There are eight venomous snakes in New Mexico. This includes seven rattlesnake species and one coral snake. These snakes are listed below:
- Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
- Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus)
- Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi obscurus)
- Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)
- Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii)
- Mottled Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus)
- Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi)
- Northern Black-Tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus)
- Eastern Black-Tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus m. ornatus)
- Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis)
- Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris)
- Western Coral Snake (Micruroides euryxanthus)
Pit Vipers
Rattlesnakes belong to the venomous Crotalinae or pit viper family. Another name for these snakes is pit vipers. Pit vipers have pits between their nostrils and eyes. These pits are actually specialized heat-sensing organs. They use them to detect body heat from prey animals. Pit organs enable pit vipers to strike their prey precisely, even in the dark. They are also able to detect body heat from up to 1 meter away.
Members of the pit viper family also have a large triangular head. It is attached to a comparatively slender neck. Furthermore, they have elliptical pupils that are vertical slits. This is a defining characteristic because a nonvenomous snake generally has round pupils.
Pit vipers have hollow fangs connected to venom glands. They use their fangs to inject venom into their prey. This venom immobilizes the prey, making it easier for the snake to consume. They primarily consume small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and small birds. These snakes play an important role in maintaining balance in rodent populations.
Rattlesnakes
The first thing people think about with regard to Rattlesnakes is their tails. When they are disturbed, they vibrate their tails. This makes a buzzing or rattling sound. Sometimes, rattlers strike without rattling. Sometimes, their rattles fall off. You must be aware of where you are placing your hands, walking, running, or sitting down. If you hear a rattling noise, do not move until you spot where it’s coming from. Otherwise, you may accidentally move into the snake, provoking it to strike you.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus atrox |
| Description: | Adults grow from 4 to 7 feet (1.22 to 2.13m) in length. They have diamond-shaped blotches along their back. |
| Habitat: | Their habitats include rocky canyons, plains, deserts, desert grasslands, and forests. |
| Conservation Status: | Common within their range. |
Western Diamondback rattlesnakes grow from 4 to 7 feet (1.22 to 2.13m) in length. Their base color varies. It can be yellow, light brown, salmon, gray, gray-brown, cream, or olive. They have dark diamond-shaped patterns along their backs. This is why they have the name “Diamondback.” The edges of their dorsal spots are darker than the centers. The centers are a bit darker than their base color. Their tails have two to eight black bands separated by pale gray bands. A dark line runs from the corner of the mouth to behind the eye.
This species has various names, including the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake and Adobe Snake.
Where Do Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are found all throughout New Mexico. Their habitats include rocky canyons, plains, deserts, desert grasslands, and forests. They are the most commonly sighted rattlesnakes throughout the state. They’re also the largest of all the rattlesnakes found in New Mexico.
How Dangerous are Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes?
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake venom is Hemotoxic, cytotoxic, and myotoxic. If a Western Diamondback bite goes untreated, it can cause serious problems. These include severe internal bleeding and tissue damage, which might result in gangrene. Source
Arizona Black Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus cerberus |
| Description: | Black, thick-bodied snake. Adults average 28 to 48 inches (70 to 121 cm) in length. |
| Habitat: | Their habitats include semi-desert grasslands, chaparral, coniferous woodlands, and montane conifer forests. |
| Conservation Status: | Their range in New Mexico is limited, but they are common within their range. |
The Arizona Black rattlesnake is a thick-bodied snake. The adults of this species grow to an average length of 28 to 48 inches (70 to 121 cm). The base color of an adult Arizona Black rattlesnake varies. They are dark gray, reddish brown, or sometimes completely black. Their base color is overlaid with dark blotches along their backs. These blotches become crossbands at the snake’s tail. Younger snakes are more prominently marked than are adults. Interestingly, Arizona Black rattlesnakes have the chameleon-like ability to change color.
This species has various common names. They include Black rattlesnake, Black Diamond rattlesnake, and Mountain Diamondback.
