Tips to survive an Idaho rattlesnake bite if you don’t have cell service

Idaho has an abundance of hiking trails to explore during the summer months, but being prepared when exposed to wildlife and areas with no cell service will help you stay safe and have a good time.

Hiking in the Boise Foothills and beyond can be exciting, but requires preparation before venturing into the wilderness. There are 12 snake species in Idaho, including the Western rattlesnake and prairie rattlesnake, Idaho’s two venomous snakes.

It’s possible you could end up in the Idaho wilderness without cell phone service and surrounded by potentially dangerous snakes. So what will you do if you get bitten?

Below, you’ll find tips on how to avoid the snake in the first place, how to prepare for your hike — and then what to do if the worst happens:

Avoiding a snake bite

It’s important to be informed about animals you could come across while hiking on Idaho trails. In the U.S., up to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes yearly. Most snake bikes occur between the months of April and October where both humans and snakes see increased activity outdoors, according to the U.S. Department of Forest Services.

Depending on the weather and other conditions such as wildfires, rattlesnakes may roam at any time of the day or night. To prevent a snake bite from happening when you’re out on a hike, below are some tips to consider from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

Prepare for your hike

• Wear over-the-ankle boots, thick socks, and loose-fitting long pants

• Don’t go barefoot or use sandals

While on your trip

• Leave snakes alone

• Stick to well-used trails when exploring

• Avoid walking through tall grass and weeds

• Watch where you step

• Avoid wandering in the dark, use a flashlight when walking at night

• When going over fallen trees or large rocks, inspect the surrounding areas to make sure there are no snakes

• Be cautious when climbing rocks or gathering firewood

• Shake out sleeping bags before using them and inspect logs before sitting down

• Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers, rattlesnakes can swim

Preparing for your Idaho hike

Hiking on a new trail can be exciting, making it easy to get lost or hurt in an area without cell service. It is essential to stay vigilant on designated trails. Also, consider informing someone of your hiking route, planned duration and expected return time in case things go wrong.

Below are some tips from the National Park Service to prevent getting lost:

• Review your route before you get on the trail

• Pack a compass or handheld GPS

• Be aware of trail junctions

• Watch out for information signs

• Keep an eye out for landmarks throughout the trail

It’s also important to be prepared for emergencies. Here’s a list of items you should consider packing:

• First aid kit with snake bite instructions

• Emergency whistle

• Extra water and high-protein snacks

• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries

• Emergency blanket

If you have cell phone with battery, you can try to call 911 if you have an emergency, like a rattlesnake bite. Remember, you don’t need a cell phone provider to use emergency services. However, if you don’t have active service the call won’t deliver your location and if you are disconnected, the 911 dispatcher can’t call you back.

What to do if you don’t have a cell signal

In a worst-case scenario, you might find yourself in a remote area with no way to make a call and a potential injury.

Below are some tips for finding help if you’re in this situation:

Calling for help

• Many satellite emergency communicators can send text messages and have an SOS feature to send coordinates.

• Some iPhone users can make an SOS call through the lock screen. The call will automatically call a local emergency number and share your location information, according to Apple. One thing to consider is that iPhone 14 phone models and those after can use the emergency SOS feature with only satellite and not cellular data or WiFi coverage.

Self-rescue

Calling for help when you’re deep in the Idaho mountains is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Below are some general tips on finding help if you’re lost:

• Try getting back to a cell service area to call for help. If you feel lost, use a handheld GPS, compass or map to help get you back, according to the National Park Service.

• If you’re lost and have no way to get help, following a drainage or stream downhill can be used as a last resort, according to the USDA Forest Service.

When waiting for help, follow these tips, according to the Department of Agriculture:

• Immediately call dispatch or 911 and stay calm. A higher heart rate will pump the venom through your bloodstream faster.

• Wash the bite gently with soap and water, and remove any tight clothing or jewelry around areas that may swell.

• If possible, keep the bite below heart level. This will prevent the venom from reaching your heart as quickly.

• Do not restrict blood flow by applying a tourniquet or icing the wound. Many amputations from rattlesnake bites occur because the wound is iced or blood flow is restricted.

• Do not try to suck the poison out with your mouth. The poison could possibly enter another cut in your mouth or be swallowed.

This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 12:28 PM.