Came across this guy today crossing Caney Creek in the Ouachita Mountains. I came pretty close to stepping on him before I saw him.
I think this is a Western Cottonmouth. He was fairly agitated so I didn't want to get much closer.
Yikes! Glad we didn't see any of these while we were in the Ouachitas last month. I guess there's something positive to visiting while the weather is still cold! You are brave - had I seen this guy, I would have run the other direction without stopping to shoot him with my camera.
Cottonmouths are also aggressive by nature. They don't just defend themselves, but go on the attack when threatened. If I see one, that will be the last time I visit that place until the snow is flying!
I've always liked snakes for some reason. I lost several in the house growing up because i forgot i had them in my pockets. I'm not too fond of them when they are sitting like this though. I had actually put my foot on the rock in the lower left when he came out from behind it.
I haven't stumbled across a cottonmouth while shooting yet, that I know of anyway...I'm sure I've been right there with them though. I have, although, come across a few copperheads. I think I would have been in the 200+mm to shoot this guy too! All I can hear in my head everytime I go out in the woods is my mother's voice saying, "Watch out for snakes"!
Wow Jon, great capture.. especially with its mouth open like that.. man that's scary looking! That appears to be a rather fat specimen too. Maybe he's been feeding on photographers! Over the last few years I've seen cottonmouths four or five times.. more so than any other an other snake.. probably because I spend so much time near water.
Discussion
8 repliesI think this is a Western Cottonmouth. He was fairly agitated so I didn't want to get much closer.
50d 50mm f2.8