I have been nugget detecting in the AZ. deserts for 45 years and have never been threatened by a coyote, bobcat or even bigfoot. As for snakes, if you can't jump out of the way faster than you can get your digger or 357 out and aim & shoot then u should stay home in your rocking chair. mho
I bought my first detector in 1961, a Detectron and started hunting parks and old mining camps in Colo. and really enjoyed it. Started nugget hunting with a Garrett in 1983 in Az. I am slowing way down but I will probably die still owning a detector.