Fear and snake boots
I am afraid of snakes and have been for as long as I can remember. That is somewhat difficult to reconcile with being a wildlife photographer, where my approach is to immerse myself in nature so that I can find and photograph whatever creatures I encounter.
Fear is an emotion where we tell ourselves “I believe something may harm me and I’m clear what it is” and its purpose is to help us avoid perceived danger. However, that fear can lead to us becoming hypervigilant and make it impossible to take risks or stray from a narrow path we consider safe enough. (“The Field Guide to Emotions”, Dan Newby and Curtis Watkins, 2019)
On a recent visit to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Central Florida, I was fortunate to see from my car a very healthy (read large) Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake crossing the road. I jumped out and with a long lens was able to get some nice photos from a very safe distance. The snake never paused nor rattled at me but continued calmly on his way. At the same time, my fear of snakes kicked up a notch, and I decided literally not to stray from the safe path, meaning I opted to see the refuge from the safety of my car and not to walk any of the trails. I was cutting myself off from the places where I would find the most joy and likely get the best photos because of my fear. In reflecting on that when I got home, I decided that if I really wanted to get out there, I would somehow have to address that fear.
So I did something I don’t typically do, I asked for help. I posted a query in a Facebook group dedicated to that refuge asking about the members’ experience with snakes on the trails and any advice they could share. I was directed to a snake ID site so I could learn to ID the venomous snakes we are likely to find in Florida, to a snakebite resource page, where I learned the basics of treating a possible envenomation and that most bites, if treated quickly and properly, are neither life threatening nor result in lasting damage. Additionally I observed that most bites occur on the feet and ankles. I got pointed to another site that in fun helps to bust myths about snakes being aggressive and chasing people. I learned that snakes don’t really want to bite humans. We are big and scary to them, not a food source, and they would rather slither safely away and save their venom for food. If they feel threatened, they will however defend themselves with the only weapon they have. If you let them know you’re coming (stomping, vibrations, using a stick), they will usually do their best to get out of the way. And lastly, should you come into close contact with a snake by accident, there is a marvelous invention called the snake boot. Knee high, made of leather and nylon and impenetrable by snake fangs! One kind man suggested them and mentioned that they are carried by Bass Pro Shops. By the end of that same day, I was the proud owner of my very own “super chic” snake boots! (see photo!)
In facing my fear and realizing it was holding me back from something I love, I was able to get the help I needed to better understand the real versus imagined danger and take steps to mitigate my personal risk to what I now consider an acceptable level. I’m back out on the trail and doing the thing that I love without being held hostage by my fear of snakes.
My question for you would be, what fears, if any, are holding you back from something you want to do, professionally or personally? If you pause, reflect, maybe seek help and/or information, might you be able to find your own version of “snake boots” and move forward through that fear?