What started as a weekend hike in the mountains quickly took an unexpected turn for two Virginia hikers.<\/p>\n
Darrin Taylor and Andrea Wilson say they had no idea they were just a few steps away from a timber rattlesnake until they heard its warning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe heard a rattle and it crawled across the path in front of us,\u201d Taylor said.<\/p>\n
Wilson says she came even closer to the snake than she realized.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo more strides and I feel like I would\u2019ve stepped on him… we just froze and moved backwards slowly,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
No need to panic<\/p>\n
Wildlife experts say there is no need to panic if you spot a snake on the trail. Snakes are more active in warm and humid weather, but most species are harmless.<\/p>\n
In Southwest Virginia, there are only two venomous snakes \u2014 the eastern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Knowing what they look like can help hikers tell them apart from harmless species, like the black ratsnake, that are often mistaken for venomous ones.<\/p>\n
What to do if you see one<\/p>\n
If you do come across a snake, experts say the best thing you can do is give it space.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you encounter a snake while on a hike, simply walk around it and keep going. They\u2019re not aggressive and they\u2019re not going to chase you,\u201d said John Kleopfer, state herpetologist.<\/p>\n
Wilson agrees the experience should not keep people off the trails.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe still need to get outside and be active and have fun and enjoy nature. But just be aware of your surroundings,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Taylor says the snake\u2019s warning rattle may have been the best thing that happened that day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first thing that happened with us is that we heard the snake(…) and we\u2019re happy that we did. I\u2019m glad he warned us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
If you are bitten<\/p>\n
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