One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended! Happy caching!
The water moccasin or cottonmouth snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a semi-aquatic pit viper native the southeastern US. It is one of only four types of venomous snakes native to the United States (along with coral snakes, copperheads, and rattlesnakes). As the "water moccasin" name suggests, these snakes are usually found in or near swamps and streams. The name "cottonmouth" refers to the white color of the inside of the snake's mouth which it will often show when threatened. Moccasins are usually dark in color with faint banding, although some subspecies and juveniles have lighter colors or a pattern similiar to their cousins the copperhead. While their main diet is fish and frogs, mocassins have a reputation for occasional aggressive behavior and, like all venomous snakes, should be viewed from a safe distance.