<p>I don't know my snakes but am a little interested. While in Missouri, I saw this thing on the road. We stopped, I took out my S-hook snake stick to safely examine the snake. It appeared to have the triangle shaped head and it eventually coiled up and struck at me after I provoked it enough. It showed no fear of me. Usually I find snakes heading for the weeds to get away. Is this yet another sign that it is a venomous snake? I though maybe a Cottonmouth. Am I correct?</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/mjchanning/P1010680_zps86898413.jpg" /></p>
This would be one very pi$$ed off male coachwhip. Non-venomous but can still put a hurting on you should they actually wet bite you (as opposed to a feign/dry bite). Nice variation in the normally seen pattern, but locale morphology is kinda fun.
It doesn't matter what you're fishing for, just as long as you're out there doing it.
I think that's a northern watersnake. I caught several while cottaging on Lake Ontario last summer. They bite but are generally harmless. A cottonmouth has a fatter body and a thicker head. Not a 100 per cent sure but it looks like a watersnake to me.
mike b
I agree with Mr. Frog
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)
Technically, this is the eastern coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum) - distinct subspecies.
It doesn't matter what you're fishing for, just as long as you're out there doing it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees" -Emiliano Zapata
Thanks guys
Great picture of a beautiful snake!
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