It's that time of year again, and I figure an ounce of precaution, where these fellas are concerned, is worth a pound of cure. My kayaker buddy Ron happened across this "eye opener" yesterday and had this advice: "Be on the lookout for head high critters!"
Ron met this brown water snake while heading into a fallen tree to unhook a lure. "Seemed nice enough," he said of the healthy looking specimen. "I doubted that he wanted my lure, but I certainly didn't want to bother him, either," Ron concluded.
Said Cartin, who took this picture, "We watched the snake catch the catfish, pull it up on shore, then swallow it." Although only about 5 inches long, according to Barrow, the catfish looks to have been a mouthful for the snake.
While keeping an eye out for these non-venomous brown water snakes, you'd also be well-served to watch for venomous cottonmouth moccasins, for which water snakes often are mistaken. Here are some things to look for in telling the two apart (as revealed at this link: http://www.dausettrails.com/cottonvswater.htm):
* Cottonmouths are relatively short and wide. Water snakes are longer and more slender.
* Water moccasins bask on land, or on logs and stumps near the water's surface. Water snakes are good climbers and spend a lot of time basking on branches over water.
* Water moccasins move slowly and defend their territory, while water snakes move quickly away from disturbances.
* When swimming, cottonmouths keep their heads elevated above the water and bodies riding nearly on the water's surface. Water snakes keep their head and body low and below the water's surface.
* Cottonmouths always cock their heads at a 45-degree angle on land. Water snakes keep their heads level with the ground.
* Both snakes feed on fish, frogs and other prey found around aquatic habitats.
Have another enjoyable season on the water, but do it safely.
Mary Reid Barrow writes about nature, wildlife and more for The Virginian-Pilot.
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