I found this Water Moccasin near Miner’s Cove at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Duckweed clung to its body and gave the roadside scene a strong wetland feel.
This was not a long encounter. I made a few careful photos, kept my distance, and let the snake move on.
Duckweed Water Moccasin Crossing at Miner’s Cove
I had just parked my pickup near Miner’s Cove when the Water Moccasin started crossing the road in front of me. The snake had duckweed on it, which likely came from the nearby water.
It was May 22, 2023, at 9:04 A.M. The setting fit the subject well. Miner’s Cove has wetland edges, water, road access, and plenty of places where snakes can move between cover and water.
The snake raised its head off the ground while I watched it. I saw that as a clear sign that it knew I was there. I did not want to crowd it or make it stay exposed longer than needed.
Water Moccasins are venomous snakes, so I treated the encounter with caution. I did not try to handle it, move it, or get close for a better angle.
I have photographed a similar scene before, and that post is here: Water Moccasin Emerging from the Water at SNWR.
Photographing the Snake from a Safe Distance
People often ask how close I get when I photograph snakes. The answer is simple. I stay back and use a long lens.
For this photo, I used the reach of a 500mm focal length. That let me make a detailed image without stepping too close to the snake.
My pickup gave me the starting point for the encounter. I got out carefully, watched the snake’s behavior, and made only a few frames.
The main goal was to record the moment without changing it. When the snake was ready to continue across the road, I let it go without more pressure.
Camera details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date and time: May 22, 2023, 9:04 A.M.
- Aperture: f/10
- Shutter speed: 1/1000
- ISO: 500, Auto
- Exposure compensation: +0.3
- Focal length: 500mm
This Water Moccasin reminded me why I slow down on refuge roads. Snakes often cross open gravel or pavement as they move through their habitat.
It bothers me when people intentionally run over snakes. They are part of the ecosystem, and they help control prey populations, including rodents.
A safe distance, a long lens, and a little patience can make a big difference. I got the photo, the snake kept moving, and the encounter ended the way it should.