Snakes That You Should Watch Out For While Fishing
Fishermen in many parts of the country have to keep an eye out for snakes while they are fishing. Many species of venomous snakes can often be found in areas that are popular fishing spots. It is important for a fisherman to be educated about what snakes can be found in the area that they will be fishing as well as how to properly take caution. This article describes the most common types of snakes that one should watch out for as well as how to identify them.
There are a few important things to consider about snakes before I go into much more detail:
1. Snakes are not vicious and aggressive. They are actually the opposite. They are shy and retiring. As long as you do not corner them or step on them they will not respond aggressively.
2. Most snakes that you will come across are not venomous. In the United States there are far more non-venomous snakes than venomous.
Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem and are creatures to be respected so if you see a snake… don’t just kill it!!!
The Cottonmouth/ Water Moccasin
The Cottonmouth is a common species of snake near waterways throughout the south and southeast. Cottonmouths are venomous and are dangerous. Cottonmouths are relatively stout bodied snakes that are dark or blotched in pattern. They can often be found right at the edge of lakes and rivers in the southeast and fishermen must be cautious when fishing in such areas that they do not step on a cottonmouth. There are many species of non-venomous water snakes that look strikingly similar to cottonmouths. Cottonmouths can be identified by their flared out heads, vertical pupils, heat sensing pits and white interior of the mouth.
Copperheads
Copperheads are common in the eastern parts of the United States. They are not so closely associated with water as is the cottonmouth; however, they are often found in leaf litter or rocky areas nearby water. Copperheads are brownish or orange snakes with flared out heads and vertical pupils. They are definitely worth watching out for as you are trampling through the forest to your favorite fishing hole.
Coral snakes
Coral snakes are brightly colored, beautiful snakes that have red, white/ yellow and black bands. They are found in the southeast and parts of the southwestern United States. Coral snakes are not aggressive and are not really a threat. Most of the time their mouths are too small to even inject you with venom. Consider yourself fortunate if you get to see one.
Rattlesnakes
There are dozens of species of rattlesnakes in the United States. None are known for being particularly closely associated with water, however, many are found in the vicinity of water.
Part of the reason that snakes have such a poor reputation is because many people are uneducated about them. Do your part to help educate people by posting on fishing forums and blogs about how important snakes are to the ecosystem.
