Snake Bite Kit
Does anyone have a recommendation for a snake bite kit that is small and suitable for taking along while backpacking? We have done quite a bit of hiking and have never even encountered a snake but th...
Forum Discussion
The Texan wrote:
We encounter 3 or 4 rattlers every year while off roading and the one common denominator we see is, they are all trying to get away from us. They want NO contact with you unless you corner them or harass them. A walking stick is the best deterrent for hikers, as you can use it to check rocks and bushes, without sticking your hand there. There is only one aggressive rattler that I am aware of and we travel in their area often, the Mojave Green rattler of the southwest. This snake will come after you and for him I carry another deterrent.
Snake bite kits are dangerous in untrained hands, so before you buy and carry one, talk to a medical professional about using it. I know we have never carried one and have never had the need for one. situational awareness is a better deterrent than using a bite kit.
The Mojave Green packs the most lethal venom of any vipers in N or S America. It's toxin is estimated 10x more potent than the Western Diamondback. One has not too many minutes to get help as a bite will render unconsciousness in less than 30 minutes..and that's for someone healthy. Nasty and very dangerous critter..thinking it's why the 12ga was invented.
