Good Clothing? (3 Viewers)

[Nutcracker]

I've recently learned that snake-proof boots exist. I haven't bought any yet because I can't go and try them on, but they seem like an excellent idea. I've done some research into them, and I've read that they do actually work quite well- snakes can't bite too terribly hard, so can't pierce the material. There's also a sort of shin guard device you can use, that straps onto your lower legs and can work with many types of footwear. Both are meant to protect the legs from snake bites, as most snake bites that don't occur from handling the snake, happen when someone treads on one.

Depending on where you live, this may or may not be needed. I live in Texas, which means snake protection is generally a good idea. We have many snakes, including multiple venomous species. I don't intend to step on any intentionally, and I do my best to watch my step when exploring, but the boots seem like a good precaution just in case. They're effective against thorns as well, which is nice, and will probably come in use frequently.

My visits to Texas (and Arizona & Mexico), I never saw a single snake. But something that's proof against agave spikes and cholla spines, is definitely worthwhile!

 

[Tired]

Yeah, you often don't see the snakes, especially during the day. It's hard to tell if you didn't come near any snakes, or if you just didn't see them. I've seen people walk within almost an arm's length of a four-foot water snake without noticing it, and it wasn't even one of the really well-camouflaged species. Rattlesnakes will usually warn you if you get close, but not in areas with a lot of feral hogs. Feral hogs like to eat snakes, and their skin and fat are so thick that they're basically immune to the bites. So now rattlesnakes are being selected for ones that rattle less, or not at all, since all the loud ones are found and eaten by hogs. Or by misguided people, who think they're making it safer by killing every snake they see.
I don't expect everyone who comes to Texas to get bitten by something, but, given how painful and potentially dangerous a venomous snake bite is, I think the boots are good to have. Plus, they're tall enough for good ankle support, which doesn't hurt anything.

Once I can get a pair, I think I'm going to intentionally test it on some of the decorative agaves in the neighborhood. Good way to check how they'll do against thorns. Around here, it's the prickly pear cacti that are a big problem, there are lots of them and some varieties are really sharp.

 

[Nutcracker]

I'd read that about pigs & venomous snakes - never thought it would influence rattlesnake evolution so obviously, though!