Do snake proof boots really work?
If you're looking for protection against cottonmouths and rattlesnakes, then it's best to wear rubber boots that go over your regular shoes or rainwear.
Do snake proof boots really work?
It's not easy to find a great pair of boots these days, especially if you live in the country and you don't have access to town. But there is one type of boot that really does work...snake proof boots. These bad boys are lined with a kevlar sheet that stops snakes from sinking their deadly fangs into your leg and they're designed to discourage other snakes from hanging around near where you walk, too. Plus, when the boots are new, they smell like cat food!
Some snake hunters swear by these boots for their effectiveness and claim it's much better than other snake-proofing strategies such as fencing or even just making noise (some say it'll drive them away). On the other hand, not everyone is a fan. Some people say that because these boots are heavy and clunky, they look like you're wearing a steel-toed boot with a loafer on the bottom. Others also argue that while the boots do provide some protection, they're not worth risking humans' lives (and injuries) to protect them - and even when using them carefully and responsibly, sometimes snake encounters still have deadly consequences.
So what's the deal? Can snake proof boots really work? Or are snake proof boots likely to make things worse? No matter what your experience tells you, keep an eye out for any critters near you - especially snakes - and keep safety in mind at all times.
Trim the tails off your boots. " Snakes are attracted to the scent of your footprints and this will keep them away.
Keep your shoes on when you're in areas where snakes live. If you have to take off your shoes, make sure they are in a plastic bag so they don't get too sweaty during warm weather.
If you are hiking in the jungle, be careful about what you walk on. Snakes like to crawl along the forest floor so be careful where you walk.
If you are in snake country and need to sleep, cover your boots with a tarp. Find out what clothes (and shoes) are the most effective deterrents for snakes - they should be tight-fitting and have leather soles.
The less wild animals there are around you, the more likely it is that your scent will not be attractive to snakes. Stay away from wild animals and try not to leave your camp site too early or too late in the day when wild animals that live in the area wake up and come out looking for food.
Can a copperhead snake bite through leather boots?
Copperhead snakes are small and more docile creatures that don't typically cause much trouble or fear to humans. They can easily be found near humans in North America, which is why they aren't often considered dangerous or venomous. But this particular species also has a reputation for being able to bite through human-made materials like thin cloth and leather boots from several feet away without being able to break through them. This myth has been around for many years and has been seen to be true in the past, but isn't totally held by all experts.
In fact, a recent study done by researchers from North Carolina State University and the Wildlife Center of Virginia confirmed that copperhead teeth can penetrate leather from several feet away without being able to break through it. It's just that the animals haven't yet evolved teeth that are large enough or strong enough to do so. The teeth of adult snakes are only about 1/16 of an inch long and they simply can't bite through human-made materials too often as they get older since they grow. However in most cases, the snakes aren't strong enough to break through the material and can't use their teeth to do so.
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