So, I found a new potential fossil hunting site I wish to go too, but when I cycled to give it a quick glance today, the route to it is EXTREMELY overgrown. Like knee deep grass.
The other places I’ve gone are not exactly wildernessy–river beds and the like. This is the first potential place I’ve found that will take some getting to. Is there any tips to avoid snakes—like would loud noises make them scuttle off out of my path.
Or will I be running the gauntlet no matter what I do? If it’s too risky, of course, I won’t bother. But it seems like a good, untapped site. But I hate the thought of walking through the knee deep grass and finding something horrible.
It looks to be about 50 yards to get through to the site and, from what I could tell, there was no other route than by going through the long grass.
Any experienced hikers got any tips for avoiding the snakes or is it too risky? Would taking a hefty stick to flatter the grass as I went help?
Maybe I could take a friend with me to beat down the path.
Yes, I sighed when I saw the long grass. Very annoying, it looked like a good site to go. But then, I guess the reason it looks untouched and unknown is because of how difficult it is to get too because of the overgrownness.
The frustrating thing about Taiwan is the wildlife–snakes and spiders and mosquitoes and those shitty hornets.
Wear tall, at least knee high, thick leather/rubber boots and baggie jeans or snake proof pants if you have them. Use a walking stick to disturb the grass in front of you and stamp your feet frequently. If you find a snake, go around it. Don’t play king of the road. If you are slow and careful, they will get out of the way long before you encounter them.
These are good tips, I’ve been mostly avoiding the grass but doing some of these. Also, crawling through some areas i have said mean things about the snakes mothers or sang songs loudly, to let them know I’m coming and I’m not afraid. It works with bears back home, i figure it can’t hurt
Exactly . If you are worried, walk slow. They sense vibrations. A good long stick waving near ground side to side. Stick to hot times if super worried. Dusk and after are more likely to encounter. During the day you will probably only really commonly see cobras from the dangerous species camp. And they are VERY preventable!
Everything is possible, but not really that likely an occurance (proven by hospital visits annually and antivenin manufacturing). Go slow, make vibrations. I would use your feet to bend the grass out on your way it. Or just cut it down. Makes visibility easier.
I am quite interested to read about your fossil adventuring in taiwan if you care to share.
You just need a tinkly bell. That’s what hikers put on their packs here. Snakes are sensitive to high pitch sounds and will skedaddle if they hear that type of sound.
