Cottonmouth Myths

If you've followed my blog you already know my love of snakes.  I'm constantly being asked about folklore, wife's tales, and other lore that involve these reptiles, especially cottonmouths.  While visiting a few blogs I follow I came across a bunch of posts from David Steen's blog "Living Alongside Wildlife" on cottonmouth myths.  Very interesting reading that I think everyone should check out and finally put an end to some of those snake tales you might have heard.  Check them out HERE

What a Waste

I took a trip to Sabine Pass, TX on Sunday to pay a visit to Sabine Woods, a bird sanctuary owned and maintained by the Texas Ornithological Society. Migrants had begun showing up so I decided to go check it out. Didn't see much so I headed down Hwy 87 towards Sea Rim State Park to see what would cross my path. Not far from the sanctuary I found an eastern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus)in the middle of the road that had been run over. It was still alive when I approached it, but its insides were hanging out from its tail end.




Some people would want this beautiful animal dead just because it's a snake. These creatures have their place in the great scheme of things and have just as much right to live as we do. Sure it's poisonous and for a good reason- its fangs and poison are what allow it to survive. They serve as the mechanism that provides it food. I would never kill one of these unless it was its life or mine. Seeing this really saddens me. With my snake hook I moved it gently off the road into the grass. Its last bit of life was leaving it as I turned and headed back to my truck.......what a waste. If you would like to see other photos of this snake go here.