Okay.. I am not a big fan of snakes partly due to an experience I had a couple of months ago, however, I do know the importance of these Florida native species and to the ecosystem.
Water Moccasin | Linda Pederson Park | September 1
I have photographed three of these snakes within the last six months and with all this rain we are having I am sure there will be more sightings.
Water Moccasin | Bayou Drive | February 26
IF YOU SEE ONE>> JUST LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Water Moccasin | Paynes Prairie | June 27
If you are out photographing, and you come across a snake.. take your pics at a VERY SAFE DISTANCE and go on your way. FYI: Striking ranges for snakes vary from species to species and can be up to 15ft.
KNOW YOUR SNAKES
I have gotten in the habit of not walking along the edge of trails, I stay in the middle, but if you are going to the edge, LOOK ALL AROUND before you take a step and snap that photo! It’s a good idea to have a walking stick too!
Give enough space to walk around the snake.. don’t harass it, let it be!
I highly suggest investing in some good boots… I often wear mid calf rain, mud boots when we hike. These are great if you are going on a short 1 or 2 mile hike.
These are beautiful creatures and need their space.
Links
http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/water_moccasin_watersnake_comparison.shtml
http://www.wildflorida.com/articles/Banded_Water_Snake_or_Cottonmouth.php
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-snakes/compare1
https://www.snaketype.com/water-moccasin-snake/
http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/agkpis.htm
http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles-and-amphibians/reptiles/snakes/cottonmouth/
Camera & Lens:
Canon 7D Mark II 70-200mm (with a 2x extender)
Florida Nature 