Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Pat B on July 19, 2012, 11:52:00 am

Title: snake ID
Post by: Pat B on July 19, 2012, 11:52:00 am
I killed this snake on my front lawn this morning. I didn't think it was a copperhead because it was so dark but it had an arrowhead shaped head and struck(with a white mouth) at my walking stick so I whacked him with my stick. I always cut a snakes head off and bury it and I checked ant this one had teeth but no fangs. I'm thinking a water snake but this guy(gal) was well above our creek near out rock garden. When I was skinning her I found she had eggs inside.
  I normally would not kill a non poisonous snake. If I knew for sure she was not poisonous I would have let her be.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/snake001.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/snake003.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/snake002.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/snake004.jpg)
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: osage outlaw on July 19, 2012, 12:17:30 pm
Pat, I killed a snake exactly like that this summer at the inlaws lake property.  It had eggs in it also.  I think it is some kind of water snake.  It was very thick and powerful for its length.  It had a partially digested 6" fish in its stomach.


Let me get a picture of the skin from mine and compare it to yours.  Maybe we can work out a trade one way or the other.
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: gstoneberg on July 19, 2012, 03:10:28 pm
Looks like a water snake to me too.  I've seen moccasins colored not much different than that...I probably would have killed it too and I don't kill many snakes...unless I'm working on a bow.

George
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: osage outlaw on July 19, 2012, 03:25:51 pm
Here is the picture of the watersnake.  It has 29" of usable skin with a slight tear on the head end.  The pattern was a  little brighter before I dried it.


(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC14913.jpg)
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: madcrow on July 19, 2012, 03:48:56 pm
Pat, looks like a watersnake.  I catch them in the minnow trap.  If you kept the skin, I may have a match for it if you want It.
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: bowtarist on July 19, 2012, 05:19:44 pm
Norther Water Snake is what we call em.  They are killed all the time because people think they are copper heads.  They have a similar color, but it's reversed...I think on the copper head the hour glass is the dark ring.  And yes, they are aggresive and will bite if messed with very much.  I'm no snake pro, but I live on a creek and that is one of the snakes we see regularly.  dp
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: Hillbilly on July 20, 2012, 12:50:06 am
Yep, that's a Northern water snake. I've seen them a long ways from water a few times over the years. And they're not friendly at all. ;D
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: Pat B on July 20, 2012, 01:26:34 am
Steve, I killed a small copperhead down near the barn the other day. It was in the weeds and my stick had no mercy so not much left of it.
  This snake was up by the house. Probably 50'(vertically) above the creek. As much rain as we have had lately maybe she thought she was in the creek!  ;D
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: criveraville on July 20, 2012, 03:14:11 am
Pat, it's a "Red Belly Water snake." That's what they are officially called. Pretty pattern. Aggressive snakes.

Cipriano
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: TRACY on July 20, 2012, 10:28:38 am
I won't be giving you a hard time at the classic if you have a stick handy >:D Pat, do you mind if I use the dissection pic with eggs in the classroom?

Tracy
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: FlintWalker on July 21, 2012, 11:02:24 am
It is 100% a Northern Water snake.  The big females like that seem to travel a lot about this time of year. Check out the last bow Will H. posted if ya want to see what they look like on a bow.
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: Will H on July 23, 2012, 02:54:00 pm
Well like Shannon said that's a northern watersnake. I haven't posted the bow yet though...my computer has been giving me serious fits. Should post it up in a week or so. It's SUPER snakey :) and those northern watersnakes rival copperheads in my opinion  :o
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: osage outlaw on July 23, 2012, 06:52:00 pm
I saved the belly skin from mine.  It is sweet looking.
Title: Re: snake ID
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on July 23, 2012, 08:46:40 pm
Here are some pics of a red belly water snake eating a frog.
(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x460/beetle_bailey1977/snakeeatfrog2.jpg)
(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x460/beetle_bailey1977/snakeeatfrog.jpg)