When Should You Wear Snake Gaiters?
As humans at the top of the food chain, we sometimes feel invincible versus the other creatures that inhabit the places where we live and play. But there are still some creatures that can pose a threat. Snakes are one of these creatures. Many snakes are harmless and will go out of their way to avoid people, but some snakes are aggressive when they sense a potential challenge. You may encounter poisonous snakes in unlikely places such as your swimming pool. They also like to live within piles of wood, and they can be found in the back corners of neglected storage spaces and garages. Snakes can inhabit most any outdoor space in the woods or desert. If you know you will be venturing into an area where snakes are present, you can protect yourself with snake gaiters — the best layer of defense against deadly fangs!
Snake gaiters are worn over pants and with heavy shoes or boots that fangs cannot penetrate. They cover roughly from your ankle to your knee. Many gaiters are made from a waterproof material, and you can buy fuller protections versions called Snake Chaps that cover from your ankle to your thigh. Many people prefer to wear snake proof boots instead.
You should wear gaiters whenever you visit areas where snakes live. Many states, especially Texas, Arizona, Nevada, California, the Carolinas and many other states, are home to a wide variety of poisonous snakes such as rattlers and copperheads. You cannot always easily identify a poisonous snake by sight, so it is better to treat ALL snakes as deadly. Even if you are aware of the differences, the subtle signs may not be apparent from a distance. As such, even if you are wearing snake bite protection, it is best to avoid an interaction with a snake.
