---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: those who crept about at night risked…"
description: "\"“those who crept about at night risked stepping on a snake if they were not careful, as snakes move out of our way only if they feel vibrations in the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/768/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careful-snakes_those-who-crept-about-at-night-risked-st_3227173.png"
---

#  those who crept about at night risked stepping on a snake…

![“those who crept about at night risked stepping on a snake if they were not careful, as snakes move out of our way only if they feel vibrations in the ground. A light person—a person of non-traditional build, for example—was at far greater risk of being bitten by a snake for that very reason. That…” quote by Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/768/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careful-snakes_those-who-crept-about-at-night-risked-st_3227173.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/768/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careful-snakes_those-who-crept-about-at-night-risked-st_3227173.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/768/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careful-snakes_those-who-crept-about-at-night-risked-st_3227173.png)

> ““those who crept about at night risked stepping on a snake if they were not careful, as snakes move out of our way only if they feel vibrations in the ground. A light person—a person of non-traditional build, for example—was at far greater risk of being bitten by a snake for that very reason. That was another argument, of course, for maintaining traditional build—consideration for snakes, and safety too.””

[Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mccall-smith/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People of slender build are more vulnerable to snake bites because they make less ground vibration, highlighting the practical benefits of a sturdier physique.

**In simple terms:** Thin people may be more at risk of snake bites.

Key Takeaway

Consider safety measures if you’re physically slight.

Themes

safety biology human anatomy environment

Mood

cautious informative

Type

practical educational

When to use this quote

- hiking
- outdoor work
- travel in rural areas
- personal health

Key Concepts

evolutionary biology risk assessment physical fitness

Questions to Reflect On

- How does your environment influence personal safety?
- What other precautions can reduce snake bite risk?

A Different Perspective

Traditional build is not a guarantee of safety; other factors matter.

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