Just like dryers can eat socks, RV storage compartments can often eat tools and other essential items. You never know what you’ll find when cleaning or organizing them.
However, one RVer recently shared a video of a slithering surprise in his storage compartment. As you might expect, the clip received a mixed response from viewers.
Today, we’re diving into the video and sharing how to keep critters out of your RV.
Let’s dive in!
New Fear Unlocked for RVers with Ophidiophobia
A fellow RVer recently shared a video of a giant snake hiding in the understorage of his camper. The content didn’t sit well with those with ophidiophobia or an immense fear of snakes.
The idea of a giant reptile finding its way into an RV frightens many. If something that size can get in, what else is living in the belly of a rig?
Comments from viewers were all over the place. Those with ophidiophobia stated they’d burn the entire camper to the ground. However, those who don’t mind creatures that slither said it was harmless.
No matter how you feel, it would undoubtedly be a surprise to find something living in your storage compartments. Now, many owners are going to be thinking twice each time they reach into these bays.
Is The Video Fake?
The user who posted the video didn’t provide any comments or commentary on the situation.
However, based on the type of snake and its comfort level, it didn’t take long before people insisted the video was fake.
Commenters stated that the python is a rare breed and likely bred in captivity. They claim it was probably the person behind the camera’s pet or someone’s nearby.
Throughout the clips, the snake seemed very comfortable with being handled. It never once appeared aggressive or showed signs that it saw the man as a threat.
So, is the video fake? Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer.
The man takes the snake inside to show his wife. She doesn’t lose it on him or get upset by the situation. So, she’s in on the gag or is comfortable around snakes.
We’ll update you to let you know if we discover anything further about the video’s authenticity, but for now we will say it’s authentic unless proven otherwise.
Are Snake Encounters Common While RVing?
Snake encounters are rare while RVing. Do they happen from time to time? Of course! However, most RVers rarely have any snake encounters.
Snakes often do whatever they can to avoid people. However, sometimes RVers establish camps in areas inhabited by them.
As a result, it should come as no surprise when they have an encounter.
How to Avoid Snakes While RVing
You don’t have to have ophidiophobia to want to stay away from snakes. Luckily, there are some things you can do to avoid snakes while RVing.
Research Your Destination
One of the most important things you can do while RVing to avoid snakes is to research your destination. Campendium is a phenomenal resource for learning about unfamiliar campgrounds and public lands. Users leave reviews about the area and document their experiences.
If you see a common theme of reviews mentioning snakes, it may not be a spot for you. However, it’s important to remember that just because one person encounters a snake doesn’t mean you will.
Stay on Designated Paths
While RVing, stay on designated paths for trails and camping areas. Snakes and other animals often use these same routes, but doing so makes them easier to see.
You don’t want to tromp through knee-high grass and step on a venomous snake. If you do, it’ll likely ruin the day for both of you.
Staying on trails and clear paths can help you see snakes and other wildlife ahead of time. This can allow you and the animal to keep a safe distance from each other.
Keep Campsites Clean
A messy campsite can be an invitation to curious animals, including snakes. They may slither into your site to see what kind of goodies you have left out for them.
Snakes typically don’t care if it’s a storage container or a child’s play toy. They’ll look for a safe place to shelter away from predators.
Imagine if you have large shoes or a smaller snake comes into your site. If you’ve left them outside your RV, your shoes could make an excellent place to escape. You and the snake will be in for a surprise when you go to slip your shoes on.
Seal Openings
No matter how much you paid for your camper, there are some holes in it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have to be a big hole for critters to get into an RV.
Many snakes can squeeze their way through openings that are an inch or so in diameter. In addition to snakes, spiders, mice, and other pests can get in through these holes as well.
The best way to prevent this is to use expanding foam to seal any openings you can find. Take your time to inspect the underside of your rig thoroughly. Rushing through this project is only going to leave you unprotected.
Avoid Camping near Water Sources
Just like humans, snakes need water, too. Typically, they won’t venture any further from a water source than they have to.
Since other animals must come to the water source, snakes can lay and wait for their next meal to come to them.
As a result, if you’re camping near water, you’re more likely to encounter snakes. To avoid an encounter, pick a site further from the water source.
However, snakes can travel as far as a few miles from home if they’re desperate for food.
RV Life with a Python Visitor
While you may hope to have some visitors in your RV, a python likely isn’t one of them. However, RVing can be unpredictable, and you never know what to expect.
If you follow our tips, you can decrease your chances of encountering snakes. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to 100% guarantee you don’t run into a slithering snake during your adventures.
