A Mood Killer

[Old Dude]

Hi all. I decided to hunt some gravel and sand bars in a nearby creek today for more jewelry. I went to a stretch I had never been to and after a short hike through the woods, along a railroad and across the rail trestle, I found myself walking quickly along a narrow path that paralleled the creek. While scanning the creek for likely spots, with my detector on my shoulder, I saw this just in time. I am no expert but it has the markings of a copperhead, even though it is the darkest color I have seen one in, if this is what it turns out to be. The bronze markings sure give credence that it may be to me even though it's head doesn't appear to be triangular ( I am assuming they have triangular heads ). After trying to move it from the path with a stick, I hastily retreated when it whirled VERY fast to see what was attacking it from the rear. I do not like snakes, lol. I was forced to detect one small area since I did not have any wading gear with me. The snake was always present in my thoughts, lol. BTW, nothing of interest found.....just a few old can tops and a brass compression fitting under the rail trestle. Anyone able to identify the snake for me? Thanks for looking and be careful out there.

 

[Jeff H]

That is a Northern Water snake. Can give you a good bite but not venomous.

 

[arrowhead82]

yea, we get a lot of snakes up here but not many are venomous. I actually kind of like them because they take care of mice and vermin, but when one starts slithering towards you when you are digging a target, I agree, it is a bit unnerving.
HH

 

[g-olden years]

Glad it wasn't a copperhead, & you were right to be cautious. Copperheads often have other copperhead buddies around, yucch. BTW, most snake bites occur due to people poking them with sticks or otherwise messing around with them, and those bitten people are usually men - just a clue to merely remove yourself from the scene next time instead of trying to move a snake you don't recognize. BETTER DETECTING LUCK NEXT TIME! Andi

 

[vpnavy]

Nice finds Old Dude. Thanks for sharing...

 

[AU Seeker]

Definitely a watersnake, look at it's eyes in your first picture, they have round pupils, all north american poisonous snakes with the exception of the Coral snake have elliptical pupils (like a cat's eyes), but you did well on watching where you were stepping/walking!!

So next time you're unsure, pickup the snake and look it directly in the eyes!!! , I'm just joking, so PLEASE don't try that!!!

 

[RelicDude]

Nice northern water snake don't pick it up there known to musk and it smells discussing.

 

[doc-d]

Then there is option B.......the snake resolution device.......whatever pistol is with you at time...........

 

[Old Dude]

Then there is option B.......the snake resolution device.......whatever pistol is with you at time...........

I grew up being taught that the only good snake is a dead snake. I guess that's why I fear them. Today I go with "live and let live". The snake did not attack me. It was only doing what they do: lying in the sun, waiting for a meal to happen by. My neighbors complain about the black bears that wander through our neighborhood constantly during the fall while trying to fatten themselves up for winter. The fact I can see wildlife is a major plus in my location to me. We share this world. We do not own it.