Where Do Arizona Black Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
Arizona Black Rattlesnakes live in western New Mexico in Catron County. Source
These snakes prefer semi-desert grasslands, chaparral, coniferous woodlands, and montane conifer forests. They typically inhabit rocky drainages containing permanent or semi-permanent water.
How Dangerous Are Arizona Black Rattlesnakes?
Arizona Black rattlesnake venom is a mix of myotoxins and hemotoxins. Envenomations from this snake are rare. However, severe envenomation can produce pain, edema, blistering, nausea, and vomiting. The venom may also prevent blood coagulation and destroy red blood cells. This can produce shock and internal organ failure, particularly kidney failure. Source
Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus willardi obscurus |
| Description: | Adults measure 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) in length. Ridges along each side of its nose are unique to these snakes. |
| Habitat: | They live in woodlands, grassy hillsides, and canyon bottoms. |
| Conservation Status: | Listed as threatened in New Mexico. |
Animas Ridgenose rattlesnakes are also simply called Ridge-nosed rattlesnakes.
The Ridge-nosed rattlesnake is rather small. Adults measure 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) in length. They generally have a brownish-gray base with brown blotches. They have a pale upper facial stripe on their upper jaw. The ridges along each side of its nose are unique to this rattlesnake. They are the motivation for its common name.
Where Do Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
This species of rattlesnake lives in the Animas and Peloncillo Mountains. This is within the southwestern boot heel of New Mexico. They live in woodlands, grassy hillsides, and canyon bottoms. They are listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as being threatened in the state.
How Dangerous are Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnakes?
These snakes have hemotoxic venom. Their venom yields are lower than that of other rattlesnakes, though. Consequentially, their bites are generally not life-threatening. In fact, there have been no documented deaths caused by their bite. But a bite from one of these snakes should still be taken seriously. The victim should still receive prompt medical treatment to be on the safe side.
Mojave Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus scutulatus |
| Description: | Adult Mojave rattlesnakes are usually 2 to 4 feet long. They are brown, olive green, dark green, and tan. They have a distinct dark brown diamond pattern on their backs and a white belly. Their tails are marked with white and black bands. |
| Habitat: | Desert habitats. |
| Conservation Status: | The range of this snake is limited in New Mexico. However, they are common within their range. |
Adult Mojave rattlesnakes typically measure 2 to 4 ft (about 0.61 to 1.22 m) in length. These snakes sport a base color that varies in shades of brown, olive green, dark green, and tan. Along their backs, they feature a distinctive dark brown diamond-like pattern. They have a white belly. Their tails are white and black banded. This adds to their unique appearance.
Other common names for this snake are Mojave Green Rattlesnake and Mohave Rattlesnake.
Where Do Mojave Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
Mojave Rattlesnakes live in extreme southern New Mexico. They reside in both desert and grassland habitat. They prefer desert flats over areas with high volumes of vegetation or rocky areas.
How Dangerous Are Mojave Rattlesnakes?
Mojave rattlesnakes have highly potent venom. They are one of the most dangerous snakes in the United States.
Their venom is either hemorrhagic/hemotoxic or neurotoxic. The type of venom the snake has depends on the area it lives in. Their hemorrhagic venom prevents blood clotting and destroys body tissue. On the other hand, their neurotoxic venom is even more dangerous. It shuts down the nervous system. Victims of neurotoxic venom may become paralyzed. Furthermore, they can lose the ability to breathe. Source
Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii |
| Description: | Adults reach 21 inches (53cm) in length. They are pale gray with dark brown blotches. A dark stripe that goes from the side of the head and across the eyes. |
| Habitat: | Semi-desert grassland habitats. |
| Conservation Status: | No special status in New Mexico. Source |
The Desert Massasauga is a smaller rattlesnake that reaches a length of 21 inches (53cm). They have a pale gray base with dark brown blotches. What’s more, they have a dark stripe that goes from the side of the head and across the eyes. These snakes are given the nickname “buzztale.” This is due to their high-pitched rattle sound. It’s distinctive from that of other rattlesnakes.
