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I encountered this snake today in South Alabama on the edge of a small creek. It was about 3 feet long. I was lucky enough to photo it but can't ID it.

How about a Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix)?

Hope you didn't try to pick it up?!

..

I am probably wrong but I would have to vote for a cottonmouth. I say this because of the apparent dark cheek line parallel with the eyes. Which ever, copperhead or cottonmouth, it is a viper to be sure.

Nice pic, by the way!
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~redmom~
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My apologies for the multiple posts. The first time I tried to post, I got an error message of some kind and didn't think to see if it posted so I automatically retyped my thoughts and posted again.

Sorry about that!
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~redmom~
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I am probably wrong but I will say cottonmouth. I say this because of the dark markings parallel to the eyes. Either one, cottonmouth or copperhead, it is a viper to be sure.

By the way, nice pic!
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~redmom~
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>>I encountered this snake today in South Alabama on the edge of a small creek. It was about 3 feet long. I was lucky enough to photo it but can't ID it.
>>
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Chris Harrison

>>I encountered this snake today in South Alabama on the edge of a small creek. It was about 3 feet long. I was lucky enough to photo it but can't ID it.
>>
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Chris Harrison

Yep...Cottonmouth. Must be in Southeastern Alabama. That's a conanti.

Funny...E' don look I-talian? conanti? Fer sure...Frank

Yes, it's a little known fact...all of the Cottonmouths in Florida, South Georgia and Southeastern Alabama are of Italian heritage. They only eat calamari. If you listen carefully, you can tell by their accent.."Hissss-a". They all belong to a gang called La Hisss-a Nostra.

So....That be why they sit so high in Da water? Because they be shaped like a canolli! Frank

Hmmm...sounds right to me. I'll have to go to the research center (the Sport's Bar down the street) tonight and think that one over a little..you may just be on to something of herpetological impotence.

ROTFLMBO!!! Y'all crack me up!
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~redmom~
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Okay, agreed it is a Cottonmouth. All of the Cottonmouths I've seen around these parts have been solid colored. Most are almost black. Some are charcol. This is the first I've seen with the lighter bands and bloches. With these paterns it becomes apparent that Cottonmouths are related to Copperheads. Another reason I had trouble Id-ing it was that it was non-agressive. Most are very dignified and in a defensive postion. I may have called this ones bluff by stepping on it. The line on the eye, the triangle body, the broad head and the lessening tail all indicate Cottonmouth. Thanks for all the response. My part of the world is crawling with snakes....I'll share again.

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Have to say...never have seen an aggressive Mocc...they tend to have good manners down here in S.Fla unless you mess with them. Ours tend to keep the juvenile pattern till they 2-3'.Frank

I agree...their reputation is really not very well earned. I have seen them become defensive (could be mistaken for aggressive) after considerable torment, but generally are more interested in getting away than standing and fighting. If you corner him and provoke him he can get pretty nasty.

I've seen conanti retain a lot of pattern through adulthood.

I'm in "LA" lower Alabama. On the Fla. line Conecuh River.

Yeah, I was so reluctant to say cottonmouth at first b/c I had always seen them black or charcol until about a month ago. I saw some juveniles being milked at a local serpentarium. I know copperheads pretty well too.

Anyhow, we learn something new every day!
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~redmom~
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains