[pct-l] Snakes

[shon mcganty]

I agree with what DAvid says, "  If it is complete incapacitating panic mode then the PCT is probably
not a good idea" 
If you need to have a helicopter evacuation because a group of rattlers are at your feet, you shouldn't hike in rattlesnake country. 
 

________________________________
 From: David Thibault <dthibaul07 at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Sunday, April 8, 2012 1:20 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snakes
  
This really depends on how he reacts to seeing a snake, you said a serious
one.   If it is complete incapacitating panic mode then the PCT is probably
not a good idea - I saw two rattlesnakes just between Campo and the Kickoff
last year on a day hike, and probably 30+ snakes (of many types) the year I
hiked the whole thing.  If his reaction is really bad he might be able to
work through it by visiting a herpetologist and getting more experience
just being near snakes.  If his reaction is real bad maybe a therapist
could work this too.

Many people are afraid of snakes but don't go into full panic mode upon
encountering them - just get nervous and feel panicy - if this is how
he reacts then he should be fine.   My biggest concern would be how would
he react to encountering a snake on a very steep trail.  Would he tend to
do something dangerous like jump over the side?  Or could he will himself
to calmly walk back away from the snake?

Me, I think they are great and enjoy seeing them - my biggest complaint,
with a few exceptions, is they don't hang around long enough.

Day-Late

>
> I have a climbing partner who really wants to do the PCT with me but he has
> a snake phobia. a serious one, I know this sounds humorous but it's very
> true.  He was one of the top ice and alpine climbers when he was younger
> but
> he has always had a problem with snakes. Me, I love snakes, I really do.
> (spiders give me the creepies.lol) But here is the question to the seasoned
> PCT hikers, Are snakes plentiful on the trail particularly CA and southern
> OR?
>
>
> .
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