Snake

Wild nature always has unexpected dangers that you cannot anticipate. Whether hiking, hunting or exploring, you still need the necessary equipment to protect yourself.

For any purpose, once you enter the wild nature, a pair of snake gaiters will protect you from snake attacks.

The snake proof gaiters can also protect your feet from the attack of some other small animals. It is also a layer to prevent damage from wild plants or thorns along the way.

However, choosing the best snake proof gaiters is not a simple thing. You may make the wrong choices if you do not consider them carefully.

Do not worry, we have made a list of snake gaiter reviews and accompanied by the most basic information about this product.

First, check out the snake gaiters reviews below.

Top 5 Best Snake Gaiters Review 2021

#1 Crackshot Men’s Snake Bite Proof Guardz Gaiters

Of all snake proof gaiters for sale today, this product from Crack Shot is probably the most ideal choice. Crackshot Men’s Snake Bite Proof Guardz Gaiters has a great budget that comes with top quality.

This product comes with 6 different sizes, ensuring perfection and your feet are most comfortable. It also has many different colors for you to choose a color according to your preference.

Especially, this snake proof gaiters bring maximum comfort to your feet when moving. You can easily adjust the tightness of snakeproof gaiters through the straps. These straps are strong and you don’t have to worry about their lifetime.

To keep the feet well-ventilated, this product is designed to allow air circulation between the legs and gaiters. Therefore, you will not feel secret when traveling and you can also use it when the weather is warmer.

This product is also very light and neat. Traveling on long distances is no longer a worry. And it will not cause you trouble when hiking, mountaineering and trail running.

Especially, it is even waterproof, bringing another perfect plus. This ensures your feet are protected to the maximum extent.

With all of these advantages, this is a reliable and worthwhile option to invest. It can do a good job of protecting your feet with a great budget choice. What could be more expected?

#2 TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Snake Gaiters

Another pair of snake gaiters for sale with outstanding quality that you should not miss is TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Snake Gaiters. This is one of Amazon’s options and it has a reason to be in that position.

Unlike other snake gaiters on the market, this product has an extremely light and neat design. It weighs only 6 ounces so you can’t face any hindrance or make your legs heavier.

This product is made from polyester, a high quality material that not all snake gaiters have. This material is specially patented and it has been shown to have excellent durability.

If you are looking for the bets rattlesnake gaiters then you should never miss this product. Even the largest rattlesnake cannot bite through this material. So you can rest assured when using it.

This product is also water resistant and extremely supple. No liquid can penetrate the contents. And no sharp spikes can penetrate this snake gaiters.

It also comes in a variety of sizes so you can choose a product that fits your foot. In particular, this product also has Husky size – larger than normal size with 23 inches top of calf, 20 inches ankle and 16 inches length.

You can also fold it easily to store it more conveniently. And you can also put it neatly in a backpack when it’s not in use. It is also an ideal hiking snake gaiters option.

However, it has a rather unfortunate minus point in cheap plastic zippers. And this product is also not a budget option. But it is still worth your investment.

#3 Tuff Shins – Plastic Snake Leggings

This product from Tuff Shins has a completely different material from the other snake gaiters on this list. And this is also a product that can provide users with safety and reliability.

This snake gaiters are made from plastic, completely firm and can stop any snake’s fangs. It also protects your feet from external influences such as bushy or thorny bushes.

It protects from your ankles to knees from the onslaught of snakes. Nothing can destroy this product. And you can also be assured of the product’s longevity.

It is also designed so that users can easily put on and take off. No zippers or laces are required. Even so, this product is still firmly associated with your feet.

With origin from USA and comes with an attractive warranty, you absolutely do not have to fret about the service. This product is also affordable so you can pay for a pair of quality snake gaiters.

You can use this product for both low and high temperature days. Although it may be a bit secretive and a little hot during summer days.

And a warning that people with big calves should not use this snake gaiters. It is only one size so they may feel uncomfortable wearing this product.

