Northern Water Snake
Ignorance is this snake's greatest foe. They are non-poisonous, but are very aggressive if they feel harrassed, biting quickly and repeatedly. They are mistaken for their poisonous look-alike cousins, the Cottonmouth Water Mocassin which lives in the Southern U.S. People kill these for that trait. Though rarely surprised, they do surprise people by their quick and loud get-a-ways. I was looking for this type of snake, and have learned that a slow approach will let you get the lens within a foot or so, as is shown here (also proving a back focus fault with my lens!!). Don't tempt fate if you're not sure, but be aware of their presence near almost every wild body of water in the Northern U.S.
3 responses
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Crystelle Dalla Betta said (8 Jun 2008):
i love this photo! i came to check it out after you commented my photo. where are you from? i don't know much about these snakes...but i'm from PA so that's where I seen them.
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Laura Hartley said (12 Jun 2008):
Kevin - you are SO brave! We just had to shoot a 6 foot rattler in my flower garden. We think it's bite killed our Aussie Shepherd, Biba two weeks ago.....Nice to get a good view, though!
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Eric Finster gave props (21 Jun 2008):
Nice photograph, I like the touch of color with the tones.