Where Do Desert Massasauga Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
The Desert Massasauga is scattered across southern, central, and eastern New Mexico. They live in semi-desert grassland habitats.
How Dangerous are Desert Massasauga Rattlesnakes?
The venom of the Massasauga rattlesnake is cytotoxic. Cytotoxic venom destroys body tissue. Moreover, digestive enzymes in cytotoxic venom disrupt blood flow and prevent clotting. Massasauga bites to humans are rare. However, they do occur.
There are two documented deaths in Ontario from Eastern Massasauga envenomations. In each of these cases, the victim did not receive antivenom in time. Source
Also, see Wild Cats In New Mexico – Krebs Creek
11 of the Most Dangerous Animals in New Mexico – Krebs Creek
12 Wild Berries in New Mexico – Krebs Creek
Mottled Rock Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus lepidus |
| Description: | Adults reach 32 inches (81cm) in length. Their color pattern varies with the color of the rock in its environment. |
| Habitat: | They inhabit dry wooded stream beds and rock outcrops in creosote-cactus-covered terrain. |
| Conservation Status: | Threatened species within New Mexico. |
The Mottled Rock Rattlesnake is a smaller snake that rarely exceeds 32 inches (81cm) in length. Its color pattern varies with the color of the rock in its environment. Specimens that are found in limestone areas are a light gray color with darker gray bands. On the other hand, snakes found in higher altitudes are darker colored.
Where Do Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes inhabit isolated mountain ranges in Otero and Eddy Counties. This is in southern New Mexico.
They are a threatened species within the state.
How Dangerous Are Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes?
A Banded Rock rattlesnake’s venom is hemotoxic. It can lead to various symptoms. It can cause significant pain and swelling at the bite site, making it uncomfortable. Nausea and vomiting might also occur. It can affect blood clotting and lead to excessive bleeding. It may also induce shock, leaving the victim feeling weak and disoriented. There’s also a possibility of mild paralysis. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical help if bitten by a Banded Rock rattlesnake. Source
Banded Rock Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus lepidus klauberi |
| Description: | Adults reach 24 to 33 inches (61 to 84cm) long. Blueish-gray to greenish-gray bodies with dark gray jagged crossbands. |
| Habitat: | They inhabit dry wooded stream beds and rock outcrops in creosote-cactus-covered terrain. |
| Conservation Status: | A species of least concern in New Mexico |
The Banded Rock rattlesnake is a smaller rattlesnake that measures 24 to 33 inches (61 to 84cm) long. This does not include its rattle. Their base color varies. It can be blueish-gray to greenish-gray. On top of their back are 14 to 24 dark gray to black jagged crossbands. They often have dark spots or flecks between the dark bands. A pinkish mottling is sometimes present on their underside. It becomes darker toward the tail. Their rattle is large compared to their body size.
Where Do Banded Rock Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
Banded Rock Rattlesnakes inhabit the desert mountain ranges of southwestern New Mexico.
As its name implies, the Banded Rock rattlesnake spends time in rocky terrain. They prefer steep talus slopes, stream beds, and rock outcroppings in evergreen forests. Source
How Dangerous Are Banded Rock Rattlesnakes?
A Banded Rock rattlesnake’s venom is hemotoxic. It can lead to various symptoms. It can cause significant pain and swelling at the bite site, making it uncomfortable. Nausea and vomiting might also occur. It can affect blood clotting and lead to excessive bleeding. It may also induce shock, leaving the victim feeling weak and disoriented. There’s also a possibility of mild paralysis. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical help if bitten by a Banded Rock rattlesnake. Source
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus molossus molossus |
| Description: | 22 to 48 inches (56 to 122 cm) long. Gray to pale yellow with jagged dark blotches. Large triangular head. |
| Habitat: | They live in rocky mountainous areas and occasionally in the low desert. |
| Conservation Status: | A species of least concern. |
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes are also sometimes called Western Black-tailed Rattlesnakes.
