Posted on 06/07/2023 12:25:20 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Idaho has an abundance of hiking trails to explore during the summer months, but being prepared when exposed to wildlife and areas with no cell service will help you have a good time.
Hiking in the Boise Foothills and beyond can be exciting but requires preparation before venturing into the wilderness. There are 12 snake species in Idaho, including the Western rattlesnake and prairie rattlesnake, Idaho’s two venomous snakes.
It’s possible you could end up in the Idaho wilderness without cell phone service and surrounded by potentially dangerous snakes. So what will you do if you get bitten?
Below you’ll find tips on how to avoid the snake in the first place, how to prepare for your hike — and then what to do if the worst happens:
AVOIDING A SNAKE BITE
In the U.S., roughly 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes yearlY. To prevent a snake bite from happening when you’re out on a hike, below are some tips to consider from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
Prepare for your hike
Wear over-the-ankle boots, thick socks, and loose-fitting long pants
Don’t go barefoot or use sandals
While on your trip
Stick to well-used trails when exploring
Avoid walking through tall grass and weeds
Watch where you step Avoid wandering in the dark When going over fallen trees or large rocks, inspect the surrounding areas to make sure there are no snakes
Be cautious when climbing rocks or gathering firewood Shake out sleeping bags before using them and inspect logs before sitting down
PREPARING FOR YOUR IDAHO HIKE
Hiking on a new trail can be exciting, making it easy to get lost or hurt in a no cell service area. It is essential to stay vigilant on designated trails.
(Excerpt) Read more at idahostatesman.com ...
Ping
Tonto to Lone Ranger:
Doctor say you gonna die..................
How did Joe Meek and Jim Bridger and all those guys survive even a minute without cell phones? It seems impossible.
As Indiana Jones said, “Why did it have to be snakes?”
That's not much protection. People were discussing "snake gaiters" a couple weeks ago -- hard armor gaiters over your calf and boot.
I was thinking of that joke, but in the version I hear, it wasn’t Tonto and Lone Ranger.
😉..........................
They just HAD to include “...shake out sleeping bags....”
Loosen all your tight clothing.
If you are bitten by a Mohave..you are in trouble. I dont think Idaho has them so..
Most bites are caused by people messing with them.
Simply stay to hell away from them.
Those are fancy gators! I had a project 30 years ago in snake country. The company would only spring for some hard plastic things that went around your leg up to your knees. I don’t recall disliking them.
As a matter of course I wear regular gators out in the woods to keep thorns from jabbing my shins and crap out of my boots.
I see what you posted there. Old but great joke!
😁........................
Slice, suck and spit
If someone is that worried get a sat phone or an emergency sat phone which allows emergency messages and text messages. The latter cost less than most cell phones. Not hiking barefoot in snake country is a good idea too.
“Messing with them?”...Yeah...like just walking on a hiking path with tall grass on either side?...I was following my hub...he must have alerted the rattler...cause I heard it’s definite rattle as I walked by..we figured it was a close call, but we did not stick around to hunt it down..
Here in Arizona I always wear a full set of 15th-century plate armor. Sure, it gets a bit warm in the sun, but you can’t be too careful about snakes.
40 years ago we wore our cowboy boots and loosly wrapped chicken wire around our legs.
I used to have a plastic bag full of rattles but practice wife disappeared them.
What about naked?
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