Day 29 | My Rattle Snake 🐍 Encounter | Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike

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#thruhiking #hiking #backpacking #pacificcresttrail #appalachiantrail #camping

[@saskhiker3935]

My husband who grew up in rattlesnake country says kick sand at a snake cause they don't have eyelids. The sound of a rattlesnake is scary. He was warning you.

[@judithpearson3968]

Good morning, Julianne. Great views today. You need to let the snake know that you respect him, refer to him as Sir. Then kick sand into his eyes. Just remember that the most important thing is to keep your distance. He can strike to the length of his body. You don't want to make him mad. Ya'll are doing great. Two neros is the way to go. You stay close by, save money on lodging. Enjoy the town. Sleep good. Clean up, etc. Enjoy a good breakfast. Then get some more miles. Best of 2 worlds. Take care. Stay safe. See you tomorrow.

[@kuhrthehhrt6819]

Yes, All THIS^^ @judithpearson enjoy the trail

[@RayJackson-ty2vt]

You did the right thing with the rattler. They can strike from 1/3 to 1/2 of their body length. The exception is the Diamond Back Rattler. That snake can strike as far as 2/3 of its body length. When I'm in the woods or on a trail, my rule of thumb is not get any closer than the snakes full body length. And even then... very carefully. Truly enjoying your videos.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Now this is good to know! Thank you!

[@chrisnorris76]

The calmness with how you said hi to the snake….. nope I am out, I would be making a river crossin, road crossin snake avoidin crossin!!!

[@nam_hn]

Thank you Roadrunner and everyone's comments on how to deal with rattlesnake.

[@imaginary_grace]

Good job the your snake encounter! - you extended your reach while keeping your distance

[@colinjveitch]

I live in AZ where rattlesnakes are common. Never throw rocks at them. They are in their home, we are visiting. Try to go around it and if you don't think enough room is available to do so, then gently kick sand. Rules of the wilderness, know what to do, IN ADVANCE, before you take the trip. Afterall, you are the visitor.

[@MudFlap62]

If its me or the snake, the snake will always lose. You did the right thing. You’re doing awesome.

[@Xarai]

UR IN ITS HOME you shouold go far around it

[@Dan__S]

I've had the opportunity to go up and down in elevation for my job. I've been able to get a feel for how and where my body starts getting altitude issues; ~7000ft I slow down and over 8500ft I start getting headaches. I will get a migraine if I'm over 9k for more than an hour or two. I know you get headaches from other things like dehydration, but perhaps over the next month you should write down your elevation, if you're ascending or descending, and how you're feeling whenever you get over 6000ft. I think you'll find a pattern to emerge, one that you can manage.

[@jayray720]

🚶‍♀️👟👟⛺🌞 you're doing an amazing job iand the mountains are just magnificent sure don't want to get bit by a rattlesnake but they sure are a beautiful creature stay safe and happy hiking 💯💪🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@CindyTaylor-mr4wf]

Whew! That rattler! You did great! Keep following your instincts! You are doing great!!!

[@gaylewalker4239]

Passing a rattle snake. Use your pad as a barrier between you and the snake. They can't hear so vibration works better to get them to move and when they are stretched out, they can't strike very far. Keep trekking. 😀

[@dlwoodikf]

That snake rattling was so terrifying!!

[@53nd4k]

Lot's of good comments on rattlesnake encounters (and some not-so-good ones, but on balance pretty useful). This situation is quite typical - a snake with its head about halfway across the path. They are kinda stuck in no-man's-land and often freeze. They will back up eventually, but typically it takes a while for them to make that decision. As a snake or any animal, not a good habit to back up in the wild. I agree, 1/2 to 2/3 body length is the max striking distance. But how good are you at estimating length? Generally I think 6-8 feet is entirely safe if the snake is smaller around than your wrist is. Remember, snakes won't chase you or "charge" you. In the vid it looked like you had some space uphill to scoot around it slowly. And I do suggest that you go slow. You cannot run faster than the snake can strike, running will tend to startle it by resembling an attack from a predator, and sometimes there are more than one snake so running into the second snake could be an issue.

