| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/3/2006 9:26:31 PM
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Got a question for you 'snakeologists'. I killed a 5 foot diamondback rattlesnake today in the middle of the lake. Yes, it was a rattlesnake-rattles and all. The oddest thing about the snake was he was floating like he was a piece of Styrofoam; body almost totally on top of the water, coiled with head and a foot of body raised and in the striking position. I have never seen a snake of any type float that high--shotgun took care of him, but if anyone knows more about why a rattlesnake would be in the middle of the lake, I'd like to know. Skiers were everywhere, lucky someone saw him before he bit someone.
Haven't seen a snake in a couple of months, but our family has seen three in the past couple of days-two died.
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| Name: |
PC Al
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/3/2006 11:01:19 PM
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Last summer, I was riding Sea Doo and saw the prettiest Diamond Back you have ever seen swimmimg in the middle of Parker Creek. He was probably 500 feet from nearest land. I followed him some as he was headed for the nearest bank. Beautiful snake with almost all of it's body above water and swimming at fast pace. The body was floating very hight in the water, unlike any other snake I have ever seen in the water. Most snakes have most of their body under water. Went back to house to get scatter gun and by the time I got back he was land bound. Huge, beautiful snake and never saw him again.
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| Name: |
Lakeman
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/3/2006 11:28:22 PM
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Sometimes when our little neighbors do odd things it is because something has changed to cause them to do it. Maybe some excavation, tree removal, stump chipping, grass cutting and so on. With all the added homes and the occupants spraying and poisoning it gets unbearable for them so they have to go somewhere to escape. In the middle of the lake seems strange but I've seen boats hit deer out there.
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/3/2006 11:51:52 PM
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On two different occassions, I have seen grey squirrels swim rather broad expanses fo water. For what reason, I have no idea other than to get to the other side.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 7:37:32 AM
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Thanks for your response. My point was more about how high the snake was floating than the fact that a rattlesnake was in water. The snake was at least a quarter mile, maybe more from any land. Some boaters were circling the snake and trying to keep skiers away. We were on the dock and a boater asked if we had a gun--the rest is history, but I can assure you that I got an answer to one myth. That snake was in striking position and ready, so don't let anyone tell you that a snake can't bite you in the water--at least a rattlesnake.
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| Name: |
Kingfish
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 7:54:04 AM
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I have seen several snakes in the water over the years, but only one that was poisonous, which was a cotton mouth. I am very familiar with water snakes since I practically grew up on lake Seminole in South Ga. I have eliminated several but all have been what is known as Northern Banded water snakes. They look very similiar to a copper head or rattler, but much smaller in body length and circumference, and are not poisonous. As was said, there was a reason the rattler was that far out. It is my understanding that all snakes are swimmers and some, naturally more skillful than others as to their natural habitat. It could have been the drought problem and it was just looking for water. But then, who knows? I agree in that it was very fortunate that you saw this guy before some skier met him personally.
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| Name: |
copperline
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 8:50:57 AM
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My thinking is that a rattler would float higher because he's not normally a swimming species, and moves across the water with lungs fully inflated. A moccasin would dive away from anyone who was harassing him anyway, but this fellow stayed on the top as if he couldn't get below the surface.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 9:02:18 AM
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You're right. People were running over him with boats trying to hit him with their props, but they said that he never went down--popped up right after the boat passed over him.
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| Name: |
JUA
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 10:36:17 AM
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You can bet they can bite underwater. I've seen it. I saw a FLA diamondback dip underwater for a few moments and come up with a catfish right next to us in Dead Lake. He pushed it up against a cypress stump and started to swallow it.
I once saw a TV show where another FLA diamonback was several miles from the Carrabelle area while swimming to a barrier island. He was maybe 6 or 7 feet long and floating on top like a big stick. Of course, this snake guy jumps out of the boat right on top of him and flings it in the boat with him. Must have been out of shotgun shells, but the rattler was still unamused by it all.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 11:52:37 AM
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For some strange reason no one wanted to swim this morning.
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| Name: |
lawn experts
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 12:04:33 PM
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Lakeman is probably right. They move when their habitat is interfered with. There are several new companies now that offer services that g'tee no more mosquitoes, gnats etc..and snakes included by installing some sort of devices throughout the property that are meant to keep these pests away. I'm glad you got him through- GOOD SHOT!!
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| Name: |
lawn experts
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 12:22:05 PM
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For your efforts and great shot, I will get you a bright yellow cape that says "LAKEMAN" for when you go hunting these nuisances. I'm just kidding of course, your efforts are appreciated by ALL.
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| Name: |
BigFoot
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 12:43:23 PM
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....looked on ebay for full-body chaps....no luck.....ain't ever going back in the water.................
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| Name: |
lawn experts
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 12:55:59 PM
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He He
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 1:05:20 PM
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You know BigFoot, those alligators will get you under the water also. I have heard feeding around your dock for catfish and other fish will also draw snakes. Is there any truth to this?
I also think it is a benefit to the winter draw-down of water. You can get out and clean up things on your water frontage possible drawing snakes. Cleaning up all the underwater stuff also makes for more pleasant swimming and wading.
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| Name: |
BigFoot
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 1:17:35 PM
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I learned a long time ago not to throw catfish heads in the water.....cottonmouths love 'em!
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| Name: |
Kingfish
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 3:40:49 PM
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I really don't want anyone to be worried about snakes on Lake Martin. They are few and far between. As I posted earlier, I have only seen one dangerous snake in 15 years and then, I was in a place that I shouldn't have been. I had invaded his territory. That wasn't a good thing to do. The chances of seeing a dangerous snake on this lake is, in my opinion, rare. A good friend of mine asked me during a scouting trip for hunting season if I was worried about snakes. I told him no. If that is a worry, then the fun is over. After all, you could be struck by lightning. What are the chances of that? Enjoy, and get on with it!
