Saturation Point
 I have never fancied myself to be afraid of the slithering snakes that abound in the Florida wild. I actually think they are pretty neat—with their smooth skin and bumpy scales. When I do happen to see a snake in the wild, I stop and give them space, and just watch. Recently I was hiking through Brooker Creek and came upon a rather sinister looking creature coiled up in the brush just below the raised path on which I was walking. There was only about a foot or two that separated me from this black jewel tucked among the green and brown swamp. I squatted down and tried to get a better look, pulling my camera out of my bag to snap a shot. As I zoomed in to photograph the body and face to later identify the species, the snake moved and I jumped back. It was gone before I was able to regain my position.
What I do know is that this dark, long reptile was no black racer. Black racer snakes are fairly common in the area and are harmless, non-venomous creatures out looking for some good grub. The snake I happened upon was a bit more dangerous. After flipping through my Florida reptile guides, I discovered I had come pretty close to a Cottonmouth. The dark color of its body was highlighted by the whitish coloring around the mouth and it didn’t move when it saw my large body hovering above it. It stood its ground and eyeballed me back until I got scared and jumped back.
Unfortunately, this species is venomous and happens to make its home around the water or flooded woodlands—where I happened to be hiking. Other water snakes tend to shoot into the water and disappear when approached. The Cottonmouth doesn’t run from a fight and swims with its head above water. It also can vibrate its tail, not truly a rattle, to let approaching novice hikers such as myself know that it is annoyed. A subtle warning perhaps, to keep out of their business.
A myth about venomous snakes is that the venom is held in their tongue. Not so. The venom is delivered through the fangs as they sink into the skin of its victim. The tongue that flicks in and out is not actually used for taste like ours is. Their tongues actually smell the air and the ground, pulling those scents back into the mouth and delivering them to two cavities called Jacobson’s organs. These connect to the brain and the snake can detect what is around. Another cool thing is when a snake is ready to shed its skin. If you happen to get close to a snake species and their eye is cloudy, that means they are really close to shedding their skin and revealing fresh scales. Snakes that are ready to shed are less active, giving those that are scared of the scaly creatures more time to run away.
Keep your eyes open when you are out hiking or even just out in the yard. It is hot and a lot of animals are on the move for water and food sources—this includes snakes. Don’t ever try to pick up or touch any animal that is found in the wild. It is better to photograph and discuss at a distance.
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Observer
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