Adult Northern Black-Tailed Rattlesnakes range from 22 to 48 inches (56 to 122 cm) long. Their triangular heads are proportionately large.
Their base color varies. It may be gray, brown, yellowish brown, or pale yellow.
They also have jagged eight-sided black or brown blotches across their backs. These blotches have white interior spots. Towards the back of the snake, these blotches lose their jagged edges. At this point, they become crossbands. As their name suggests, these snakes have solid black or brown tails.
Where Do Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
The Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is found within southwestern and central New Mexico. They live in rocky mountainous areas and occasionally in the low desert.
How Dangerous Are Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes?
The venom of the Northern Blacktail Rattlesnake is hemotoxic. However, it is less toxic than the venom of some other rattlesnakes. For example, it is only two-thirds as toxic as the venom of the Western Diamondback. In general, it is not fatal to humans. They have larger venom glands than most rattlesnakes in the area. Because their venom is less toxic, they need to inject a large quantity into their prey to be effective. Source
Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus ornatus |
| Description: | 22 to 48 inches (56 to 122 cm) long. Gray to pale yellow with jagged dark blotches. Large triangular head. |
| Habitat: | They live in rocky mountainous areas and occasionally in the low desert. |
| Conservation Status: | A species of least concern. |
Adult Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes range from 22 to 48 inches (56 to 122 cm) long. These snakes have large triangular heads connected to slender necks.
Their base color varies. It may be gray, brown, yellowish brown, or pale yellow.
They also have jagged eight-sided black or brown blotches across their backs. These blotches have white interior spots. Towards the back of the snake, these blotches lose their jagged edges. At this point, they become crossbands. As their name suggests, these snakes have solid black tails.
Eastern Black-Tailed Rattlesnakes look very similar to Northern Black-Tailed Rattlesnakes. A difference between them is that the anterior blotches are connected on the eastern. On the other hand, the blotches are separate on the northern.
Where Do Eastern Blacktail Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
Eastern Blacktail Rattlesnakes range from south-central to north-central New Mexico. See the map for the counties that are included in their range.
How Dangerous Are Eastern Blacktail Rattlesnakes?
The venom of the Eastern Blacktail Rattlesnake is hemotoxic. However, it is less toxic than the venom of some other rattlesnakes. For example, it is only two-thirds as toxic as the venom of the Western Diamondback. In general, it is not fatal to humans. They have larger venom glands than most rattlesnakes in the area. Because their venom is less toxic, they need to inject a large quantity into their prey to be effective. Source
Prairie Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus viridis |
| Description: | Adult Prairie Rattlesnakes average 3.3 feet (100 cm) in length. They are tan-colored with varying colors of brown blotches covering their bodies. |
| Habitat: | Look for Prairie rattlesnakes in open prairies, grasslands, and forested areas. |
| Conservation Status: | Most common rattlesnake in New Mexico. |
Adult Prairie rattlesnakes average around 3.3 feet (100 cm) in length. The longest recorded specimen measured just under 5 feet (151.5 cm) long. They are tan-colored with varying colors of brown blotches covering their bodies. They have a distinguishing triangle-shaped head with pit sensory organs on either side. A light stripe runs diagonally from the back of the eye to the jaw. Another strip runs diagonally from below the eye to the corner of the mouth. Prairie rattlesnakes are mostly ground snakes. But they occasionally climb into shrubs, bushes, or trees.
Where Do Prairie Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
The Prairie Rattlesnake ranges throughout New Mexico. They live in grassland deserts and pine-oak forests.
How Dangerous Are Prairie Rattlesnakes?
Prairie rattlesnake venom is a mix of hemotoxins and myotoxins. Furthermore, according to some literature, it also has neurotoxins.
