I’ve always had a fascination with snakes, so when I saw this one on the motor of my boat, I was delighted. After spotting this beauty and pointing it out to my wife, she pointed to another one about twice the size resting on the boatlift closer to the water.
Curious to know what kind of snake we were sharing our swimming hole with, I did a little research and was surprised to discover just how similar these snakes look compared to the Western cottonmouth – the dreaded water moccasin. With a little more research, I discovered that cottonmouths are very rare in Indiana and are pretty much restricted to far Southern Indiana. The snakes on our lake, in Central Indiana, are more likely to be Northern or Midland water snakes – nonpoisonous.
Unfortunately, it’s pretty common for people to mistake these water snakes for cottonmouths and kill them out of ignorance and fear. Too bad. These are really cool snakes.
After I snapped the pictures, a smaller snake (same species) crawled up on the motor and chased the other two back into the water.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok, so now I’m not at all sure I want to visit you at the lake next time we visit the midwest in July. I like snakes too…
…when they are in a tank (i.e. at the zoo) and couldn’t possibly come near me.
Love,
Your sis (aka sissy)
Hi, Kathy!
Snakes in tank tops? Sounds weird, but we’ll try to make sure all of our snakes are sporting tank tops (or maybe tube tops) when you arrive.
Always,
Joe
People up here in northern Minnesota are afraid of twelve inch garter snakes!
killed cottenmouth in gary in 10/18/09 have picture. have seen many at pond.