As I traversed the auto tour road at Oklahoma’s Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I had a thrilling encounter with a Water Moccasin at the Sally Jones Causeway. This venomous snake was in the process of crossing the road, emerging from the water that bordered the south side of the road and making its way towards Sally Jones Lake to the north. Despite their fearsome reputation, Water Moccasins, also known as cottonmouths, are actually quite reclusive and will only attack humans if they feel threatened or provoked.
Water Moccasin In The Rocks
To capture a photo of this elusive creature, I carefully stepped out of my pickup and kept a safe distance while holding my camera and lens steady. Water Moccasins, which are often found in and around bodies of water such as swamps, lakes, and rivers, are known for their distinctive appearance. They have a thick, muscular body, and their skin is covered in dark, mottled scales that range from brown to black. Their most recognizable feature is the white, cotton-like lining of their mouth, which they display when they feel threatened.
Water Moccasins are well-adapted to their aquatic environment and are excellent swimmers. They can stay submerged for up to an hour and can move through the water with impressive speed and agility. While their venom is highly potent, Water Moccasins are generally not aggressive towards humans and will usually retreat if given the chance. However, it is always best to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Gear Used:
- Camera:Â Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF100-500Â mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: August 2, 2022 (07:43 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/500
- ISO: 1600 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1 EV
- Focal Length: 500 mm