Know Before You Go: Snake Safety for Campers and Hikers

Most snakes are harmless — but a few can be deadly. Learn how to identify the dangerous ones and reduce your risk on the trail.

Common North American Venomous Snakes:

- Rattlesnakes
- Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins)
- Copperheads
- Coral Snakes

How to Identify Venomous Snakes (vs. Non-Venomous):

Venomous:

- Triangular head
- Vertical slit pupils
- Thick, muscular body
- Often rattle or vibrate tails
- Blotchy camouflage

Non-Venomous:

- Round head
- Round pupils
- Slender body
- Typically don’t vibrate tail
- Stripes or solid colors

Coral Snake Rule: "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, friend of Jack."

Avoiding Snake Bites:

- Stay on open trails
- Don’t step or reach blindly
- Wear boots and long pants
- Avoid dawn/dusk hikes
- Don’t agitate or handle snakes
- Use a headlamp at night

Respect nature and walk smart.