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Snake found in yard
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by willie42408 on May 24, 2003
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My brother found a snake in the yard today and I wasn't sure what it was so I tought maybe you guys could help. It looks to be about 2 feet long maybe a little more. Its body is very thick and tan with black markings. Its head is arrow shaped and either very dark brown or black. Its scales look rough not like the smooth scaled snakes I am used to seeing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much in advance.
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RE: Snake found in yard
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by Parcelmouth on May 25, 2003
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Hello,
It is very hard to determine species of snake from a general description.If you live close to a pond,creek or water source(even a fountain or drainage ditch in your yard....has happened before)The desciption you give sounds like a western cottonmouth(Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma)There range includes Western Kentucky.However,many common non venomous water snakes(i.e. genus Natrix)look like cottonmouths in pattern,color,shape /texture of scales,some can even compress(for lack of a better word)there heads to give it a triangular appearance,like a pit viper would naturally have.It can even be hard for an expierienced person to tell with only a quick glance.Where I live(Mississippi) every snake some one sees in the water or around water is automatically a "cottonmouth water moccasin"and many many non venomous water snakes are killed(not that I think killing venomous snakes is any better but I can understand if you have children in the same area and not to many people would take the time,trouble,and risk to relocate a venomous snake).A few things to look for to tell would be: 1 the snake gaping it mouth open showing a white interior(cottonmouth), 2. facial pits between nostral and eye(cottonmouths are pit vipers), 3.the pupils of the eye will be elliptical( like a cat) if eyes are round it is not a cottonmouth.These last two involve getting a good look at the snake and might be getting to close for comfort.Also you could compare pics off internet of cottonmouths and non venomous watersnakes.However,the best thing would to be to contact a local zoo, natural science museum or snakegetters on net(just run a search).They are usually good about removing snakes if it is needed at any rate you will be able to get a professional to identify the snake as venomous or not.That is if the snake keeps appearing in your yard.Also,thanks for posting your question most people would have just killed the snake and not even bothered to find out what it was or if it was dangerous or not.If I can be of any more help feel free it contact me via e-mail.
J.S.
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