one less snake in the lake

We were down at the lake waterskiing this morning and we saw a snake go by. Luckily, Doug had brought his shovel down with him, so he was standing guard on Birdhouse Pier. A few minutes later, Brianna finished her ski and skied into our cove. Doug started going nutso, so I figured the snake must be back, but then it disappeared again. Chezzie skied. I was getting ready to ski and we saw him, just on the other side of the jet ski. Doug had his shovel poised and ready and the snake was heading his direction. Chezzie walked near to watch. I headed right out of there, right off the dock. All of a sudden, the shovel was speared into the water. "You missed him," I said. But it wasn't true, and snake blood was discoloring the water.
Good job!












About Water Mocassins:
The Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin is an aquatic pit viper without rattles. It occurs commonly in every county in the state. Often when disturbed it draws into a loose coil, cocks its head upwards and opens its mouth wide to reveal the white interior lining, earning it the the name cottonmouth. It does not have to be coiled to strike, but can deliver a bite from almost any position, either in or out of the water. It is an unpredictable snake. Some individuals are calm and sluggish while others may be very aggressive. A water snake, the cottonmouth is found along stream banks, in swamps, margins of lakes and in tree-bordered marshes. It hunts at night for its prey of fish, frogs and other snakes, lizards and small mammals. The poisonous bite of this reptile results in great pain and severe swelling. With immediate and proper medical treatment, the bite is only occasionally fatal to humans. Average adult size is 20-48 inches, and the record is 74.5 inches.