#4 ForEverlast Snake Guard – Snake Gaiter Leggings

If you are looking for the best snake gaiters for hunting then don’t waste any more time, this is what you need. These snake gaiters from ForEverlast not only give you a great protection of your feet from snake teeth, but they also provide ideal camouflage.

This product is made of synthetic material and it is strong and flexible enough to protect the feet from attacks. Neither can the snake’s teeth, thorns, bushes or sharp rocks destroy it.

It is the perfect hunting gaiters amazon product for hunting in the swamp or jungle. This product is lightweight and waterproof, providing the most comfortable and safe experience for users.

This product comes with buckles for easy adjustment of its grip with feet. Overall they have a quality good enough for this link to be most secure with your every step.

It is also quite cheap compared to other competitors in the market. And for comparison, it also has a quality good enough to rank among the top products.

However, it does not seem suitable for use on hot summer days. It is quite thick and not breathable.

#5 Rattler Scaletech Snake Protection Gaiters

These snake gaiters from Rattler provide the most protection for your feet. It is a product that provides an absolute safety for users thanks to the most durable and rigid material.

This product is extremely suitable for those who are constantly exposed to the dangers lurking around their feet. Its solid structure does not allow any sharp objects in the wild, including the fangs of poisonous snakes.

It is also waterproof, keeping your feet dry. This snake gaiters also does not allow any plant to attach to it.

This product also has a fairly competitive price compared to other famous products. You can easily buy it on Amazon or at hunting and climbing accessories stores.

This snake gaiters are unrivaled in their ability to stop the attack of snakes or thorns, bushes and objects that hurt your feet. But it doesn’t really bring comfort when traveling.

This product is quite thick and it is not really flexible with the knee joint. You may feel some leg pain if you travel long distances. And you will not really comfortable wearing it in the summer.

Do Snake Gaiters Work?

For this question, we can answer that snake gaiters DOES work when you wear it properly. And you should also know the safety rules and first aid measures for snakebite wounds as a precaution.

The snake gaiters can protect you from snake attacks but only within its scope. Beyond that it cannot guarantee any further.

You should also consider choosing products with clear origins. Do not be greedy and choose inferior products. Problems directly related to health should never be paid for at a very low price.

Effective snake gaiters are products that have been tested with snakes. This is a way for you to check whether snake gaiters really work.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Snake Gaiters?

To choose the best snake gaiters, the first thing you need to do is not to rush. First of all consider some factors to be able to set the criteria that you should choose in a pair of snake gaiters.

We have compiled some of the most basic factors that you should consider to avoid false investments.

It is never redundant if you research carefully for your investment.

#1 Material

Material is the first and the most important factor that determines the strength of snake gaiters. You should pay attention to this factor so you can choose a pair of snake gaiters that can protect you.

Sturdy and thick materials are often able to prevent sharp attacks. But their disadvantages are not well ventilated and not suitable for use in hot weather.

Tightly woven materials like polyester, leather, nylon or synthetic fibers often have high toughness. They are capable enough to block the fangs of snakes but are also versatile enough to provide comfort when moving.

#2 Weight

Weight is the next important factor on this list that needs serious research from you. The weight of snake gaiters will directly affect your step.

Surely you will not want to wear a pair of snake gaiters to interfere with your steps. The best snake gaiters are products that give you comfort and fit your feet perfectly.

Don’t choose snake gaiters that are too heavy, you will regret carrying a few pounds under your feet on the long haul.

#3 Design

Besides the material and weight, the design of snake gaiters also directly determines the comfort of the product. Comfort and flexibility will bring a better experience for users.

You will need snake gaiters for your very long journey. And the wild environment has never been so easy to navigate. The snugly designed gaiters are what you need for a long journey.

That flexible design manifests itself in positions such as ankles, calves and knees. It should not restrict too much leg activity.

The snake gaiters should also have the keys or straps attached so that the user can adjust the gaiters easily. A loose pair of snake gaiters will also affect the user’s movement.

#4 The origin

You should choose snake gaiters with clear origins.

The products of unknown origin are often very cheap but the quality is not guaranteed. At first glance a budget option, but such products cannot last for long.

