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cottonmouth
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by freckles on July 30, 2001
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How do I get a
cottonmouth out of
my small
suburban
backyard koi
pond? My back
yard backs up to a
dense forest and
field near a
wetland. I have
children that play
in my yard. I saw
the snake
yesterday. He was
moving across the
surrounding rock
and dove into the
pond when he
saw me coming.
He was around 3 ft
and nearly solid
black in his color.
He had the body of
a cottonmouth and
the shape. I have
tons of frogs and
squirrels and
rabbits around that
pond. This is a
manmade
decorative pond
no more than 5
feet in diameter
and 2.5 feet deep
and surrounded by
Hostas and stone.
I'm worried he'll
take up residence
there because it is
a perfect habitat
but I have children.
I personally like
snakes and would
like him
relocated... but I
can't run the risk of
children and pets
getting hurt.
This is in the
piedmont of NC on
SC stateline.
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RE: cottonmouth
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Reply
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by filthy on July 30, 2001
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Hi Freckles,
Hmmmmm.
This is something of a borderline call. You are far enough inland that a Cotton is unlikely, but possible. The snake diving into the water is the clue. Oddly enough, Cottons are fairly clumsey swimmers (as snakes go), not nearly as aquatic as a Watersnake. They tend to ride high in the water and hold the head up, as if they didn't want to get their chins wet. They won't dive as a Watersnake will. The face of an Eastern Cottonmouth will be a muddy white or cream on the cheeks, bisected bt a brown stripe.
This snake sounds like a Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon). These are well marked as juveniles, but darken to almost black as they age. At 3 feet, it would be a fairly old one. Another possibility is a dark, Red-bellied Watersnake (N. erythogastor).
When disturbed, Cottons will sometimes be slow to leave, but a Watersnake will run like a thief every time.
Observe this guy and how it moves in the water. If you still think it's a Cotton, E-mail me. Click on my handle for the addy. I'm licensed by NC for reptile rescue, rehab and removal.
luck,
f
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