Oh this, I'm 100% sure. I've lived over half my life in Florida and have extensive experience with cottonmouths since we got camping quite a bit. The markings and facial shape were pinpoint, but the clincher was the fact that when it opened its mouth, it was the most pristine white.



I think the only reason it acted that way was because we scared it as much as it scared us -- but I've always heard of cottonmouths being a very defensive and stubborn snake. I've actually seen a cottonmouth (who was trying to cross the road... is there a joke here?) strike a passing car because the car invaded the snake's space.



The odd thing is that it was the first cottonmouth in our pond, ever. I think the only reason it came is that we had one of the few remaining bodies of water in the drought -- now that the usual ponds and canals are back, I doubt we'd see one again. I hope anyway.



Thanks



Jen

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