Florida Cottonmouth [Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti]

Florida Cottonmouth [Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti]

This chubby little fellow was found laying in the middle of a forest road on the campus of the University of North Florida in southeastern Duval County, Florida on August 20, 2006. Although the specimen initially appeared to be alert, as this scribe approached to within a few feet of the serpent without eliciting any reaction, it became apparent that he was probably enjoying a nap. However, when lightly prodded with a stick he attempted to flee the area at high speed - being seriously hampered in this endeavor by his prodigious girth.