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Water Snakes

February 10, 2009

Swimming is an innate ability with snakes, their anatomy allows them to hunt both on land and in water, and definitely certain species will stay more in water than on land. Fresh water snakes are usually waiting for their prey under tree branches fallen in water or underneath overhanging trees. Hence, when you go fishing, you need to do pretty much the same thing as when you go hiking, climbing or camping and do your best to stay away from snakes. Some species cling to tree branches and once movement is spotted, they instantly drop; this is pretty risky if you get one of these venomous species into your boat. Dealing with a frightened snake in the crammed space of the boat can be scary for anybody.

Water snakes

Some water snakes are harmless to humans while others become a ticking bomb when in danger. If we consider for instance water snakes living in open seas, then, keep in mind the fact that they have been rated among the most venomous creatures on earth. The toxic composition of the venom has been adapted to the water environment: they have to strike fast and kill as fast or they lose the prey that flees or drops on the bottom of the ocean. Nevertheless, chances of getting bitten by salt water snakes are lower than coming across a water moccasin. Most of the advice given in survival guides consequently discusses the ways to protect yourself against fresh water snakes that live in wetlands, lakes and rivers.

When you go boating one great tip is to always have some form of handled reptile grip tool if you cannot avoid overhanging branches. Practice with small and large hose pieces before you launch the canoe, so as to be ready for the least friendly of water snakes. Swimming water snakes are not a threat to you, as there is no way for them to get in the boat by jumping. In case you get bitten, try to stay cool and identify the poisonous snake as this detail could save your life when the doctors have to administrate the antivenin.

Water snakes

You can recognize the bite of non-poisonous water snake by the horseshoe-shape. If there are only two punctured wounds, then you most probably have been bitten by a poisonous specimen and you need to get to an emergency room immediately. A venom removal pump should always be present in the first aid kit in the boat as a means of delaying the spreading of the toxin in the blood and thus buy some extra time before the administration of the antidote.

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