Genuine products, with clear origin often come with warranty and superior quality. These products guarantee quality materials, design as well as longevity.

Traceable products often come with transparent information from the manufacturer. Some manufacturers have prepared tests of their products with snakes.

These direct tests give customers a more comprehensive view of the product. And you can benefit from knowing the quality of your products in advance.

Currently there are many affordable products that are very good quality. Therefore, you have no reason to continue with the floating products that should be on the market.

Conclusion

The snake gaiters are a budget option over snake boots and it can also do a good job of its main role. Choosing the best snake gaiters to protect your feet from snake attack requires serious research from you.

In addition, you also need to equip yourself with first aid measures when bitten by snakes and safety measures to prevent. We cannot be certain in the face of wild nature.

Snake bites can be lethal so if you are going to be exploring areas where you know there are poisonous snakes lurking it is a wise, if not essential, decision to carry a snake bite kit with you should the worst happen.

Pictures and Videos of water snakes Best Snake Bite Kit Best Snake Proof Boots Best Snake Proof Pants Best Snake Tongs Best Snake Repellent Best Snake Trap

Best Glue Traps For Rats Best Minnow Trap Best Mouse Traps For Home Best Electric Mouse Trap The Best Mouse Trap Best Mice Killer What is the best way to trap mice?

Even top-quality snake bite kits will not break the bank so it is an investment worth making before you embark on a trip as it could just save your life. Here we take a look at some of the top-rated snake bite kits on the market and explain about how they work.

Do Snake Bite Kits Work?

Whether you might be taking a hike in the desert, through the wet plains, or taking a trek through a wooded area, a good start is to make sure you invest in protective clothing (such as snake boots or gaiters) to avoid a snake bite in the first place. In addition to this, you need a good quality snake bite kit so that you have a remedy in the unfortunate scenario when you actually are bitten.

Snake bite kits usually work by using a vacuum pump which sucks out the snake venom. They also come with some bandages so that you can treat the affected area after the venom has been removed. Please note: a snake bite kit is not a replacement for medical help and it is essential that you still seek medical help immediately after using a snake bite kit so that you can receive treatment from a professional. They just give you the extra time to get to that professional help.

Top 4 Best Snake Bite Kit 2021

#1 Editor’s Choice: Sawyer Products B4 Extractor Pump Kit

With over 30 years of use behind it, the longevity and popularity of this snake bite kit from Sawyer is testament to its effectiveness in times of crisis and can reassure you that you have packed a kit you can trust on your adventure.

This kit has been designed so it is easy to use and effective when you need it most. It works through the use of a powerful suction pump so you don’t need to use either a scalpel or a blade to remove the venom, a technique which is risky for non-professionals and not as effective. To use it, select one of the four plastic cups which will best cover the area that has been bitten, connect this to the pump and then push the plunger with your thumb to remove the venom.

The extractor pump can be used with one hand so it can be a really good option if you are travelling alone, and it can also be reused if you clean the suction cups after use (although hopefully you won’t be having to use it again!). One issue to be aware of with this type of snake bit kit is that it is not as effective in removing venom from more muscly areas of the body as in these areas the venom goes into your bloodstream much quicker.

The kit comes with the extractor pump, 4 suction cups, 2 alcohol wipes to prepare the affected area, 3 bandages, 2 sting care wipes, a razor to clean hair from the bitten area and a book about bite and stings. You really get your money’s worth with this kit and it also can be used on other bites such as those from bees, wasps, spiders, ticks and mosquitoes.

#2 Best Constrictor Snake Bite Kit: Coughlan’s Snake Bite Kit

Coughlan’s snake bite kit is another tried and tested method to buy you time if you are bitten by a venomous snake whilst tackling the great outdoors. It uses the constrictor/suction method and the kit comes with complete instructions on how to use this snake venom removing device most effectively and safely.

Within the kit there are a lymph constrictor and three suction cups so you can best select the cup that best fits the area that has been bitten. These cups have been designed with your body in mind so each fits well to different contours of your body – it is a good plan to have a look at these cups before a crisis occurs so you know which one will be best to use when you are in a hurry.  The kit also comes with a scalpel and antiseptic swab included.

