In the United States, however, we know definitely that snake-bites 
account for the death of only slightly more than one hundred and fifty per¬ 
sons each year, while estimates based on careful research have placed the 
yearly number of snake-bites as somewhere between fifteen hundred and 
two thousand. This is far less than the 30,000 persons killed each year by 
automobiles in tbe United States. Yet, strangely enough, most people are 
still much more afraid of snakes than they are of motor vehicles. Fiom 
the figures it may be seen that only some ten per cent of all snake bites in 
this country prove fatal. This is not a very high figure, when one considers 
the toxic powers which characterize some of our more poisonous serpents. 
These figures could be lowered appreciably if persons frequenting snake- 
infested areas would only exercise a minimum of caution. 
To Avoid Being Bitten 
There are many who enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor activi¬ 
ties which may lead them through wooded or brush areas where poisonous 
snakes are apt to be found. It is wise for such persons to take a few pre¬ 
cautions, in order that the hazard's of outdoor life may be minimized. 
A pair of thick canvas or leather leggings is an excellent piotection 
against the poisonous reptiles found in the northern United States. High 
shoes should be worn with the leggings, for otherwise a portion of the 
ankle is left exposed and so becomes an excellent target for the snake. 
One should also be wary while climbing or pushing one’s way through thick 
underbrush to see that the hands are not thoughtlessly thrust into the neigh¬ 
borhood of a snake crevice or den. Eyes should be on the alert continually, 
as their use is the best guarantee of safety. Foremost, however, one can 
save time, trouble and worry by finding out about the snakes of the region 
in some reliable book. Frequently poisonous snakes are found in but re¬ 
stricted parts of their range and consequently many local areas are free 
of them. For example, Long Island, New York, is free of venomous snakes 
although at one time rattlers were known. 
Unfortunately no hard and fast rule of thumb can be given to differ¬ 
entiate poisonous from harmless species. In general, however, the pupils 
of poisonous serpents are elliptical while those of all but one or two harm¬ 
less species are round. The relatively thick heads and tapering necks of 
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