[at-l] Snakes on the trail

[phil.heffington@oc.edu (Phil Heffington)]

My experience has been that you usually have to look pretty hard to find a
snake on the AT.  They are there, but they are also pretty shy, and avoid
humans when possible.  True, there is the occasional one coiled up right in
the middle of the path, sunning, but they are not to "worry" about.

About snake bite kits, at least those old suction cup types, my
understanding is that they are not only useless, but can do more harm than
good.  Be careful where you step when going to the spring for water, and at
least look around before plopping down on the side of the trail for a
mid-day POBO (Pack Off, Boots Off), but you should be alright otherwise.

Having said all that, there are fellow hiker idiots on the trail who will go
out of their way to find snakes, and even pick them up and carry them in
their pack.  I refer you to my hike last year from Damascus to Montebello,
VA, in which "Teva" found a rattler and put it in his pack and carried it
about 10 miles to show us his "mouse catcher".  BTW, for all you Avery
Society members who doubt this, check my proof with pictures, etc. at
http://www.oc.edu/staff/phil.heffington/DavisPath.htm .  I even made Teva
sign a pledge (picture included) that he would never do that again.