These Are The Only Two US States For Completely Snake-Free Hiking And Camping

Spotting wildlife is one of the highlights of enjoying the great outdoors. Plenty of people who adore wild animals venture to the furthest corners of the earth just for the chance to spot rare species in their natural habitats. U.S. national parks where you can actually see wildlife are some of the best places to go, but you might have to deal with potential snake encounters. Snakes, although fascinating, are some of the most feared animals in the wild. If you'd rather avoid the slithering critters while hiking and camping in the United States, you only have two options for a completely snake free experience: Alaska and Hawaii.

Studies show that snakes are one of the most disliked animal species on the planet. Some people fear snakes so intensely that they're actually diagnosed with Ophidiephobia, which is one of the most common animal phobias. And it's not hard to understand why. Snakes are fast, capable of moving quietly, and they often blend in so well with their surroundings that you don't know you're close to one until it's too late. On top of that, some snakes are venomous, and several species can kill a fully grown adult person with a single bite. Even if you're an animal lover, know that you're not alone if snakes give you the creeps.

Whether you're someone who suffers from Ophidiephobia, or you just don't want to run the risk of having a run in with a venomous snake on a remote trail while hiking, the U.S.' two non-contiguous states should be on your travel bucket list. 

Alaska is home to some of the most rugged landscapes in the United States. The expansive state claims the country's tallest mountains and awe-inspiring national parks with unbelievable views. It is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts with thousands of acres of wilderness that have been left relatively untouched by human beings. Alaska is also sparsely populated, so if you're looking for solitude in nature, it's a great place to visit. It's also one of the only places in the United States without snakes.

Alaska is home to some spectacular wildlife. Bears, moose, elk, caribou, lynx, and wolves are among the most fascinating land dwellers. Near the sea, you'll find marine species like seals, whales, and sea otters. Numerous species of birds can also be spotted in Alaska. Snakes, on the other hand, are nowhere to be found. Alaska has short, mild summers, and long frigid winters, which is a climate that just isn't conducive to the survival needs of snakes. 

Snakes are cold blooded, which means they are less active in cold temperatures and it's difficult for them to survive. Since the summers are so short, there is almost no time for them to reproduce. The climate is simply too severe for their survival, which works out well for some hikers who would rather not run into a slithery creature in the Alaskan wilderness. Although there have been a few snake sightings in Alaska, they are mostly from snakes that have been transported to the state from somewhere else, and they rarely survive for very long in the wild.

The Hawaiian islands are about 2,400 miles away from the mainland United States. Due to the islands' extreme isolation, there aren't many native species of animals that live there. Birds, which are able to fly long distances, are abundant in Hawaii. Marine wildlife like whales, sharks, and dolphins, are also common. Land animals, though, are rare, and snakes are basically non-existent. So, most of the best outdoor activities to try in Hawaii will be reliably snake free. 

The only native land mammal in Hawaii is actually a species of bat. Wild pigs and mongooses are two of the species of animals that can be seen running wild on the island, but both of them were introduced to the islands by humans. Hawaii does have the kind of climate in which snakes could thrive, but they don't live in Hawaii because of the extreme isolation. Not only does Hawaii not have any native land snakes, it also doesn't have any native land reptiles.

Sea turtles and sea snakes, like the yellow-bellied sea snake, are two native species of reptiles that do live in Hawaii, but they only dwell in the water, so you won't run into them while hiking. The Brahminy Blind Snake was accidentally introduced to the islands sometime in the 1930s. However, this species is so small and harmless that they are often confused with earthworms. Because snakes would pose a major risk to the health of Hawaii's fragile ecosystem, it is illegal to own a pet snake in the state.