[@thedeafcattledog8608]

A rattlesnake won't chase you but a cottonmouth will. Ask me how I know that lol

[@ottomatic8097]

@@thedeafcattledog8608 YES!! I was chased by a Cottonmouth in Baytown, TX. But it was my fault, I tried to run over it in a truck, missed, stopped, got out saw a stick close by picked it up ran toward the Snake who was trying to get back in the water. I guess it saw I was gaining on him and all of a sudden he turned and headed straight for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I nearly had a heart attack when I saw that Snake coming straight at me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I quickly threw down my stick and jumped in my truck and sped away. I was wrong on so many fronts. First why did I try to kill that Snake, well I was young, stupid, an idiot, ignorant, dumbass, moronic, not very bright, uneducated, knuckle dragging imbecile and these are by finer points. Good GOD almighty when I was young I was no good.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

@@thedeafcattledog8608😱😱😱😱UM…Yikes!!!! I want to hear the story!!!

[@thedeafcattledog8608]

@@all-to-Him-I-owe100 when I was a wee lass, my grandma took us down on the river there between Asheville and Marshall. We were playing by the edge of the water when she yelled at us to come quickly to her- we jumped up and ran and when we got to her she told us to run for the car- we looked back and there was a cotton mouth coming right at us! One time we were playing on the parkway and almost landed on a copperhead. She grabbed us and we wound up in the middle of the road lol.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

@@thedeafcattledog8608 good gracious! I have heard they are territorial but that is on another level!!!

[@kevinmcnease1572]

You did a great job of handling the rattlesnake encounter! Keep filming quality videos!

[@maryshores42]

I was watching another hiker in AZ with lots of rattle snake encounters. He said they cannot strike if they are not coiled. It makes sense that they would need to be coiled to gain their momentum. Not sure if it's true but good to keep in mind.

[@shanksmare]

It is NOT true, although many folks think that it is. Do a quick google search and you can find good discussions on the subject.

[@amerphoto1]

If you have ever watched Tigger Treks, she is hiking the AT, class of 2024, she is like a snake charmer talking the rattlesnakes right off the trail!

[@philipyoho8115]

Either kick the sand or roll rocks. I won't throw them. Also, Rattlesnakes can only strike about half their body length when coiled. You actually had plenty of room to walk around to the left of it. Besides, snakes are pretty docile. They want nothing to do with you. You are not their prey and they really don't want to waste their venom on you. Okay, a random bike on the trail. Interesting. Chillin!! Safe travels and happy trails.

[@user-lp5tt9sk3q]

Rocks Rattlers. 😮. Just hike around it.

[@Yeswecanoutdoors]

A lot of people out here use Baden Powell as a practice hike for Baldey and then use Baldy as a practice for Whitney. You will see plenty of rattle snakes

[@webtrasher]

Pretty Diamondback 🐍

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

I’ve no experience with a rattlesnake. I don’t think you hurt it. I like the …kick some sand at it …idea. Now I’m going to watch Chap’s video because I want to see the ‘waterfall’.

[@randydonham6663]

I have had good results with a long stick, like a dead yucca shoot or an extended hiking pole. Gently move the snake off the trail and it will usually crawl off when it is in the brush. Throwing rocks will threaten it and I think make it more likely to strike.

[@TheGrandmateresa]

I got nervous for you with rattlesnake. They are scary for sure. Interested to read comments from subscribers with their recommendations. I am loving the scenery on this trail. Thoroughly enjoy waking up, drinking my coffee and watching your videos.

[@SeeYouOnTheSummit]

Just keep moving & don’t agitate. 😁

[@ThisConnectedPodcast]

Love that you and Chap are making these vids and sharing your different perspectives. I was anxious with you with that snake. I hope you got to see a little summer campsite called St Edward Retreat Center down the Acorn Trail. They have a great story. Thanks for taking us along and living your hike vicariously.