This snake bite kit from Coughlan’s can be used again and again if you look after it properly, ensuring the cups are thoroughly cleaned after use. This kit is excellent value and it is a great thing to have in your pack if you are venturing into venomous snake areas in order to give you extra peace of mind. But remember, it is still essential to seek urgent medical help immediately after receiving a snake bite as the professionals really do know best.

#3 Best Portable Snake Bite Kit: Rothco Snake Bite Kit

This compact snake bite kit from Rothco is a popular choice amongst adventure enthusiasts who have relied on this venom removing device. Thanks to its small size it will easily fit in your pack or pocket without taking up essential space and will put your mind at ease knowing you have this kit about your person. If you want a kit to take with you that is not bulky, this is definitely the kit for your needs.

Within the small yellow capsule, there is a complete set of instructions on how to use the device, a lymph constrictor, 2 large high-suction cups which can be used on multiple bites, a small cup for smaller areas of use, a scalpel and an antiseptic swab. Customers who have used this snake bite kit have recommended that it is a good idea to pack a razor with you in addition to this kit as the suction cups work most effectively on areas of skin that have no hair.

Rothco assures customers that all of their products are thoroughly quality tested and that they are experts in outdoor gear whatever situation you might find yourself in. So whether you are trekking, camping, or just going out for a day’s hiking make sure that you get one of these kits from Rothco in case you find yourself in dangerous venomous snake territory. It could just buy you the time you need to reach essential professional medical help.

So if you are into portability, high-quality brands and clear instructions for use, this would be a great choice of snake bite kit.

#4 Best Suction Pump Snake Bite Kit: Ven-Ex Snake Bite Kit

Here we have a reliable snake bite kit from the reputable manufacturer Ven-Ex. This portable snake bite kit can be used to remove venom or poison received via bites from snakes, bees, wasps and mosquitos so is a great addition to your first-aid kit and an essential product to have with you if there are poisonous snakes around. It also comes in a hard-shell carry case so the contents will be safe regardless of what rough terrain you might be venturing into.

In this Ven-Ex snake bite kit, you will find two sizes of extraction cups to suit your needs, a quality venom extraction pump and a tourniquet band. The kit will enable you to draw the venom from beneath your skin, it is easy to use and it is possible to use it with just one hand so perfect if you prefer solo adventures. You certainly will be grateful to find this kit in your pack if you find yourself on the receiving end of a snake bite.

Again, it is important to stress that this kit should not be seen as a replacement for professional medical help, rather it will help to buy you essential time in seeking that help if you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a venomous snake.

Conclusion

While all of these snake bite kits are quality products our pick of the best is the Extractor Pump Kit from Sawyer. This kit has been used for years by adventurers and uses an effective mechanism to remove the snake venom quickly and safely. It can be bought at a very reasonable price and can be used repeatedly if you should need it.

Here we have reviewed some of the most popular snake bite kits on the market. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have different techniques for removing the snake venom – either via a suction pump or through the creation of a tourniquet. None of these kits are a substitute for seeking urgent professional medical assistance if you are bitten by a poisonous snake, but they could just buy you the time you need to reach that medical help before it is too late.

If you are someone who enjoys the great outdoors, either via treks, hiking or camping, we strongly recommend that you invest in a good quality snake bite kit if there is a risk of poisonous snakes in the area.

It is no joke if you find yourself bitten by a snake or facing that prospect when having to move one. Although most are non-venomous, it’s unlikely you would want to risk it if you were bitten and, ideally, you would be able to safely remove the snake from its unwanted location safely, without any teeth sinking into your skin. The best way to do this safely and without causing any harm to the snake is with an appropriate trap.

Pictures and Videos of water snakes Best Snake Bite Kit Best Snake Proof Boots Best Snake Proof Pants Best Snake Tongs Best Snake Repellent Best Snake Trap

Best Glue Traps For Rats Best Minnow Trap Best Mouse Traps For Home Best Electric Mouse Trap The Best Mouse Trap Best Mice Killer What is the best way to trap mice?

