A copperhead from the western edge of their range in Texas.
Copperheads in Texas
Category: Agkistrodon
Baby Florida Cottonmouth
A boldly patterned, small Florida Cottonmouth spotted in suitably swampy habitat in Florida a couple of years ago. This pattern will likely fade quite a bit as it ages, but not to the same nearly uniform appearance of their northern relatives.
And no, they don’t chase anyone. Let’s all grow up.
Northern Cottonmouth Defensive Behavior
A Northern Cottonmouth from a quick trip to Texas in 2024. In about 6 hours, I lost count of how many there were. These are large, interesting snakes with complex social behavior, which are unfortunately well stuck in the monster that is the American urge to believe in nonsense.
All of them, as did every one of the hundreds of cottonmouths I’ve ever seen, did one of three things:
- – Nothing at all
- – Escaped ASAP
- – Coiled, rattled its tail, and gaped like this
This pretty one was near my vehicle after I wrapped up a walk through the forest, followed by another just seconds later. I’ll be back for sure.
Florida Cottonmouth On The Road
A Florida Cottonmouth I found in the Everglades, doing what they do. What they don’t actually do: chase after people. The stories are just that, often not even a cottonmouth at all. And they don’t smell like cucumbers either 😉
Broad Banded Copperhead
I found this Broad Banded Copperhead in west Texas back in 2014. I got enough caffeine and gas station burritos to last a full night of slow-driving empty roadways, and needed all of it. After not seeing a single-scaled animal the entire night, I finally spotted this beautiful snake crossing the road with the day’s first sun on the horizon.
