When should you be alert for snakes?
Are there specific seasons or temperatures that increase the likelihood that a hiker would encounter a snake? I go backpacking solo in the mid-Atlantic (US) and carry a snakebite kit as an extra precaution. But I'm considering whether I can lighten the load by not carrying it when snakes are dormant.
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/1926. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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I hike in generally the same area of the country, mostly on the AT around NC and VA.
Snakes in this area will be most active during spring and fall months. Generally they will be more active in moderate temperatures. In extreme cold and extreme heat you'll see less snakes.
In the summer they will be more active in the early mornings and evenings. During the winter they will be more active during the peak heat of the day.
Additionally you should be aware of snakes after large rains, as flooding can push them out of their homes.
Finally, I should note that there are many species of snakes in the region and they all have different tendencies, so there is no time of the year that is 100% safe.
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/1928. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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