Here we take a look at some of the best snake traps that are available on the market which will not harm the snake and will enable you to keep yourself at a safe distance. So you won’t have to worry about nasty snake bites if you invest in one of these harmless, effective, and snake traps.

Top 4 Best Snake Trap 2021

#1 Editor’s Choice: Frabill Minnow Trap 8″x8″x18″

This snake trap enables you to become a master of disguise thanks to its clever design – great for the amateur sleuth in you. Simply nestle this snake trap in the area you wish to catch the nuisance snake – you can cover it with leaves or foliage so that the unsuspecting snake will slide right in. The disguise is also helped by the black colour of this product meaning it is easy to camouflage.

Once the snake is in, you can then relocate it to your decided designation and release it thanks to the easy access door fitted on the snake trap. This is a great way to humanely capture venomous snakes and move them to a safer location, meaning your conscious will be clear.

In addition to being fit for purpose, this snake trap is also extremely robust being made out of heavy-duty vinyl dipped steel mesh. So you can be confident that you will be using this snake trap for years to come, or for as long as those snakes continue to frequent your garden. At under $25 this snake trap from Frabill is great value for money so snap up this bargain while you can.

Trap Type Reviews 2021	Pros	Cons
Glue Traps	Cheap and easy to use	Likely still require you to buy snake tongs and snake hook
	Non-toxic so safe for use around children and pets	Only suitable for smaller snakes
	Typically come pre-baited	Snakes can sometimes escape
Lift-top Box Traps	Most snakes cannot escape form trap	Only suitable for smaller snakes
	Reusable	Strong adhesive smell of glue
	Suitable for use in wet environments	One snake only can be caught per trap
Cage Traps	Can catch larger snakes	Still need a snake tong and hook for release
	Can catch more than one snake at a time	Expensive
	Snakes cannot escape	Big

#2 Best Snake Trap Glue: Catchmaster 402 Snake Glue Traps (5 Pack)

If you are needing to just catch snakes that are of the smaller variety, such as grass snakes, then this simple glue trap from Catchmaster is a smart and very reasonably priced choice. It works very simply through the use of a plain board and a strong adhesive glue that covers the board, perfect for catching your target.

The strong adhesive is already set up on the trap so as soon as you receive these traps they are ready to get into action. They are able to catch multiple snakes at the same time which is handy if you are in an area where snakes are abundant. Another bonus is that these traps can be moulded to suit tight spaces so you can fold them to make sure they are put to optimum catching potential.

These heavy-duty traps are also non-toxic so you don’t need to worry about using these around your pets or children – so no need to worry about any unintentional consequences. They are also completely disposable once your bait is caught.

These traps are available in different sized bundles so whether you need 1 trap or 6, there are a multitude of options available for whatever your needs may be.

#3 Best Lift-Top Box Snake Trap: Cahaba Snake Trap

Cahaba make a whole range of snake traps, and this one is one of their best if you are hoping to trap a small snake in a sealed box, removing the need for snake tongs and a snake hook. Made to a commercial standard, this rigid plastic device is high quality, suitable for use in wet environments, is reusable (although you may need to purchase additional inserts), and suitable for use around children and pets.

Made by people experienced in pest control, this device was first used solely by professionals but has now been marketed for over 10-years. The free-standing design helps the device to blend into its environment, whilst the replaceable inserts where you apply the snake glue make it easy to use again and again. Unlike a simple glue trap though, this trap closes around the snake, making it easy to safely remove the snake from its unwanted location.

Even if you are not experienced in the art of trapping snakes you will be able to safely set this trap, just put in the insert and leave the trap to work its magic. So if you are after a snake trap that is easy to use, works come rain or shine, and is suitable for reuse, this will be a great choice of trap for smaller snakes.

#4 Best Snake Trap Humane: Catchmaster 60M Snake Glue Boards 60-Pack

Similar to the glue snake trap reviewed above this snake trap from Catchmaster uses glue board technology to secure any unsuspecting snake who is lured into its trap. With the glue already spread onto the trap you can place this snake trap in your desired location (either inside or outside) as soon as you receive it, and then wait patiently for your first victim.

