Question

Which of the following would be best to do if you encounter a snake while you are on a hiking trip? Jump up and down to scare the snake away.

Spray it with snake repellent, then walk back the way you came.
Stay very still until the snake leaves the area, then continue your hike.
Check for other snakes, then turn and walk back the way you came.
Call 911, reporting the location to the dispatcher.

Answer 1

The best thing to do if you encounter a snake while hiking is to stay very still until the snake leaves the area, then continue your hike.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you encounter a snake while you are on a hiking trip, the best thing to do is stay very still until the snake leaves the area, then continue your hike. Snakes are more likely to feel threatened and attack if they perceive sudden movements or loud noises as a threat. By staying still, you are less likely to provoke the snake.

Jumping up and down to scare the snake away or spraying it with snake repellent may actually agitate the snake and increase the chances of it attacking you. Turning back and walking the way you came or calling 911 should only be done in extreme cases when you are unable to safely proceed.

It's important to remember that most snakes are not aggressive and will usually try to avoid humans. By staying calm and still, you can give the snake an opportunity to retreat without causing any harm.