Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How common is it to find a cottonmouth in the Dallas TX area? I was on way to my usual herp spot walking around a small lake and came across one mean 30" long cottonmouth, that made no attempt to flee into the water just a few feet away... Instead he/she coiled up and opened up that white mouth clearly showing her dual fangs sheathed and on standby. I studied this snake for a few minutes (did not handle) and used my hook to "shoo" it into the lake...

Still not finding the ratsnakes I'm looking for though...
So far in the last week I've seen 3 redsided garters and one cottonmouth.

Kerry in Dallas

I lived in Lewisville,T.x. about ten minutes from Dallas for 13 years and cottonmouths and copperheads are not to uncommon. I also used to find some huge desert kingsnakes. Actually the biggest I've ever seen since then. If you really want to find I nice variety of snakes head up northwest about two hours where it gets like hillcountry and you will find bullsnakes,desert kings,great plains ratsnakes,texas ratsnakes and a few others. Kevin

I think cottonmouths are more into not being seen so they wont flee. They then show off thier mouths after they know they have been spotted. He just wanted to keep his resting spot.

What kinds of rattlesnakes? I know timbers arent very common. I saw a site on the net about dallas area herps, I dont remember where, but Im sure it would be a good place for you to find out where to go.