The Eastern Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon p. piscivorus, is the
predominant subspecies found in South Carolina. Intergrades with
the Florida Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon p. conanti, can be found in
the extreme southern portion of the State. The Florida subspecies
has more prominent facial markings than the Eastern
subspecies.
Cottonmouths are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. They are
generally dark above: olive, brown, or black. A lighter/darker
cross banding pattern may be seen, especially on the sides. They
are heavy bodied with keeled scales. Adult size is considered to be
in the range of 30 to 48 inches. The young are more distinctly
patterned than adults.
Cottonmouths are common snakes found in wetlands, rivers, lakes,
etc. Their range in South Carolina is usually limited to below the
fall line. Many times non-venomous water snakes are mistaken for
Cottonmouths. Cottonmouths get their name from their defensive
habit of gaping their mouths open to expose the white lining of the
mouth. This is their way of warning potential aggressors to stay
away.
Cottonmouths can be aggressive. Unlike their Copperhead cousins,
they will often stand their ground. Their venom is stronger and
they tend to be larger snakes, making them very dangerous. I have
encountered specimens which flee like water snakes, but more often
they assume a defensive posture or crawl/swim slowly
away.
I want to dedicate this cache in honor to this great and beautiful
snake that has forgiven my life in more than three occasions mighty
moody reptile they are, but at the same time the feeling under your
skin you get when you see one face to face is something very
difficult to describe.
So enjoy this cache be very careful since you have to take a short
hike through the swamp in order to honor this snake by finding its
cache. They are always watching us remember you are in their
habitat.
FTF HONORS TO Snooking Good