Water Moccasin Covered In Duckweed

Water Moccasin Emerging from the Water at SNWR

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I recently captured an image of a Water Moccasin at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. This venomous snake, also known as a Cottonmouth, was making its way from the water to the road, its scales adorned with small patches of green duckweed.

Water Moccasin Covered In Duckweed
Water Moccasin Covered In Duckweed

This moment highlighted the Water Moccasin’s ability to thrive in wetland habitats. The presence of duckweed emphasized its aquatic nature, blending into its environment as it moves between water and land. These snakes are semi-aquatic, often found in swamps, marshes, and other water-rich areas.

Some key details about this encounter:

  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma, a perfect environment for spotting wildlife like the Water Moccasin. The refuge features diverse habitats including wetlands, making it a prime location for snakes.
  • Behavior: The Water Moccasin was leaving the water, perhaps in search of prey or basking on the warm road surface to regulate its body temperature. This behavior is common as they use the sun to warm up after being in cooler waters.
  • Identification: Water Moccasins can be identified by their thick, muscular bodies and distinctive blocky heads. The olive-brown coloring of the snake in this shot, with the patches of duckweed, helped it blend seamlessly with its environment.
  • Safety: While photographing venomous snakes like this one, maintaining distance is key. Water Moccasins are known for their defensive postures, often showing the white of their mouths as a warning.

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge offers many opportunities for observing wildlife in their natural habitat. This encounter with the Water Moccasin was a reminder of the incredible adaptability and survival tactics of wildlife.

Capturing these moments requires patience and awareness, especially in environments where venomous wildlife like Water Moccasins may be present. This photograph of the Water Moccasin, adorned with duckweed, serves as a unique glimpse into its aquatic life and its skill in moving through the varied landscapes of Oklahoma’s wetlands.