Lil' Mr. Attitude

Florida cottonmouth (young).
Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti.
April 30th, 2006.
Tiger Bay State Forest; Volusia county, Florida.
Nikon D70s.
~~~~~

This young Florida cottonmouth was found resting in the tall grass beside one of Tiger Bay's many dirt roads. Florida cottonmouths are particularly vivid with their scale patternation at a young age. As they grow older, most of these patterns fade to black.

Though a venomous snake, cottonmouths don't deserve the bad reputation they've somehow been bombarded with. Contrary to popular myth, cottonmouths don't "chase" people. They aren't, however, particularly 'terrified' of people either. Cottonmouths will sometimes stand their ground and at other times won't hesitate to go where they want to go, regardless of who or what may be in their way (this is what people confuse with 'chasing' behavior). A tough, durable and confident snake, yes. A demon with fangs seeking out human flesh to destroy, no. Just animals trying to survive and get about their business of making more little animals.

I've had great fun catching, observing and photographing these guys for some time now. Having said that, I've always used the most extreme of caution when around these animals. They are lovely and should be protected - but at the same time, they are venomous and can pack one hell of a bite. They should never, under any circumstance, be underestimated. (and that pretty much blows out my whole fantasy of kissing one on the cheek...)

~ janson