[pct-l] snakes

[David Thibault]

Generally throwing stones at a snake doesn't work very well.  I suspect
they don't really understand where the threat is coming from so they just
stay where they are.  If they move they might actually go toward the threat
-- so their best option is to stay where they are.


The best way I've found to get a snake to move from the trail is to use a
big brushy stick with lots of leaves (or needles).  The snake will always
head the other way.  Of course there are some spots on the PCT where your
chances of finding a big brushy stick is much less then your chance of
finding a stubborn snake.

A hiking pole will also work but you tend to get a bit closer
(uncomfortably closer for most folks) to the snake than using the branch
method.

Day-Late (the mover of many a snake)

.. Only one rattlesnake
> "terrorized" me. This was just outside Warner Springs. He would not
> let me pass. I threw stones toward him and he wouldn't move. I had to
> run through the brush in a wide arc to get by..