The risk of Snake-bite
Snakebite is one of the key risks for hunters. That is particularly so for those who hunt alone. The Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia have highly venomous snakes whose bite can be rapidly fatal. Bite-proof leg protection below the knees is a major factor in reducing the risk.
Leg Protection from Snake-bite
The vast majority of snake-bites on people trekking through wilderness areas occur below the knee. There are some simple measures that will protect against snake-bit to the lower legs. The first, and cheapest, option is gaiters. The internet offers many gaiters for sale. Some are marketed as “snake-proof” when in fact they are not. Thin nylon gaiters, or leggings, offer no protection at all from the long, sharp fangs of poisonous snakes.
Snake-proof Gaiters
I have tried a range of gaiters intended to protect from snake-bite. To be truly effective the gaiters need to be off thick-walled material and come up to the knee.
So far, the best commercial offering I have found were on Amazon, at the following links.
Australia – Snake-proof gaiters to wear above your hiking boots
USA – Snake-proof gaiters to wear above your hiking boots
Snake-proof Chapz
For even greater security against snake bite, you can consider full groin-to-foot leggings, known as chapz. Amazon has a selection of these available.
Australia – Snake-proof chapz
USA – Snake-proof chapz
Snake-proof Boots
Another highly effective solution is snake-proof high boots. Again, Amazon offers such footwear, as follows.
Australia – Women’s High-sided, snake-proof boots
Australia – Men’s High-sided, snake-proof boots
Hi Don, here in Arizona snakes bites are a real possibly when trekking the mountains and deserts of our beautiful state. Having lived here most of my life including decades of outdoor activities and years as a Park Ranger, I would submit the following. Rattlesnakes, the most prominent and lethal reptiles we have are actually defensive in nature and not offensive. They attack, when they feel threatened. When in there environment we typically pass them regularly without even knowing we have done so. Statistics show that most bites are to males between the ages of 16-30 who have been drinking, and I don’t mean water!
Hi Tim
I think those stats are probably universal.
Most folks that get bitten are trying to kill or handle the snake.
However, Aussie Taipans and Brown snakes are famously aggressive and will occasionally attack without intentional provocation from humans.
These Aussie snakes have no sense of humour and do not like surprises!
The combination of a fast, athletic, aggressive snake with long fangs, big venom glands and some of the world’s most toxic venom is an all-round bad combination.
These snakes are also active on our warm summer nights, so you need to be wary when outdoors at night.
It is worth taking all the necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten. Bites from Taipans and Brown snakes require prompt and appropriate first aid. Without that, a bite victim can be dead within 5 minutes. Full-grown cattle succumb to these snake bites within a few hours.
When sneaking through thick, chest-deep grass, I keep that all in mind. I am in the habit of walking slowly and tapping the ground ahead of me with a staff. Snakes are very sensitive to vibration and, given the opportunity will most times slide away from an approaching animal or human.
cheers
don
Question for you, I get the gators thing. But I have light weight hiking boots which a snake could easily bite through, is leather better
Hi Mark
Yes, I firmly believe in leather construction for footwear I wear in snake country.
Lightweight trekking shoes are great, but not where you might encounter a snake.
cheers
Don