Cottonmouth

I came across this fellow (Florida Cottonmouth) on the main road in Everglades National Park last week. I steered other cars around him with my flashlight until I could convince it to leave the pavement, a tricky maneuver without a stick or prod. When I touched its tail with my foot, it would immediately coil up and display its open white mouth. Other snakes run when you do this. I finally got it to move by stomping heavily near it. I hate to see beautiful snakes, even venomous ones, get flattened by cars.

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Here's a close up. Do not try this at home--I had to lie on the pavement next to the snake to get this shot. I was confident that he wouldn't move unless I got inside his personal space, and I used a tele-zoom, so I was a couple of feet away, not inches. The Florida Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti) is a dangerously venomous snake, so it was still necessary to pay close attention at all times. 8O

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Nice shots John and getting him off the pavement was your good deed for the day.
BTW, looks like he's been eating well.


Robert

Beautiful photos John! The Florida Cottonmouth is certainly a more attractive reptile than the Eastern subspecies. That was very nice of you to move it out of the road. Over the years I've moved everything from massive Common Snapping turtles and large Northern Pinesnakes to a tiny Arizona Coral snake off of various roads and trails. Keep up the good work!

Clear Skies,

Steve