Comments on: Snakes Alive!

By: Joe Kraynak

Joe Kraynak — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:27:12 +0000

Another couple differences between a northern water snake and a cottonmouth or water moccasin:

Note in the photo of the northern water snakes that the dark bands are wider at the top and narrower at the sides. On a cottonmouth, the opposite is true – the bands are narrower at the top, shaped like an hourglass or bow tie.
Cottonmouths have vertically oriented oblong pupils, whereas a northern water snake has round pupils.
Cottonmouths tend to swim on top of the water unless they dive under, while a northern water snake remains pretty much submerged while swimming.

See http://fw.ky.gov/pdf/kysnakebook.pdf for good photos of both the cottonmouth and northern water snake.

By: Mitch

Mitch — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:39:17 +0000

We saw 2 in holland park indiana they were hanging on the tree branches. We got scared obviously but we did not killed it or do anything, we just watch it and continue fishing.

By: chris

chris — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:40:17 +0000

Snakes on a boat! Was Samuel L. Jackson there too! I’ve been waiting for the sequel.

By: rich

rich — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:27:53 +0000

killed cottenmouth in gary in 10/18/09 have picture. have seen many at pond.

By: STAN G

STAN G — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:11:16 +0000

People up here in northern Minnesota are afraid of twelve inch garter snakes!

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:13 +0000

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

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:54:08 +0000

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)