Once it has entered the trap the snake won’t be able to move meaning it is safe for you to pick up the snake trap ready to relocate the snake. While the snake can’t move, it is completely unharmed during this process. When you have decided where you want to move the snake to, simply pour a few drops of vegetable oil onto the snake’s body and it will then be able to break free to explore its new home.

The good news is that this snake trap from Catchmaster can be used up to 4 times if you take care to rinse it after use so is a great value option as well as being humane. As it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals you can confidently leave this trap out even with children and pets around and you won’t ever lose it either thanks to its lovely bright yellow colour. It is also a durable option, being resistant to all weathers you can leave it outside without it being damaged – great to optimise its snake catching potential.

Snake Traps – What to look out for

Snake traps can be anything from a piece of paper with glue on, through to a lift-top box trap and even a special cage. You will need to consider an appropriate trap for an appropriate victim, so if you are after a venomous snake you might want to invest in something more intelligently designed whereas for a big but non-venomous snake you might opt just for a decent sized lift-top box trap. A simple and small grass-snake might just call for a paper and glue trap, so long as you are comfortable with a snake tong and hook.

Whatever you decide, it is important to ensure your snake trap is strong enough for its intended target – if your boa constrictor has got loose, paper and glue just isn’t going to cut it as a trap. The good thing is, traps are generally not too expensive so you will have plenty of options whether you take the glue, cage or complex machine route. Below we review the best traps from each option to make your life easy when you find yourself in need of a snake removal device.

Conclusion

While all of these snake traps are effective, our top pick of the lot is the Frabill Minnow Trap – this cage ticks all the boxes; it is humane, it can be cleverly disguised in a snakes favourite hunting ground, and it is very easy and safe to transport a snake once it is captured. It is also great value, durable and will last for a great number of snake catching operations.

Investing in a snake trap will really put your mind at ease as you can take control of the venomous snakes residing in your garden. Either through a glue trap, lift-top box or cage trap you can humanely and safely capture a snake and then release it somewhere where it will no longer be a danger. This will really help you sleep at night and allow you to enjoy your property without fear of a venomous snake attack.

For the adventurous amongst you who enjoy exploring unknown territories, it is wise to think about protecting yourself against a potentially lethal venomous snake bite. They can attack you when you least expect it and are most aggravated by a step into their territory. You can take precautions against this by getting yourself some good quality snake pants, chaps or snake gaiters.

Pictures and Videos of water snakes Best Snake Bite Kit Best Snake Proof Boots Best Snake Proof Pants Best Snake Tongs Best Snake Repellent Best Snake Trap

Best Glue Traps For Rats Best Minnow Trap Best Mouse Traps For Home Best Electric Mouse Trap The Best Mouse Trap Best Mice Killer What is the best way to trap mice?

A pair of snake chaps pants offers the ultimate protection as they come right up to the top of your thigh – giving you full leg protection. Snake gaiters offer protection from your ankles to your kneecaps – so not as much coverage as the chaps pants but still provide a good barrier against snake bites.

Top 2 Snake Proof Chaps Pants 2021

#1 Editor’s Choice: Rattler Snake Proof Chaps Pants

If you are looking for a heavy duty and tough pair of snake proof chaps pants, then this pair of 1000-denier nylon are puncture proof, water resistant and provide great ankle support. These chaps pants are sized well meaning that you can easily wear them for hours on end without them becoming too uncomfortable. As they are nice and lightweight also, you won’t wear yourself out when out on trails in these.

The adjustable straps help to give you flexibility and ensure a decent fit that is comfortable to walk in. This means that although they are thick, you will be able to adjust them to suit your needs and have no concerns about a zip falling down and leaving your ankles unprotected. The option to buy these in a camouflage print is also a nice little feature of these chaps pants.

So if you are after the best chaps pants on the market for comfort and protection, these fellas will surely be right up your street and depending on your size you may even be able to get these at a bargain price.

