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advice on discouraging the presence of cottonmouth
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by hertfordnc on April 9, 2013
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Greetings,
I hope this is appropriate use of this forum.
I bought a property with a .2 acre stagnant pond, completely overgrown in and around the water. It is an ideal habitat for rodents, particularly Nutria as well as mice. There are a few small fish and lots of bugs.
Obviously this is ideal Cottonmouth habitat and my neighbors are grateful that i have taken over the property and will hopefully reduce the snake presence which is apparently quite severe.
I have two small boys and I'd like for them to enjoy and become educated in nature . i don't intend to kill any snakes, but i would like to understand their prefernces and habits well enough to minimize their presence in my yard.
The pond is adjacent to a bay, notorious for watersnakes.
For aesthetic reasons i plan to remove all the growth in the pond (trees and shrubs) and remove most of the growth around the pond to make lawn and walking paths.
What else can you tell me about their habits and habitat that would help? Would it help to agitate the water? maybe a fountain?
What do they dislike?
Thanks
Dave
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RE: advice on discouraging the presence of cottonm
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by Crotalusssp on April 9, 2013
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My first question is whether or what you have is actual cottonmouths (Agkistrodon) or rather just water snakes (Nerodea) or both. Cottonmouths in my experience are either non-existant in areas or very common. Some folks say you do not find both water snakes and Cottonmouths in the same area, but I do not prescribe to that thinking as I have seen them together in an area. Best advice for discouraging from areas such as yards is to keep in neat and uncluttered. Grass mowed, no junk/trash/yard materials in piles around. I appreciate your attitude of not needlessly killing the snakes. It may turn out your have a high concentration of Water snakes, Genus Nerodea, and little or no Cottonmouths. The two Genus of snakes get misidentified frequently and confused for each other, especially water snakes for Cottons. Water snakes are non-venomous, but quite prolific and can be found in very high concentrations in small areas. Litters of young can number in 80's I believe. Attempt to find a local knowledgeable individual to come and identify species they find. I did not look on your profile as to your location, but since you mentioned Nutria, I believe you are far from me. Someone on here may see your location and offer to come and check the area out for you. I would if I was close. Once you know what type of snakes are in the area, you may feel better. In the mean time keep your yard and area around the pond free of clutter and neatly mowed. Good luck.
Charles
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RE: advice on discouraging the presence of cottonm
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by hertfordnc on April 9, 2013
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Thanks for the reply. I am in Northeast NC.
Yes, we are only talking about the venomous water moccasin, cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus. Yes, we know they are commonly confused with harmless watersnakes. The back story is that i wanted this house and my wife didn't so I've given some effort to minimizing the poterntial snake problem and if i could tell her they are just water snakes i would have, but local knowledge and my own eyewitness look into the white cottony mouth of one, have me pretty convinced they are more dangerous reptile.
We will definitely push back the lawn to the edge of the pond but there is plenty of good habitat for them nearby, i'd like to understand them well enough to compel thme to choose to live elsewhere.
My neighbors tell me they frequently travel from the pond to the canal that leads to the bay (coinjock Bay, Currituck Sound) That would have them slithering acrosss my tightly mowed grass where they might encounter my curious toddlers.
Thanks
Dave
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RE: advice on discouraging the presence of cottonm
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by agkistrodude on April 9, 2013
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Food, and shelter are the 2 things the snakes will mostly be looking for. Unless you get rid of the pond completely, the food will still be available. Cleaning it up and removing cover/hiding places is going to be your best bet. And that will also get rid of some, but not all of the food source too. Frogs, mice and rats don't like manicured lawns either. Good luck and take care, Marty
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RE: advice on discouraging the presence of cottonm
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by jared on April 25, 2013
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Dave Email me through my profile on here and we can chat. I frequent hertford, and am quite familar with how abundant cottons can be on the sounds. I have several friends in the area as well who could help. Feel free to email or call.
Jared Watts
Dasnakecharma@hotmail.com
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RE: advice on discouraging the presence of cottonm
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by WADD on April 28, 2013
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Teach your family members first how to truly identify the snakes that you have concerns about and teach them not to bother them! The cottonmouth contrary to what many people think is not an aggressive snake! They can be territorial but only from the aspect of taking notice of things (intruders) in the their vicinity. Most predatory animals will do this. Remember that you have moved into an area where venomous snakes naturally occur and that at any time one may be encountered. Its great to have varietys of wildlife flurishing in your area venomous or not. People in Florida complain about alligators and cottonmouths but they move and buy homes where these animals live. Even if you dont care for a particular animal you can still learn to appreciate the value of all naturally occurring wildlife. I love the cottonmouths and have kept and collected'bred and raised all 3 forms. I find them all really amazing and facinating to observe, I have never been attact by one, chased, or any of the misleading things that we hear about them. So again, I would teach your family members how to identify, observe, and appreciate all of your local wildlife. Even the venomous ones. Remember most accidents with these animals happen when people molest them in some way. They do blend in very well,and thats why its important to learn to pay attention to where you step,and develope an eye for wildlife!Good-Luck with your cool new home and the great wildlife around your pond. Mr.Scott
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