Has anyone ever had any problems with snakes or critters while running on trails? Just wondered as I almost stepped on a snake the other day. I heard it hissing behind me and realized I just missed it. It was only about 1.5" thick by probably 3' long, but that was big enough for me. I believe in this area we only have one type of poisonous snake, and this didn't look anything like it, but it still creeped me out.

Yea - One of the first warm days this spring I was on a trail along an open ditch canal. I ususally take my dog off leash and let him run ahead, but for some reason had a thought like "this is great warm-up weather for rattlers", so i kept him attached to me (6 foot leash). And that day we came across 2 baby ratttlers and the same BIG rattler twice. I was scared of the baby, and it was in the middle of the path, with no terrain to pass, so we decided to turn around at that point. The big one we saw on the way out, watched it cross the trail as we waited, but on the way back it took me by surprise when I passed within 2 feet of it without noticing it. Made me jump after the fact! We have other types that I've seen here and there, in fact we saw one yesterday, but I don't jump at them. Only rattlesankes, whcih are pretty prevalenet around here. No words of advice excvept to keep the dogs close by and eyes open. Actually after the above incident, I trained my dog to run behind me when he's off leash, so at least I'll hopefully see the snake before he puts his nose in it! Happy trails!!!!

I tell myself even if that happens, if it's not poisonous, no need to panic. But who wants to get bitten!?

Exactly!

I jumped over it.

Christos, you're definately more daring than I am! I don't even like to jump over logs that thinking there might be (the bigger) snakes under them! O.K...I know I'm now paranoid, but still.....

I've seen snakes on runs, but not as many as I do when hiking. The noise gives them warning that I'm coming. The creatures I liked least while out running were the vultures when I lived in Orlando. Moose, bear, and coyotes that I've seen while running were all probably more dangerous, but the vultures all just line the trail on both sides and stare down at you with their beady little eyes just waiting for you to trip and fall...as you pass under them, all their heads turn in time with you and it's really disconcerting. I just shivered thinking about it, and I haven't run underneath the damn things at least 7 years.

The creatures I liked least while out running were the vultures when I lived in Orlando. Moose, bear, and coyotes that I've seen while running were all probably more dangerous, but the vultures all just line the trail on both sides and stare down at you with their beady little eyes just waiting for you to trip and fall...as you pass under them, all their heads turn in time with you and it's really disconcerting. I just shivered thinking about it, and I haven't run underneath the damn things at least 7 years.

I'm sorry, but this just made me laugh! I live in SW FL and have come to appreciate the buzzards. They're the best for cleaning up the mess our vehicles create. Not to mention our fishermen neighbor's discarded bait. Coyotes, moose and bears would lay me OUT! I'm very glad we don't have THEM. ~shiver~ What I do worry about on my trails is wild hogs. (No, not John Travolta!) I just hope they are as scared of me as the snakes... and those beady-eyed evil vultures!

Wow! All I have to say is thank God I live in Hawai'i! We don't have snakes, bears, mountain lions or any of those really scary thing. The worst I have to worry about is wild boars- but they are pretty scary and dangerous! I think I would probably be too wimpy to trail run if I had to deal with all those animals!