Island Snakes

The barrier islands south of Apalachicola have their fair share of snakes, including four venomous species. Over the past week, we have seen a variety of species at our field site on St. George Island, ranging from small garter snakes to black racers and black rat snakes.

During the heat of the afternoon, many snakes can be found sunning themselves on the gravel back roads. A couple of days ago we spotted this water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Also know at the cottonmouth, this semi-aquatic viper is relatively common in swampy country of the Southeast. When threatened, a moccasin flattens its short, fat body and opens its mouth, revealing the bright white lining.

Venomous snakes often get the short end of the stick, so we decided to give this one a free pass. With a long stick, we picked it up and moved it off the road.