We really don't have deadly snakes here. Most people bit by rattlers, or copperheads or cottonmouths live through it. Rattlers give the best warning. I always wear thick boots. All the time, everywhere. It's not that I'm afraid of rattlers, but how do you get anything done otherwise? You can kick something pretty hard with good boots on. Otherwise you have to go find a tool for whatever the job is... Boots have also saved me from dog bites that would have penetrated. My calf was still bruised pretty badly, but no holes in my me and no missing pieces...