Water Mocassin Warning

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 28, 2010245 views4 comments

I was out shooting a rabbit recently and noticed this snake nearby. I paid him little attention but took a few shots as I rarely see photo opportunities for snakes. After doing a little research, I learned that this water mocassin was giving me a warning about getting too close. He shows off his fangs to let you know to back off or else.

Nikon D300 F4 1/320 ISO 800 Nikon 300MM

Comments and critiques are always welcome

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on August 28, 2010 at 11:57 AM

Good view of the water mocassin, aka cottonmouth. Here's a little more trivia - sometimes they warn, sometimes strike, and sometimes chase and strike again. They are unpredictable, usually bad tempered, and as all snakes, can strike a distance at least half their body length.
Seen a few in the Glades. Really like this image.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on August 29, 2010 at 1:07 PM

This is a good behavioral image Andrew. I like how you captured both the eye and the open mouth and also how the body curves and comes form the side of the viewer as a leading line into the frame. The short grasses are not the most ideal habitat to photograph it in I suppose, but little you could have done about that. Are these snakes very venomous to man?

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 30, 2010 at 11:36 AM

I like the eye peaking around his open mouthed display! I am glad we don't have these guys in our area.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Ákos Lumnitzer on September 2, 2010 at 8:06 PM

This guy means business. Good shot indeed!

Registered on April 24, 2004, 25 Posts, 510 Comments