1.24.2010

Cottonmouth

 

The day has been nice and warm -- lots of critters on the move. We saw three snakes on our walk this afternoon -- all of them were cottonmouths. This one was quick to let us know it did not want to be disturbed ;)
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11 comments:

Hugh Griffith said...

That's very cooperative, to show its cotton mouth. I'm glad it's warming up down your way. This has been a very strange winter, continent-wide, maybe hemisphere-wide.

sweetbay said...

It's funny, much of my property is wetland and yet I haven't seen Cottonmouths. We have tons of other snakes, sliders, Snapping Turtles, mink.. I can't say I'm sorry since they really tend to stand their ground.

KaHolly said...

Now that's a great shot! Bet you didn't linger after you snapped that picture! Enjoy your walks and pictures because they remind me that spring is coming, sooner or later! ~karen

jason said...

Well now, that photo leaves no question about where the name comes from. What a classic view when you're in its comfort zone. Very cool!

Holly said...

Great shot! It's amazing how effectively that snake got his point across.

swamp4me said...

Hugh,
It's funny that this one was so testy...there was another one about six feet away and it never even raised its head.

sweet bay,
Cottonmouths aren't very common outside the coastal plain. You may be a little too far west.

KaHolly,
I'm one of those crazy folks who likes cottonmouths :) I've never found them to be especially aggressive but they will warn you off in a heartbeat!

jason,
They are quite adamant about their comfort zones! ;)

woodswoman,
I've had quite a few of these show me that snowy white mouth but I've never had one strike at me. So yes, they definitely get the point across!!

Ontario Wanderer said...

I am not too sad that there are none up here in southern Ontario.

swamp4me said...

OW,
They are really pretty snakes -- not nearly as nasty as some folks would have you believe.

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ramblingwoods said...

Yikes...my what fangs... It seems like I should be able to wander around in our wetland woods to see what I can find. I have never done it. Any suggestions for the newbie (middle aged) herper?...Michelle

HoH-a territorial dispute between two bullfrogs.

swamp4me said...

Michelle,
I'm not very familiar with what snakes you have in NY. Around here, stumps, beaver lodges, and branches hanging over the water are good places to find water snakes. I've also found snakes in hollow trees and under logs. My only advice is to watch where you put your fingers when you're exploring and keep an eye on your feet, too! Happy Herping.