New 20 ounce tumblers available now! Forum donation credit with purchase. https://www.wildguzzi.com/Products/products.htm#Tumbler
You have to get close enough to see their eyes to determine if they're pit vipers?
And my rule of thumb is snakes can strike their length. :pop
Norm, aren't Rattlesnakes a lot more dangerous than Copperheads? Copperheads mainly cause tissue damage with their enzymes, so you need to message the bite and exercise immediately to spread it around and dilute it. When we were kids, we were all told to put on a tourniquet, cut, suck, etc., but the ranger said that's a good way to lose a big chunk of muscle if a Copperhead bites you.
The thing about Copperheads and Cotton Mouths is that they are aggressive. They'll come after you.
Sorry can't help on the I.D. but I would sooo not be swimming in a lake that had those, whatever they are.
I'm thinking it's a Northern Water Snake. It's hard to see in that pic, but the coloring and the horizontal bands make me think that's the right ID.Anyone with more experience?
Northern Water Snake - definitely. Harmless, but a bit likely to get upset with you. I chivied this one off the road the other day. He didn't approve.Nick
I guess like other animals, there are subpopulations of Copperheads.
Here in The Ozarks, Copperheads will definitely come toward you, while Timber Rattlers will stand their ground or retreat.But you're right about sub-populations.Last year while in Northern New Mexico, I was amazed at how bold, and even aggressive, the coyotes were. Here where I live, it's hard to get within a couple hundred yards of them, and they always run if they think I'm coming at them. Not so, the coyotes in New Mexico last year. They'd actually stalk us when we were out trail riding with the horses. Kind of an uncomfortable feeling.
Southwestern coyotes are hungrier and more desperate.
Snakes can strike only about 1/3 of their length, so it's safe to get close enough to see the pupil shape.
Go right ahead Jim ;DDave Galveston