[@johnkrall6573]

The PCT needs to inform thru-hikers about the "kangaroo rat defense" when dealing with rattlesnakes! When a kangaroo rat is cornered by a rattlesnake, it will kick sand in the snakes's eyes. I used this technique on the PCT a few times. It worked every time! Throwing rocks at snakes may end up killing the snake. Rattlesnakes keep the rodent population in check.

[@Asdzaan]

Surely, PCT Association, while issuing permits, includes explicit information on what to do and what not to do during encounters with wildlife in their natural habitats.

[@danielfegley2735]

I remember a hike where every trail I walked on had a rattle snake , Fortunately, I knew the terrain, and so I was able to make a new trail and walk around . Now I have heard that a rattlesnake can only jump 1/3 of it's length so if it is 3 ft long it can only jump a foot or 6 ft long it can only jump 2 ft however it's hard to tell when it's curled up . I also saw in a video where someone stretched out their trekking pole as long as they could , got underneath the snake, and flipped it into the air far from the trail . Sometimes, you can walk right past a snake and not get struck if they are sleeping or you don't piss it off like throwing rocks at it , by the way I think you did the right thing given the situation, I'm just saying. This happened to me I passed by a rock with a rattle snake under it like 4 times and never got bit , I also never heard it rattle, everyone else did, however that didn't stop me from poking it with a stick to get a good picture of it, the snake was guarding its nest and wouldn't leave, I left it unharmed.

[@keithpeverley3869]

Rattlesnakes cannot jump more than half of their body length.

[@user-lp5tt9sk3q]

14,000 youze gonna feel it 😱!

[@MalFunktion1]

They can only strike up to 1/2 their body length, and they won't come chase after you. Can reach out with the tip of your trekking pole to gently guide them off trail. Just remember they're more afraid of you than you are of them. Good job, you got past it.

[@susietopspin]

Wow beautiful scenery for sure. I’m no expert but have encountered a rattlesnake and copperheads on the AT in PA. Rather than potentially agitating them by throwing things at them, I take a wide birth and walk around, if possible. So far so good. They are generally not aggressive creatures. Just an opinion as I’ve been in that situation. I don’t know if you had space to go around though. At least all ended well🐍. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@nml4546]

OK, so rattle snake first (you're bound to encounter more along the way), throwing rocks is kinda sorta ok, sometimes it works sometime not. The best thing to do is find a long stick and nudge it out of the way, The tracking pole could be used as a last resort, but may be too short. They can strike half their length, so the distance depends on how long they are. They however will only strike if they are cornered. You would have to be really close to it. The ski lift is Mt High. The water behing=d the fence is either town water or water to make snow during ski season (or both).

[@cjengland2365]

Major rattlesnake stand off was a little scary. I'm not sure what to do but it did seem like it was getting angrier. Not a fan of any snake, let alone a rattler. Hope you get some good advice.

[@MikeLasruk]

14:51 LOL Chap lookin like a blue teletubby! 🤣

[@hans5130]

On hot days the snakes will be in the shade or cool spots.

[@libraryfiles4470]

A snake will not strike if not coiled. Snakes have poor eyesight and do not want to strike you. Throwing rocks at a snake pisses it off just like you would be pissed off if rocks were thrown at you. Just walk around the snake.

[@garylines5755]

Haha You did fine I am surprised it took you this long for your first snake you will see more

[@Danielle-rb2jk]

Hearing that rattle brought back scary childhood memories when I was in TX!

[@garywilliams8284]

Snakes can only strike about 1/2 of their length, they do not chase people !! Running is more dangerous because you could have fallen down !! Just keep your distance and walk by. Have a good trip !!!!!

[@user-cu4je7vm5c]

Hey road runner. I’m on the pct behind you. Great video content! The way I’ve dealt with rattlesnakes is to extend both tracking poles, and click them together near the snake until it moves. I believe their max strike length is = to half of their body length. Not sure if there’s a better way, but this has worked for me

[@charmaineslater7632]

What scent will keep snakes away?  Clove and cinnamon oil. You could make some in a spray bottle and carry it you

[@EricSpriggs]

They can strike about half of their body length. So sunless they are huge, you can generally nudge them with a trekking pole/stick. But throwing things at them works too!🤣😂

[@user-rv9hx3ft6l]

The snakes are kind of a rite of passage through the desert on trail

[@musingwithreba9667]

The one and only time I heard a rattler, I grabbed my dogs and I ran in the opposite direction 😂 I think you did really well!