#2 Rattler Snake Proof Chaps Pants

If you are after a cheap pair of chaps pants that will provide you with protection from snake bites from the knee down, then this pair of camouflaged snake chaps pants will be just what you are after. They stand up to some fearsome fangs and thorns without leading to unwanted tears of trousers worn underneath, making these perfect for dealing with tough terrain and thick undergrowth where you may be unfortunate enough to startle a snake.

As these strap on and off easily, they are not as hot as most snake chaps pants. They are also extremely lightweight making them wearable for hours without causing tiredness or discomfort. However, the finishing of the straps does leave a little to be desired so you will want to take care of these. That said, they can cope with some pretty challenging environments.

Although these are camouflaged, you will need to be aware that a small whispering sound is emitted when walking in these, so if you are hoping to sneak up on any prey, you may wish to invest in a more expensive pair. All in all, though, these are a great pair, for a cheap price that offer great protection and comfort.

Top 2 Best Snake Gaiters 2021

#3 TurtleSkin® SnakeArmor Snake Gaiters

As far as snake gaiters go you can’t get much better than this pair by TurtleSkin. Made out of patented, high-strength polyester even the most persistent of snakes are not going to make it through these bad boys (they have been tested against the biggest of rattlesnakes). You might think that because of their strength that these gaiters will be bulky and uncomfortable, but you would be wrong – the clever designers at TurtleSkin have constructed a gaiter which is both incredibly strong whilst also being lightweight. Each gaiter weighs just 6 ounces – so they are not going to inhibit your stride.

These gaiters come in two sizes, the Regular size which measure 20” top of calf, 17” ankle, and 16” length, or Husky size which are a little bigger measuring 23” top of calf, 20” ankle, 16” length. Once you have the best fit for you the gaiter should rest securely over the top of your shoe and then travel all the way up to your kneecap. With these gaiters, you can enjoy breathability, comfort and a waterproof coating to keep you dry.

Another bonus of these gaiters is that they fold well so are easy to store and carry with you in your pack if you are not intending to use them immediately. If you are wanting top-quality protection from snake bites for your lower legs then look no further than these snake gaiters from TurtleSkin.

#4 Crack Shot, Snake Guardz Snake Shin Guard

If the TurtleSkin gaiters are a little out of your budget then this pair of snake gaiters from Crack Shot are a great value alternative. Having undergone stringent quality testing, these snake gaiters can withstand a 12-gauge shotgun so you have nothing to worry about when it comes to protection from snake venom. In addition to snake protection, they will also protect your calves from other spikey plants or animals you might encounter on your adventures.

Coming in a variety of different colours and designs, these snake gaiters are very eye-catching. They also come in 6 different sizes so you are bound to find the perfect pair for you. With easily adjustable straps your comfort is guaranteed as the designers have even thought about adding a feature which allows for air circulation between your leg and the gaiter – keeping your legs cool and reducing the risk of clamminess. They are also lightweight and waterproof – so what more could you possibly want?

Throwing in a 2-year warranty Crack Shot really have thought of everything, meaning you can confidently buy this product – not only for their quality and excellent design but with the knowledge that if you are not satisfied with the product Crack Shot will honour your decision. Now that is customer service.

Conclusion

For their all-round coverage, comfort, flexibility and high quality, our top pick are the Snake Proof Chaps Pants by Rattler. We also love that they come in a cool camouflage design to make you even more protected. These are a great product and will keep you safe from snake bites on any outdoor adventure.

Snake gaiters and snake chaps pants could be a life-saving investment. Whether you opt for calf and ankle protection with the gaiter, or go for the full leg coverage of the chaps pants, having a pair of these will really give you peace of mind so that you can enjoy the outdoors without fear of being bitten by a snake.

Water snakes (Nerodia spp.) belong to a family of non-venomous colubrid snakes found in North America. In the southeastern USA, water snakes are among the most abundant and most often encountered reptiles. Although they are not venomous, they will defend themselves and bite if threatened, and water snakes are known to be aggressive.

Water snakes can climb, and they are often found resting on branches above the water. When disturbed, they will drop into the water—sometimes into boats passing by.

