Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo. All I had was my camera phone at the time. Saw this guy on the side of the road and couldn't believe my eyes. Looked like the skin had been pulled off the flesh. Probably about 5 feet long, with a head as big as grown mans fist! The topside was a dark muddy color with possible patterns (I did not flip it over as I was in shorts and flip flops) Since I am in NW Florida, I am assuming it is a large Cottonmouth. It is the biggest wild snake I have ever seen. If I had come across it alive, I probably would have run the other direction

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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

I'd hate to call it from that picture. Maybe...But what kind of pattern, was it bands that narrowed as they neared the belly -or widened?

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

Well, I am in NW Florida, what other kinds of venomous snakes, other than Rattlesnakes and Cottonmouths, get that big?? The head was very triangular, and the inside of the mouth very white. The girth was about as big around as a mens softball. As I said before, I did not flip it over, but it was really just a dark muddy brown with very little pattern showing through. I have seen Cottonmouths before, had one show up on my back step in the middle of shed. Of course he was about 2 feet long and mean as all get out. Very aggressive!!

I really do not doubt that it was a Cottonmouth, just was wanting some confirmation. Sorry I could not be of more help with the discription, I doubt there is much left to see now. It was already pretty ripe when I saw it the first time. I will have to start carring my camera with me instead of just my phone
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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

Here's your confirmation! Yes, that is a cottonmouth. There's enough undamaged body at the rear of the snake to key it out.

~~Greg~~

I bow to your observation oh Greg... (lol).

I couldn't tell heads from tails in the that shot!

Next time....roll it over.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."