There is a variety of animals you may encounter on the Palmetto Trail. The two most common animals to be wary of are snakes and dogs. Other animals of note are the alligator (common in water sources south of the Capitol City Passage INCLUDING the lakes).
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Dogs: There have been numerous reports of aggressive dog encounters on the trail, particularly along the Enoree (around mile 20) and Cedar Springs Passages.
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Snakes: There are 38 snake species in South Carolina of which 6 are venomous. The venomous species are secretive, less likely to be seen, and are nonaggressive when left alone. -https://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/herps/snakes.html
Venomous snakes in South Carolina include the Cottonmouth, Coral Snake, Copperhead, and Rattlesnake. If you are bitten by one of these snakes:
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Get away from the area where the snake is located. The snake may bite again, or there may be another viper in close proximity.
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Remove clothing or jewelry from the area near the bite before swelling occurs.
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Remain as calm as possible and position yourself so that the bite area is below heart level.
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Clean the bite, but do not flush with water. Cover the bite with a clean and dry dressing.
Do not do the following, as these actions can make the wound, or its effects, worse.
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Do not use a tourniquet.
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Do not apply ice.
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Do not try to suck the venom from the wound.
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Do not create any other incisions.
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Do not drink caffeine or alcohol. This will accelerate the absorption of venom by your body.
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Do not try to capture the snake. Remember its color and shape so you can describe it to your care provider.
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Information received from https://www.conehealth.com/services/emergency-services/what-to-do-and-not-do-if-bitten-by-a-snake/
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