Diet

Water snakes commonly forage in the water’s edge looking for small fish—preferably the slow moving fish (Linzey & Clifford, 2002)¹—and other animals in the shallow water.

According to a study (Mushinsky et al. 1982)² there is a shift in prey choice towards frogs and other larger animals when the snakes reach a length of about 1.5 feet. However, a water snake less than 1.5 feet will probably not eat many frogs or other larger animals (ibid).

A study by King (1939)3 showed that 35% of a population of water snakes had tadpoles and salamanders in their stomachs. All water snakes eat their prey alive.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are significantly heavier and larger than males. They also grow considerably faster than males.

Hunting in Water

Water snakes dwell in shallow waters with their mouths open waiting for any prey to come close by—within a few inches—so they can close their jaws around the prey. They also move around on the underwater surface looking for prey in rock crevices and other hiding places (Drummond, 1983)⁴. Water Snakes hunt both day and night.

They have a compound in their saliva inhibiting coagulation of blood. The advantage from having an anti-clotting compound in its saliva is that, when prey escapes, it will leave a trail of blood that the water snake can follow.

Life-cycle of Water Snakes

Water snakes mature when they are three to four years old⁵. Mating takes place in the spring, and snakes are born between August and October. Often many male snakes are courting one female snake. Water snakes give birth to live snakes. The eggs hatch within the female body before the birth. Litters of about 20 snakes are common, and the newborn snakes have a length of 8-12 inches on average.

Water Snake Characteristics

---

Confusing water snakes with cottonmouth snakes

Water snakes are often confused with cottonmouth snakes. There are a lot of differences, but cottonmouths have a triangular head and eyes that are not round. Water snakes have a round head and round eyes.

News about Water Snakes

February 16, 2013: Water snake catches and swallows a fish

In this video you can see how a water snake (Nerodia fasciate) catches a fish and swallows it alive.

Northern Water Snake

The Northern water snake (Nerodia spp.) is found in many different types of freshwater habitats. It can be found near large rivers and small ponds as well. When conditions are good, these snakes can be found in very high numbers. This type of snake is a relatively large snake, with adult females reaching a length of almost five feet.

They can reach an age of approximately seven to eight years. Their litters have a size of anywhere from 10 to 40 snakes, and new snakes are born during late summer and early fall. The snakes mainly feed on fish, which constitutes approximately 50% of the snake’s varied diet. Larger individuals also eat a lot of frogs, while smaller individuals eat anything from invertebrates to small mammals.

Because of its vicious temperament, the Northern water snake, as well as other water snakes, is not suitable for keeping as a pet. As the Northern water snake is fairly common and shares some similarities with the venomous cottonmouth snake, many are killed on the suspicion on being cottonmouths.

Water snakes also have scent glands near the base of their tails (in their cloaca) from which they can excrete an ill smelling musk in case they feel threatened.

References

1. Linzey, D.W., Clifford, M.J., Snakes of Virginia (2002)
2. Mushinsky, H.R., Hebrard, J.J., Vodopic, D.S. Ontogeny of Water Snake Foraging Ecology. Ecology, 63(6) pp. 1624-1629 (1982)
3. King, W., A survey of the herpetology of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Amer. Midi. Nat. 21, pp. 531-582 (1939)
4. Drummond, H., Aquatic Foraging in Garter Snakes: A Comparison of Specialists and Generalists, Behaviour, Vol. 86 (1/2) pp. 1-30 (1983).
5. Brown, G.P. and Weatherhead, P.J., Thermal Ecology and Sexual Size Dimorphism in Northern Water Snakes, Nerodia sipedon Ecological Monographs, 70(2), pp. 311-330 (2000).
6. Ribeiro, LA, Jorge, MT, Piesco, RV, et al. Wolf spider bites in Sao-Paulo, Brazil – A Clinical and Epidemiologic-study of 515 Cases. Toxicon 28(6) pp. 715-717 (1990)

Useful Resources

Confronting water snakes
Concho W.S.
Southwestern Herp
Virginia Herpetological Society