[@MikeLasruk]

OMG the trail provides! Ride that dirt bike into town for the resupply!

[@user-rv9hx3ft6l]

Just scoot by with 4 ft distance if possible

[@MaryanneN_]

The couple named on the headstone died while trying to be the first hikers to successfully hike the PCT end to end in winter.

[@tujungadave]

Remember I told you to watch out for rattlers. I've seen a few on the PCT from Inspiration point up to Baden Powell as well as other spots. I've had a couple of hikers tell me they've seen them on the trail on Baden Powell. Be careful!

[@stevealcocer4862]

Use your tracking poles to move the snake off the trail. Slip the tip of your tracking pole, under the snake, and lift it off the trail far enough to safely pass. Or to get the snake to keep moving off the trail by itsself. Stay calm and you will be safe.

[@MaxZomboni]

1. Don't throw anything at the snake. 2. Don't poke the snake. 3. Walk 5 feet off trail around the snake, uphill preferably. It's worked for me at least 100 times. Rattlesnakes don't want to hurt you. They just want to be left alone. 👍

[@TheHikingChick1]

What if there's no way to get 5 feet away, i.e. snake is on narrow trail that is traversing a steep and dense area. I've run into this scenario multiple times. In this case I stomp on the ground or throw a rock near but not at the snake. I understand they respond to vibrations on the ground...

[@MaxZomboni]

@@TheHikingChick1 I don't know. I have never ran into that situation. Trails are generally pretty wide. Especially a trail like the PCT which has to be wide enough for horses. It should be possible to get 5 feet off the trail. If the embankment is so steep you can't even climb up the hillside, I'm not sure why a snake would be in that environment. The only trails I have ever been on that were that narrow are some badly eroded trails along the Oregon Coast and the Old Devil's Elbow Trail near Mt. Saint Helens, which has been closed for many years due to it being dangerously narrow. But even on that trail I had to get off the trail to allow other hikers to pass. I guess if I had run into a snake there, I would have just had to pass closer than the prefered 5 feet.

[@magicaltrails]

THANK YOU.

[@CampfireJubilee]

It looked like there was not a way to go around 5 feet, there was a hill with a lot of brush on both sides right there…. I imagine she would have done that if there was that kind of space.

[@MaxZomboni]

​@@CampfireJubilee Well ultimately she did go around it, but not before pissing it off.

[@RockyMtnWay_406]

We as humans are at the top of the food chain .. the rattle snake is just trying to protect itself and it doesn't have feelings. If you get too close it will strike and possibly kill you. A very long stick to steer it away can help. You did the right thing though - you got it out of the way and you got by. Also - I love cowboy camping but I hate snakes (and even grew up in Montana and very much an outdoorsman) but, cowboy camping in rattlesnake country??? I dunno if I could do it, even knowing they want nothing to do with us.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

You were in a pickle with that snake! You weren’t trying to injure it - just encouraging it to move, not like you were throwing big heavy rocks at it! Yikes!!!

[@martinwelch5774]

I don't know what I would do in a situation like your rattlesnake encounter. My general philosophy on trails is to calmly yield to the locals. It has worked with moving badgers, deer, and bison. However, that local didn't want to move and there didn't seem to be an easy way to go around it. No life forms were harmed in your case, so I would call it good. I have spent a good amount of time in the hills near my home. I was taught to walk with "heavy footsteps" in brushy areas to reduce the chances of surprising rattlesnakes. My only known close encounter with a rattler was when riding a horse. The horse sensed the snake near the edge of the trail about twenty feet ahead and stopped. I convinced the horse to move ahead a little. Maybe the prospect of being stomped by a large, heavy critter got its attention because it turned away from the trail and moved away. We do what feels right in our particular situation, I think, and forge ahead.

