Cottonmouth Display

[rpk717]

I shot this guy on one of the outings to Beidler Forest. It's a very good place to go in the Lowcountry of SC for a variety of subjects.

[mark]

It seems like these are the only things that I ever see there! I had a copper head wrap around a tripod leg once there! I like this image but would love to see one head on looking at you as well!

[Photobiologist]

Cool image of a nicely colored specimen! As many snake pix as I have, I don't have a decent cottonmouth in its threat display! Thanks for sharing.

[mrsisu]

A very nice shot. Was he just yawning or about to do something more serious!? Robert is correct Beidler April - mid June is loaded and worth visiting.

[rpk717]

A very nice shot. Was he just yawning or about to do something more serious!? Robert is correct Beidler April - mid June is loaded and worth visiting.

I've heard a couple "reasons" why they open their mouths. One is as a warning display and another that seems odd is it's a way for the cottonmouth to collect information. While most think the cottonmouth is aggressive, I've been told they are actually just very curious and will approach you to find out what you are.

I think Mark is just going at the wrong times of the year, in the Spring there are many things in Beidler to shoot.

[mark]

Hmm, Robert you could be correct about that. I have only been there 3 or 4 times and I have been very dissipointed every time. I keep hearing about great images of the wildlife but I keep missing it!

Oh well....