Thank you, Mr. Cottonmouth!

  My morning hike to the pier found me visiting with one of the most feared denizens of the Bayou.  Just at the spot where the marsh ends and water begins, a snake came out of the grass and onto the mudflat. Oh, my!  What a beauty!  I was literally in awe.  A cottonmouth moccasin was just a few feet from me.  Since neither the snake nor I felt threatened, I was able to take dozens of photographs before sitting back to enjoy its company.  I was on the pier which put me out of range for a strike had the snake wanted to do so but never once did it show that it was ill at ease.  

  Cottonmouths are falsely accused of being aggressive.  My encounter today proved that.  A strike by one is not something to take lightly.  Their fangs can pack a wallop! Moccasins are highly venomous but are not out to stalk and attack people. They become defensive if threatened or are cornered.  The snake on the mudflats had no reason to be upset.  We had a mutual respect for each other and just showed a bit of curiosity about the other's life.  After a bit, the snake slowly went on its way and I did the same.  

  My excitement over finding a cottonmouth stayed with me the entire day.  It actually has been a while since I have seen one around the Bayou.  Usually, there are more water snakes than moccasins calling the place home.  Personally, I am elated to have found this one if for no other reason than I will now be a bit more cautious about where I step.  I have a tendency to become lackadaisical about keeping a watchful eye out for dangers that may lie in my pathway.  I am more prone to be eyeing a bird on the wing or a strange looking bug than where I am putting my feet!  Thank you, Mr. Cottonmouth, for keeping my priorities straight!