[@hikerJohn]

Use your trekking poles or a long twig and just coax snakes off the trail. They can only strike 1/3 of their body length and your trekking poles are twice that length. Plus if it's sleeping in the sun they wont even know you walked past it if you don't touch it.

[@Zebrababsi]

I would be scared as hell 😅

[@RedCatt423]

That was scary just to hear the rattling. Not a fan if snakes myself

[@tandyjenkins7495]

You did fine with the rattler neither one of you got hurt. Good job.

[@Lewisfam7]

1st ever vid of yours that gave me anxiety. 😂

[@karlbe8414]

I like the idea of long stick, sand or at least smaller rocks. The more dangerous situation is the one's you don't see. Stay in the middle and stay alert.

[@kennethwedig6091]

You can just nudge and guide it away with your fully extended trekking pole.

[@michaelcrossey3532]

Right to be cautious but I think you could’ve just walked up to the snake with your trekking pole out and tapped the ground and it probably would’ve moved off 😂

[@rogerlevasseur397]

Just remember this: if you're in a place that attracts rodents, like mice, they're rattlesnake chow and attracts them.

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

In my entire life I’ve only seen one rattlesnake. God only knows how many I’ve walked near. Be careful.

[@sambonilla416]

You didn’t kill it. You did the right thing. Keep on moving 👍🏼

[@miteco1]

Not much to see in Wrightwood ttt !! except tall cans of ice cold coca cola. Snake: poke, spray water, throw stone, kick dirt at=ok 12:35 Suron Lightbee china made electric bike but pretty much a motorcycle 40mph top speed

[@user-rv9hx3ft6l]

Don’t throw rocks at rattlesnake you will make them coil up and stand thier ground

[@michaelbutler4961]

I don't care for snakes so I have no issues with rock tossing, sand kicking, etc. Do what you feel safe doing and Hike~~On~~>

[@rastenborg]

Might want to look up striking range. If they bite youl swell up like Nahamsha.

[@timoschah7055]

hell na

[@2dog_bronco_livin768]

A snake can only strike as far as about 2/3 of their body length. So just carry on.

[@mtpstv94]

I just remember that trekking poles are also weapons. A man on a trail thought I was carrying spears for spear fishing. And I tend to fan them out in front of me when the area ahead of me is sketchy in case I don't see something right in front of me. Better to strike a pole than my leg.

[@rosemarymcleod4074]

I would have done the same thing! Rattlesnakes are very scary. You have to stay safe whatever it takes! Those rocks didn’t hurt him. Another great video 😊

[@williamgarman1796]

Get a long stick and move it off the trail

[@10pound]

cue all the men giving snake advice....

[@tomnoyb8301]

Did good. First, tell animal what you want them to do. That goes for any animal, including bear, mountain-lion or snake. Explain that God gave you dominion if necessary. Be clear. For example, it is generally preferable the snake move downhill. Tell it so if that's what you want. Second, kick sand/dust if snake won't move. Snakes don't like it much and will almost always move. It's ok to keep explaining that animal's job is to serve human's will. Once had to explain to a bull that he'd be required to lay down and die if a human required it. "I didn't make the rules" and that he knew the rules better than I did. That Bull had been challenging hiker's every day up till then (2022), but never bothered another hiker after that day. Plus, the tension makes great video content.

[@ajc389]

Roadrunners eat rattle snakes.

[@boblacourse1430]

stop throwing rocks at rattle snakes. You're the 3rd hiker I see doing that on trail. All you're doing is pissing it off. Just walk around it giving yourself 6 to 8 feet, You'll be fine. I stepped on a rattle snake and had one sliver between my feet. Be respectful of wild life please.

[@terrifiorelli9819]

Why don’t you carry a firearm? No way I am hiking without mine. You get a cougar or bear after you, whoa is you.

[@hops4305]

Tricky snake crossing. 🐍 Nothing wrong with throwing stones at the rattlers!! That sunrise was amazing!!

[@vikmarquez]

You take off the snakes head and make snake tacos 🌮!

[@jilltaylor4932]

One to remember 🪇🐍