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| Name: |
BigFoot
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 7:15:09 PM
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I agree with you, Kingfish. My post above was merely a feeble attempt at humor. Although I get spooked when I see a snake, I am learning to live with them and give them plenty of space if I see one.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 9:15:17 PM
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Kingfish, I agree with you about not seeing many snakes. We had a place on the lake during the late 70s--early80s and I never saw a snake of any type. But this year I've killed three in the water and three on the property--only one was poisonous. For some reason, maybe the drought has brought them out.
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| Name: |
WSMS
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| Subject: |
Diamondback?
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Date:
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9/4/2006 10:26:58 PM
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I doubt it. But I'm no expert, so I asked somebody who is. Here is his answer:
"Diamondbacks? Nope. To get to Diamondback country, you'd have to head south until you got to Coffee County, and even then you'd be lucky to find one.
If in fact they saw rattlesnakes, they were most likely Timber Rattlesnakes (also known around here as the Canebrake Rattler.) That's our only rattler that gets big enough to be confused with the Diamondback, though there's no reason to confuse the two, since the patterns are distinctly different.
If anyone cares to disagree, send them this way."
The link goes to a site with pictures of Lake Martin snakes.
URL: Lake Martin snakes
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| Name: |
surfjumper
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/4/2006 11:41:06 PM
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My neighbor's daughters were talking about a weird acting snake in the middle of the Sandy Creek area. I didn't see the actual location where you had the unique opportunity to relieve some unlucky skier or a bad afternoon but could that be the snake they were talking about (location)?
Seems that this year I have seen a snake or two almost every weekend at the lake and in years past I may see one or two all year. I have even had discussions with others who have been on the lake for years that have taken similar notes. strange!
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| Name: |
BigFoot
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| Subject: |
Diamondback?
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Date:
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9/4/2006 11:45:02 PM
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Very informative........thanks for the link!
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/5/2006 12:05:54 AM
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That was us.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Diamondback?
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Date:
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9/5/2006 12:15:26 AM
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Wish I had taken a picture of the snake. I can tell you this for a fact:
1. It was a pit vipor.
2. It had rattles-after I shot off the head the body floated and we raised it up to confirm the rattles--didn't count. Body was probably 2 1/2 inches in diameter and an easy 5 feet long.
3,. It was more brown than the picture of the timber rattler in your url. This snake had little gray color if at all.
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| Name: |
longtimer
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| Subject: |
Why is anyone surprised?
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Date:
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9/6/2006 2:46:16 PM
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Why is anyone surprised that more snakes are being seen these days? Their habitat has always been woodlands, empty sloughs, and other undeveloped areas. Now those areas are vanishing at a frightening pace, which means two things:
1. There are fewer places for the snakes to hide
2. There are more people moving into what once were isolated, snakey places.
You think you've seen a lot of snakes this year? Just wait; it's going to get worse, at least for several years, until the developers have turned the lake into something that is unsuitable for snakes... and other living creatures (including humans.)
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| Name: |
Pier Pressure
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| Subject: |
Snakes in water
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Date:
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9/6/2006 4:56:48 PM
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Has to be better than "Snakes on a plane" lol
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| Name: |
WSMS
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| Subject: |
Because...
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Date:
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9/7/2006 1:14:13 PM
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you're talking about the same people who move to a house in the woods, and then complain that the deer are eating their flowers. In other words, they're a little lacking in the common sense and/or environmental awareness departments.
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| Name: |
JUA
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| Subject: |
Diamondback?
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Date:
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9/8/2006 9:28:03 AM
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I know snakes and I saw a 7 foot Eastern Diamondback killed in Randolph Co, north of the lake. There are quite a few true eastern diamondbacks in Randolph Co. Sometimes you'll find the FLA diamonback in south Alabama and it gets confused with the eastern.
The timber rattlers are there, too, but they smell different.
They're just trying to eake out a living, so they'll naturally come in close contact with people who are in their habitat.
I've only seen one cottonmouth up here in middle Tennessee, but copperheads are everywhere. And they can't rattle. Don't forget that you probably won't see a copperhead in a few more weeks when the leaves fall.
Keep the grass mowed and the place cleaned up. There won't be any food for the rattlers and they'll go where there is food. But those cottonmouths just seem to show up everywhere, though. I guess they're more curious about things.
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| Name: |
WSMS
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| Subject: |
Try again?
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Date:
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9/11/2006 11:24:50 AM
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The experts don't agree with you:
"There is no such thing as a "Florida Diamondback" Rattlesnake - they are all Eastern Diamondbacks Crotalus adamanteous. There is a Diamondback Watersnake Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer, but how anyone could confuse this with an Eastern Diamondback back is beyond me."
"Eastern Diamondbacks are the only diamondbacked rattlesnakes in Alabama and they only make it as far north as the Red Hills (southern Barbour county). They don't get near Randolph county according to records.
The proof is in the pudding. Get one of these experts to show you a photo or better yet, a specimen from this area. It would be a significant range extension north.
And there is only one Diamondback found anywhere in the Southeast - the Eastern Diamondback. There is no such thing as a Florida Diamondback."
"I'll reiterate my earlier comment: ask them to supply just ONE range map that shows Diamondbacks in Randolph County, and/or just ONE legitimate reference book that differentiates between the Eastern Diamondback (Crotalus adamanteus) and a Florida Diamondback. I predict that you'll get a lot of bluster and "I know what I think and that's good enough for me!" indignation, but you WON'T get the range map nor the reference book."
URL: People who should know say:
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