© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 104483276 - Cottonmouth; Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Richmond County, Georgia. January 1, 2022.
As I as leaving Phinizy Swamp after a 7.5 mile hike that took several hours, I was approaching the bridge over Butler Creek when I noticed a couple staring down into the waters below. “What did I miss?”, I asked. They pointed down below to a young Cottonmouth coiled on a cypress knee. “Thanks!”, I exclaimed as I fired off a few shots. I then began scanning the stumps and debris below to find another, no three… four… five total Cottonmouths! It seemed the 81 degree January day was being enjoyed by more than just the human hikers.
The Northern Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a venomous snake often called a Water Moccasin in many areas. Like rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, meaning it has two heat sensing pits near its nostrils. They are usually fairly thick snakes with a mostly brown coloration, and a pattern of crossbands that is more distinct in younger individuals.
New Year's Day at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia
©williamwisephoto.com Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
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Very cool journal entry and wonderful images, William. I enjoy each one and this is one of my faves to date.
@nbdragonflyguy Thanks so much! I was quite excited to find all those little Cottonmouths! William
so cool! now i know where to go to get my lifer!
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