Does anyone know snakes on here?

[CSK22]

They are fascinating creatures to watch. I love them, if you weren't so far away I'd take it off your hands for you.

Last time I went camping I shot, killed, skinned, and ate a rat snake. Probly not the safest thing to do in most peoples eyes, but it was good and I was hungry.

 

[Jack Ryan]

I told my wife to go grab my gun, she brought out my 870 with 12 gauge Honady TAP in it......................

"Sure ya used enough dynamite there Butch?"

 

[M4Madness]

Did you happen to see the coloring on the snake's underside? My guess would be a black rat snake due to your description of it regarding main color and size. I never kill snakes. I just mess with them a little, then relocate them to a safe place. I caught this beautiful black rat snake at my brother's house last year:

 

[redneckmedic]

Does anyone know snakes?

I have met a few of the mods.... does that count?

 

[MoparMan]

I have met a few of the mods.... does that count?

 

[edsinger]

Eastern Cottonmouth? Is that a term for a Copperhead?


Anyhow, I have a quick way to determine poisonous snakes from non-poisonous.

Nonpoisonous snakes have two rows of scales between the vent and the tip of the tail, while
poisonous snakes have only one row.



Of course, you have to be careful in using this method to determine this. I still fear the Cottonmouth. As a kid, they were the worst. Very aggressive and territorial. My dogs protected me more times than I can count scooting through the Bayou's.

 

[Deadly Z Driver]

Eastern Cottonmouth? Is that a term for a Copperhead?


Anyhow, I have a quick way to determine poisonous snakes from non-poisonous.

Nonpoisonous snakes have two rows of scales between the vent and the tip of the tail, while
poisonous snakes have only one row.



Of course, you have to be careful in using this method to determine this. I still fear the Cottonmouth. As a kid, they were the worst. Very aggressive and territorial. My dogs protected me more times than I can count scooting through the Bayou's.

I normally see Cottonmouth referring to Water Moccasins but some refer to copperheads as well they are closely related.
That may be a little hard for someone who doesn't know their way around a snake... lol

 

[edsinger]

Copperheads are different from actual Cottonmouths. 20 years ago they were not even in Southern Illinois/Indiana. Since they have moved that far north. Here is the best map that I can find.

 

[Jack Ryan]

If yer afraid of snakes, then just leave 'em alone. Problem solved.

The Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management

Copperhead

Cotton mouth

Timber rattlers

All found state wide south of Indianapolis. They love to come out and sun themselves in the open deer and foot paths deer, turkey and hunters use. Many time spending the dark hours on the open paths warmed the previous day in the sun or near the path where they can catch the first warming rays of the morning sun. They've been know to slide up a hunters pant leg seeking the dark warmth of an open pant leg as a hunters sit leaning against a tree in the dark awaiting the dawn gobble of a turkey.

They might even be attracted to the contented cluck and purr of an unsuspecting "hen" feeding, building a nest, or tending eggs an egg sucking timber rattler may be hearing the leaves rustle lightly as she scratches and clucks, or he might be surprised when he pops out of that hollow tree or from under the downed log or rock pile to find be big scary city boy he'll have to bite.

 

[jeremy]

Didn't use to mind snakes to much...

Until I woke up with a Sidewinder in my sleeping bag... Changed my whole outlook on snakes that did.

 

[edsinger]

Didn't use to mind snakes to much...

Until I woke up with a Sidewinder in my sleeping bag... Changed my whole outlook on snakes that did.

I believe I would have ed me pants!

 

[Deadly Z Driver]

I believe I would have ed me pants!

I will second that!

 

[mconley]

Timber rattle snakes are becomming thick thru out the forests in indiana now.

 

[Deadly Z Driver]

Timber rattle snakes are becomming thick thru out the forests in indiana now.

Did you snap that picture?

 

[mconley]

no sir, complements of google

 

[mconley]

Did see one the other day at mounds state park, and last year at brown county park. Mounds kinda supprised me, I was not aware they were that far north in Indiana. Didnt have my camera. Sahsa ( my new 6month old puppie ) spooked it, then thought it was a toy. Luckily It decided to only rattle, scared me more than the dog.

 

[Beau]

I get so mad where I live. It's almost 20 miles of dirt road to the area I live in. The snakes tend to sun on the road in the evening. People run over them on purpose. The two most common out here are bull and rat'lers. If I see one I stop and get them off the road.

 

[pute62]

I don't like spiders or snakes... but that ain't what it takes to love me! ... Ya fool ,Ya fool. Sorry, I couldn't get that song out of my head.

 

[Chondro788]

Did see one the other day at mounds state park, and last year at brown county park. Mounds kinda supprised me, I was not aware they were that far north in Indiana. Didnt have my camera. Sahsa ( my new 6month old puppie ) spooked it, then thought it was a toy. Luckily It decided to only rattle, scared me more than the dog.

If this was truely a Timber, you need to let DNR know. This would be extremely far north in Indiana to find one. And being that they are state endangered in Indiana, I'm sure they would appreciate it. My only question is, could it have been an eastern massasauga? They are found in the northern part of the state, and again this would be rare for it to be this far south, but it would make more sense then the timber. Here is a pic of the massasauga. They are a small rattlesnake, usually under 24" as an adult. They are also rare to see, and state endangered, so again you should let the DNR kn ow that you saw one. Another great group to ask questions, and to let know about the rattlenskes you come across is the Hoosier Herpetological Scoiety. You can find more info at Hoosier Herpetological Society Great bunch of people!!

 

[Chondro788]

Also, as an avid snake enthusiast, I am proud of all the members who leave these great animals alone!! They really are important to the ecosystem and deserve a spot in our forest along with all the other animals we love to see and hunt.