[birdky] Re: snake question
- From: "Michael Hamm" <hamm@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <Sid.Easley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 09:47:36 -0400
Well, speaking as a (very) amateur herpetologist and childhood snake
hunter, cottonmouths often swim with their heads above the surface, but
not always. Likewise, I've seen non-venomous watersnakes swim on the
surface and below it. Both snakes will swim to the bottom and stay put
if threatened.
As you may know, there aren't a lot of western cottonmouths in Kentucky
except for the western end of the state, but they do move a bit and some
have been (allegedly) spotted as far east as the Glasgow area (and also
along the Ohio River). Both cottonmouths and non-venomous water snakes
show a lot of variation in color/pattern. Some are very dark--almost
completely black or dark brown; others show prominent bands. Some of
this depends on the age of the snake.
Fully mature cottonmouths can get very large and are very heavy-bodied,
like their pit-viper cousins, rattlesnakes and copperheads. But mostly
you will see smaller and younger snakes.
Behaviorally, on land, all pit-vipers (cottonmouths, copperheads and
rattlers) tend to hold their ground when approached. They rely on their
natural camouflage and striking ability, if necessary. Non-venomous
water snakes tend to flee when approached. They'll quickly get into the
water if possible. But I think it is hard to generalize about snakes as
there is some variation in appearance and behavior. I never try to
handle any kind of water snake, as even the non-venomous ones are quick
to strike if you try to pick one up.
Michael Hamm
Danville
-----Original Message-----
From: birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Sid Easley
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 9:08 AM
To: birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [birdky] snake question
I have heard that a non-venomous water snake swims with its entire
length=20
on the surface of the water, but a venomous snake will swim with most of
its body under the surface. Is there any truth to this? Inquiring
minds=20
need to know.
Melissa Easley
Murray, Ky.
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