To avoid rattlesnake bites these safety precautions may help:
• Wear appropriate over-the-ankle hiking boots, thick socks, and loose-fitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals
   when walking through wild areas.
• When hiking, stick to well-used trails if all possible.
• Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
• Look at your feet to watch where you step and do not put your foot in or near a crevice where you cannot see.
• Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark. · If a fallen tree or large rock is in
  your path, step up on to it instead of over it, as there might be a snake on the other side.
• Be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood.
• Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use.
• Do not turn over rocks or logs. If you must move a rock or log, use gloves and roll it toward you, giving anything beneath it the
   opportunity to escape in the opposite direction.
• Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.
• Avoid approaching any snake you cannot positively identify as a safe species.
• If you hear the warning rattle, move away from the area and do not make sudden or threatening movements in the direction of
   the snake.
• Remember rattlesnakes do not always rattle before they strike!
• Do not handle a freshly killed snake – it can still inject venom.

Venomous snakes in North America
About 25 species of venomous snakes are found in North America, all but the coral snake have slit-like eyes and are known as pit vipers. Their heads are triangular, with a depression (pit) midway between the eye and nostril on either side of the head.
Rattlesnakes rattle by shaking the rings at the end of their tails.
Water moccasins’ mouths have a white, cottony lining.
Coral snakes have red, yellow and black rings along the length of their bodies.