment. We have seen more cases in people hiking or gardening, who didn't even see the snake. While this is still a common reason, truly accidental encounters are becoming more common. Copyright 2000 Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.