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CONSERVATION CORNER
For the week of August 27, 2007
Watch For Snakes While Scouting
by James L. Cummins

The arrival of the dove hunting season is accompanied by more activity in the outdoors. Along with an increase in outdoor activity comes an increase in encounters with reptiles. And when it comes to my favorite reptile – ole no-shoulders – everybody has their own story.

However, my column this week is not about how close I was to being bitten (because I was trying to catch a cottonmouth) or about my Grandfather (Arnold) Herring, when he was bitten by a chicken snake as he was gathering eggs one morning. It is about a type snake that is very common this time of year.

The two most common types of snakes we see around water in Mississippi are the diamondback water snake and the cottonmouth. In fact, both of these snakes are sometimes called "water moccasins." Many times these two snakes are mistaken for each other. Below, we'll discuss the diamondback water snake.

The diamondback water snake derives its name from the square to diamond-shaped dark bordered areas on its back. The border's dark lines are connected and constitute a chain-like configuration. For a non-poisonous snake, the diamondback water snake is very heavy bodied and can reach lengths of up to 63 inches. Males are slightly shorter than females.

Diamondback water snakes can be found in almost any type of wet area from slow flowing streams, rivers and bayous to non-flowing bodies of water such as cypress swamps, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. In the southern portion of Mississippi, diamondbacks can be found any time of the year. However, in the northern parts of our state, it must hibernate. Hibernation occurs in banks (not the money kind) and in muskrat or beaver lodges.

The diamondback water snake primarily feeds at night, but occasionally during the day, especially during the spring and fall. In summer, activity during the day is primarily limited to basking in the sun on banks, logs or overhanging tree limbs.

Breeding usually begins in April, soon after hibernation. Young are born August through October of the same year. The average size of broods is from 17 to 25.

Diamondback water snakes are opportunistic feeders. Fish, primarily slow-moving fish such as catfish, are their food of choice, though frogs make up a large portion of their diet. Crayfish and turtles are eaten occasionally.

Adult diamondback water snakes are preyed upon by cottonmouths, alligators, gars and otters. Humans kill the largest amount since this species of snake is mistaken for the cottonmouth.

When disturbed, diamondbacks quickly go to water. When handled, they can viciously bite and spray musk.