Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti
Florida cottonmouth.
Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti.
Near Blackwater Creek; Lake county, Florida.
03 January 2007.
Nikon D70s.
Horrifically misunderstood and abused by most people on the peninsula, the Florida cottonmouth is a beautiful and vital component of Floridian ecology. These venomous pit vipers are often believed to aggressively “chase” after people. I’ve never seen this happen in the wild. Quite the contrary. They’ll typically try to avoid people and when cornered on land, they’ll usually wrap up into a defensive coil position, sometimes flashing their white-cottony mouths as a warning. Respect the snake’s space and there won’t be a problem.
Janson,
http://floridana.typepad.com
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rebelgirl
So true!!! he is quite a pritty snake with all them browns on him, well captured :)
jsjones replied
My thanks to you, rebelgirl! I certainly agree that the browns are absolutely lovely.
Michael L Dye
I agree. I hear a lot of horror “stories” about the Cottonmouth.
Nice shot this one looks almost like a neonate.
jsjones replied
Very close to to a neonate, Michael. He was indeed a youngster, but had a little bulk to him. Their reputation certainly exceeds their reality.
Thanks to you!
ECGardner
Well you knew I would love this one, as I just adore all things cottony. This is a particularly beautiful young’n; his colors and patterns are still quite vibrant. And great job on capturing the tongue flicker, too. Gorgeous work.
jsjones replied
This little fella’ really was a sweetheart. I’m planning on doing a lot of cottonmouth hunting next summer. (I’ll be in Florida for a few weeks next summer.) Can’t wait!
springplains
Great photo and very interested in your comments about the creature. Well done!
jsjones
I thank ya kindly!
Steve Bullock
Wow he is gorgeous… I love pit vipers, fav of all the vens for sure.. nice capture mate.
jsjones replied
Thank you, Steve. Those are very, very kind words coming from somebody with as much herp’ experience as yourself! I appreciate it enormously ~~
Janson.