Cottonmouth-ready to strike!

: Cottonmouth-ready to strike!; Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorous I was laying on my belly photographing a small skipper and when I got up, I notice this guy not 6 foot from where my head was on the ground.; Created by: Rlephoto.; Tools Used: Canon 10D, 180mm macro lens, 550 EX flash; Created on: April 2003; Image Views: 1,988; Average Views per Day: 1.6; Image Number: 9669

Comments:

Vla from North Dakota, on Jun 26, 2008 at 1:32 PM said:

It's a great photo! I would not have stopped to take the picture, I would have ran and missed the opportunity! I'm glad you weren't hurt.

Tania (TMR8) from New Zealand on Aug 26, 2005 at 8:55 PM said:

What an amaising situation and photo. My husband and daughters are snake mad. I am in awe of them but to be so close, you are very brave, and obvoiusly think clearly under presure. Very clear and well possitioned. You must be proud!!

Alandra from southwestern BC Canada on Jun 1, 2005 at 11:56 PM said:

ooooh, it's taken me a longtime to actually LOOK at this shot. It's a great shot, but am totally Not a snake person. Bears fine, but not snakes, LOL

Like May, I had also been wondering how you had the presence of mind to take the photo! Today I had a hummingbird come right up and stick it's beak up to my camera lens, as I was sitting at the open window directly below it's feeder (territory), and I was so totally amazed that I couldn't think what to do, except I knew not to use the flash, as at that close range, would have harmed it, am sure. But as well as being sooo close to the lens, then it went a short distance from me and hovered. But I was so entranced I couldn't act, LOL

Nate on May 14, 2005 at 3:48 PM said:

I love snakes, especially poisonous ones. So, I love this shot and am envious you got so close.

Dud from Louisiana on Apr 19, 2005 at 1:44 PM said:

I am with Brian about the snake bite kit. This is a great shot!! I am glad it did not bite you. I have seen cotton mouths move fast. You are some lucky.

May from Bayou George, FL on Apr 19, 2005 at 1:16 PM said:

This is an incredible shot. How did you manage the presence of mind to take it? I had one masquerading as a limb at less distance than yours. Big around as a man's bicep and about 4 ft. long. Head was raised to eye level as I was looking at some moss. Did I RUN!

Brian from Utah on Apr 10, 2005 at 11:19 PM said:

I love the shot. I'm a bit afraid of poisonous snakes, but I've always wanted to get a shot of a open-mouthed snake like this. By the way, I hope you have a good snake bite kit, just in case!

Gary Minniss from Arizona on Mar 29, 2005 at 1:35 AM said:

Excellent shot, Randy. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos with us.

Mary Sham from Pittsburgh, PA on Mar 29, 2005 at 12:53 AM said:

This photo is awesome. Thanks for sharing all of your nature shots Randy, plus the Latin names. mary

km from TX on Mar 28, 2005 at 3:43 AM said:

I, too, noticed that the fangs were not raised, so I think I was flashing its white mouth to scare you off. Most are not anxious to use precious venon if they can avoid it. Great shot. You have a great collection. Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing your talent!

Vicki (TravlynWomyn) from Virginia, today on Mar 28, 2005 at 1:11 AM said:

I'm not a great snake person, but this is one amazing shot. Congratulations!

Austin from Georgia on Mar 28, 2005 at 12:35 AM said:

Great angle! Beautiful shot!

Shutterbug from Maine on Mar 28, 2005 at 12:16 AM said:

Very Scarey but great clear and sharp picture.

Carol

Randy Emmitt from Durham, NC on Mar 28, 2005 at 12:03 AM said:

This photo shows you why they are called cottonmouths. It didn't raise its fangs at me, the photo was ttaken from about 3-4 foot away.

Zoya from CT USA on Mar 27, 2005 at 11:44 PM said:

I would not want to get caught in that situation. Glad you dd not get hurt by it

Random Images by Rlephoto