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While rock climbing, how often do you become dangerously close to being bite by a snake? I'm totally new to rock climbing and I've got a fear of getting too close to a venomous snake from being seen too late. I've been into kayaking/hiking and somehow I hardly even spot a snake. EDIT: Of course I'm talking about starting April/May.

You'll see lots of them in the summer but just keep your distance and respect for them. Dont pick them up or try to move them. Keep your pack closed in snake country. Ive seen dozens of rattlers climbing in Oregon but they let you know to stay away. Copperheads have no way to warn and people usually get bitten by accidently stepping on them. Just dont be a dumbass and you'll be safe.

It's not snakes you got to worry about, it's bears. My partners bag got shredded by one in Yosemite a few tears back. But I think the only bear in the red is the one that escaped from the top of Raven rock.

I went to take a wizz once while at the crag and stepped right over a copperhead. I've seen two other copperheads on the trail to crags while in the Red. All were in the Southern Region.

Yes, what KD said. They also camouflage themselves really well and most of us come near them on a regular basis without ever knowing it. They also tend to slither away rather than try to stand their ground when people get close. Curious dogs seem to get bit far more often than we do. I'll never forget watching my huge dog go up to a little tiny corn snake to sniff it and getting whacked on the nose about scaring the fur right off her. It was way to small to have possibly hurt her but I'm hoping she remembers it and stays away from all snakes now.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=spo ... tedIndex=0

Yes, a snakes camouflage is incredible.. I've probably gotten too close a few times myself without knowing.

Any other stories or tips on being safe at rrg, much appreciated.

This past year i saw a copperhead while taking a piss told my friends they went over to look at him and apparently i had walked right over another one. Have went looking for them in my belay spot said all clear and friend is lacing up right next to one. Dog walked over a three and a half footer. The list goes on. Just from this year alone. All of these experiences were copperheads. In fact i only saw 2 snakes this year that werent copperheads both of which were at muir.

This fall at the Zoo wall I was belaying my friend who was taking a small rest on a ledge about 20 feet up. A two foot long snake came towards him on the ledge, so he moved a little and it "jumped" off the ledge. From below I heard "Snake!", looked into my belay specs and saw a black snake floating down. I quickly backed away, giving a little slack in the rope and the snake landed exactly where I was standing. It slithered off down the hill. We all had a good laugh except for my other friend who is deathly afraid of snakes. He was just glad he wasn't belaying at the time.

It's extremely dangerous out there, not only due to the snakes, but also due to the bees, poison ivy, mud, bears, wolves, honey badgers, and whatnot...

I'd worry more bout the gym climbers and yanks if it were me.....and rest stop trouser snakes