Prairie rattlesnake bites can have serious effects. The venom can cause severe pain. It may also induce shock, making the victim feel weak and disoriented. Swelling, blistering, and inflammation can occur at the bite site. Their venom can also damage red blood cells and impair blood clotting. In severe cases, the bite may result in severe tissue damage. There is also a risk of harm to internal organs. Source
Tiger Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus tigris |
| Description: | 18 to 36 inches (46 to 91 cm) long. Gray, blue-gray, lavender, pink, or buff, with cream color on the sides. Dark crossbands cover their entire body. |
| Habitat: | Rocky slopes and alluvial fan habitats. |
| Conservation Status: | A species of least concern. |
Tiger rattlesnakes range from 18 to 36 inches (46 to 91 cm) long. Their base color varies. They may be gray, blue-gray, lavender, pink, or buff with cream or pale orange on the sides. They also have 35 to 52 brown or black crossbands. Most other rattlesnakes have crossbands. But their crossbands are confined to the tail area. Tiger rattlesnakes are the only rattlers with crossbands on their entire body. This is a defining feature for them.
The Tiger Rattlesnake’s small, spade-shaped head is another defining feature. They have the smallest of all rattlesnake heads. Tiger rattlers also have a huge rattle compared to their body size.
Where Do Tiger Rattlesnakes Live in New Mexico?
Tiger rattlesnakes live in southwestern New Mexico, specifically in Hidalgo County. They prefer rocky slopes and alluvial fan habitats. They tend to stay on steep slopes in the winter and early spring. However, they venture lower onto alluvial fans and into washes in the late spring and summer. Source
How Dangerous Are Tiger Rattlesnakes?
The Tiger rattlesnake has one of the deadliest rattlesnake venoms. It is a potent mix of hemotoxins and myotoxins.
This rattlesnake has a low venom yield per bite. But its venom has the second-highest toxicity of all the rattlesnake venoms. It is also the second most potent venom among all snakes in the Western Hemisphere.
There are a few recorded human envenomations by Tiger rattlesnakes. These all produced limited localized pain and swelling. These snakes produce a low venom yield and have small fangs. This possibly prevents adults from developing more severe reactions. But a child or a smaller adult might have more severe complications. Any bite from a Tiger rattlesnake is a medical emergency. The bitten individual should seek immediate medical attention. Source
The Western Coral snake is New Mexico’s only venomous snake that is not a pit viper. Coral snakes belong to the Elapidae family. Other elapid snakes include cobras and sea snakes.
Western Coral Snake
| Scientific Name: | Micruroides euryxanthus |
| Description: | Between 13 and 21 inches (33 and 53 cm) in length. Black, light yellow, and red bands, with the yellow bands separating the red and black. |
| Habitat: | Coral snakes prefer habitat below 6000 feet in elevation. They inhabit plains, arroyos, and dry river bottoms. They also live on rock and mesquite-covered slopes. |
| Conservation Status: | Common and not endangered within their range. |
The Western Coral snake is also called the Arizona Coral snake or the Sonoran Coral snake. This is a small snake with a slender body (as skinny as a pencil) reaching between 13 and 21 inches (33 and 53 cm) in length. They have rounded heads and noses with similar-looking tails. It can be hard to tell a coral snake’s head from its tail because they are so similar. They are brightly colored, highly venomous snakes. They have black, light yellow, and red bands, with the yellow bands separating the red and black.
Where Do Western Coral Snakes Live in New Mexico?
Coral snakes prefer habitat below 6000 feet in elevation. They inhabit plains, arroyos, and dry river bottoms. They also live on rock and mesquite-covered slopes. These snakes are found in southwestern Catron County. Further south, they also live in western Grant County and Hidalgo County.
Batesian Mimicry of Coral Snakes
Batesian mimicry is a biological term. It describes how a harmless species protects itself by resembling a dangerous one. For example, scarlet king snakes and milk snakes are non-venomous snakes. However, their color patterns closely resemble the venomous coral snake. The difference is that a coral snake’s red and yellow bands touch. On the other hand, the nonvenomous species’ color patterns are red, black, and yellow. Also, a coral snake’s head is blunt and entirely black, even behind its eyes, while a Kingsnake’s head is red.
