So you’re hiking out in the wilderness, enjoying the thrills of nature. Wearing your boots and using your high-tech quality equipment for walking purposes, you can’t be more enthralled by the ability to trek the Earth as if you own it. Rocks, grass, hills, lakes, rivers, you name it: it’s all your turf to won by tracking through it with the ease of a journeyman (or woman). Be prepared, though. It’s not all fun and games if you don’t have all your i’s dotted and t’s crossed. Because there are hidden dangers to keep in mind….

One of them happens to be snake bites. Not something you’d normally think of until you come across one in your wilderness travels. Those serpents can move fast, and before you know it, you’re bitten. Now what do you do? You’re all alone in the middle of nowhere, and this nasty rattlesnake just lashed out at you. Now the fun and games have ended. You’re in trouble.

Don’t panic too much, though. You won’t die instantly or anything like that. But it’s important to get the help you need immediately. The important thing is to be prepared in the event that such a thing as a snake bite might happen. Prevention is the key, not trying to handle the situation after it happens. Wear long pants and boots taller than the ankles, for one thing. Avoid tall brush and deep, dark crevices, not to mention make plenty of noise and vibrations while hiking. If you happen to see a snake, do not approach it out of curiosity. Stay away from it. Also don’t be goofed into thinking that you can hear a snake. Most are silent–even the rattlesnakes. So be vigilant.

If you do get bitten, a cell phone is handy. That’s all you can do, though. Again, prevention is the key. Be smart, and hiking should be the adventure it’s meant to be.