Simple SummaryEfforts to prevent snakebites on hiking trails are crucial because such accidents can lead to fatalities, particularly in isolated areas. This study developed random forest species distribution models to predict the potential habitats ofGloydiusspp. in South Korea, verified a significant relationship between the habitat distribution and actual snakebite accidents at the regional level, and assessed snakebite risks on trails in the national parks of Korea. The model identified high-risk snakebite areas, which will help to develop preventative solutions for hikers’ safety.AbstractSnakebites can pose a significant threat to human health as the destruction of natural habitats and increased human intrusion into ecosystems result in more frequent encounters with snakes. Mitigation measures for snakebites are particularly crucial for hiking trails where transportation of snakebite victims to medical facilities is challenging due to limited emergency resources and difficult access. This study employed a random forest-based species distribution model approach to investigate the potential habitats ofGloydiusspp., specificallyGloydius saxatilis,Gloydius brevicaudus, andGloydius ussuriensis, in South Korea and to assess the snakebite risk in national parks. Potential habitats ofGloydiusspp. were identified and visualized by overlaying binary maps derived from species distribution models (SDMs) of eachGloydiusspp. that corresponded to high-risk snakebite areas. In addition, hiking trails with high snakebite risk in the national parks were identified after demonstrating the statistical correlation between the potential habitat distribution ofGloydiusspp. and the actual snakebite incidents in major regions of South Korea. The primary environmental variables determiningGloydiusspp. habitat were the topographic position index, slope, and the annual average of the maximum and minimum temperatures. The potential habitat ofG. saxatilisgenerally appeared in high-altitude mountainous areas, mostly in the eastern part of the study area. Favorable habitats forG. brevicaudusandG. ussuriensiswere predominantly located in mountainous areas throughout the study area, with the exception of some high-altitude mountainous terrain in the east. The number of snakebite incidents per 10,000 people was significantly correlated with the area ratio ofGloydiusspp. potential habitat (Spearman’s rho = 0.638,p< 0.01). The proportion of snakebite risk areas among national parks in South Korea ranged from 18% to 57%. This study can support practical solutions to prevent injuries and fatalities among hikers due to snakebites by identifying areas with a high risk of snakebite accidents at the hiking-trail level.