This rhyme helps people distinguish between a nonvenomous species and a coral snake. “Red touch yellow can kill a fellow; Red touches black, a friend of Jack.”
The rhyme is mostly accurate in the United States. However, coral snakes from areas south of the U. S. do not always follow the black-yellow-red pattern.
Finally, there are rare coral snakes that do not follow the usual color pattern in the United States. Pink, cream-colored, light blue, and completely black coral snakes exist in the wild.
Western Coral Snake Behavior
Western Coral snakes are underground snakes. They spend most of their time buried in the sand, under leaf piles, and in rotten logs.
Defensive Farting
When rattlesnakes are uptight, they rattle their tails. On the other hand, coral snakes react to stress a bit differently.
When coral snakes are agitated, they fart. To do this, they draw air into their cloacas and force it out again. This makes a popping sound. Source
How Dangerous Are Western Coral Snakes?
Coral snakes have neurotoxic venom. It is the second most potent snake venom in the world. (The mamba being the most venomous).
However, they are considered less dangerous than rattlesnakes. The reason is that they have a less effective venom delivery system. Their smaller mouth and fangs produce less venom. Yet, a coral snake bite should be taken seriously, and medical treatment should be sought. Sometimes, the manifestation of a severe bite doesn’t present itself for 24 hours.
People should take coral snake bites seriously, though. Before we had antivenom, the death rate after coral snake envenomation was around 10%. See
Potential effects of coral snake envenomation include,
- muscle weakness
- difficulty speaking
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty breathing
- Inability to move eyelids
- blurred vision
- twitching of the tongue
- paralysis
- respiratory arrest
One reported death has been caused by an Eastern Coral Snake bite in the last 40 years. Source
Symptoms of Venomous Snake Bites
Some of the symptoms you may experience from a venomous snake bite include:
- Discoloration in the area of the bite.
- Swelling in the area of the bite.
- Loss of muscle coordination.
- Tingling sensation in the area of the bite.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Having an abnormally rapid pulse.
What Should You Do If A Venomous Snake Bites You?
If you or someone you are with has suffered a venomous snakebite, time is of the essence. This is because the sooner a victim receives anti-venom, the less likely the venom in their body is to cause harm. In other words, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Do not attempt to kill the snake for identification purposes. This gives the snake a chance to bite you again. Also, consider that severed snakeheads can still bite and envenomate. If you have a phone, take a picture of the offending reptile. Otherwise, get started on your way to the doctor.
First Aid for Snake Bite Victims
- Remain calm and limit your movements. Do not run. If you must hike back to a vehicle, do it calmly and deliberately. Put as little stress on your heart as possible.
- Keep the area of the snake bite below the heart level and never above the heart level. Keeping the bite below the heart level will reduce the venom’s flow. However, holding the bite above your heart level will increase the venom’s flow.
- Remove all constricting items such as bracelets, watches, or rings before swelling occurs.
- Remember that using a cold compress on a venomous snake bite is not advisable. The reason is that the cold may cause the local blood vessels to constrict and spread the venom faster.
- You can wash the affected area like any other wound with soap and water.
- You may cover the bite area with a moist dressing to reduce the swelling.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. Call the hospital to tell them a venomous snake has bitten you. So they can have anti-venom ready to give you as soon as you arrive.
- A person whom a venomous snake has bitten may go into shock. If this happens, you should lay them flat and cover them with a blanket.
Dressing for Snake Country
- High-top leather boots and long pants are both wise ideas.
- Also, wear loose-fitting denim. If there’s a gap before the snake’s fangs touch your skin, your chances of being envenomated are lower.
- In the absence of high-top leather boots, some people wear snake gaiters.
