However, any snake can bite you. The best way to avoid being bitten by a snake is to be alert and on the lookout for snakes. Believe it or not, snakes don't actually hunt people out to bite. They normally only bite humans when cornered, attacked or provoked. Otherwise, they are just happy to be left alone.
Be alert! Watch where you step, especially if you're walking off a trail. Many snakes are nocturnal hunters and will be most active during the night. Don't leave your campsite without a light. Shine the light on the trail before you step to warn snakes that you're coming. Snakes can also be in trees or water so be sure you look up and around those areas too.
Don't disturb snake habitats. Rolling over rocks, sticking your hands in rotted tree stumps or holes in trees and disturbing brush piles is not smart. If you disturb a snake at "home" it will feel threatened and might strike before you even realize it's there. It's best to leave their environment undisturbed.
Don't panic! Snakes don't normally bite. You don't have to have constant fear of one falling out of a tree and attacking you. If you see a snake, remain calm and walk away from it. Normally the snake is just as scared as you are and will be more than happy to let you go without a confrontation.
Even when snakes do bite, it's normally not fatal. This is true even for venomous snakes. Overreacting to venomous snake bites, however, can be fatal. Calm down, go to the nearest medical facility and if you can, tell them the type of snake you were bitten by.
Snake bite kits? You can buy commercially available snake bite kits to keep in your camping first aid kit. These come with instructions on how to treat a snake bite. However, do not use this treatment in lieu of medical attention. Even a non-venomous snake bite should get immediate, professional medical treatment.
