I don't know much about snakes other than STAY AWAY, but I think this is definitely a Cottonmouth. If anyone thinks differently let me know and I'll change the title. This snake is indeed poisonous. I captured these photos during a walk along Back Bay in Virginia Beach. I was on a wooden walkway build just above the marsh below. He seemed rather content to stay put and have his picture taken. I didn't turn my back to him until there was ample distance between us.

aaaaaa....thats me screamimg and running away fast! susjustjake · 2010-05-17: 17:51

aaaaaa....thats me screamimg and running away fast! susjustjake · 2010-05-17: 17:51

Ray, you called it right! We have those in one of our golf ponds - we killed several babies last year near the green. The little ones are just as poisonous as a full-grown viper! Hope you took that with a zoom lens!! djnana · 2010-05-17: 18:19

Wow, the detail here makes it look as though you were close enough to reach out and touch him- but we're glad you weren't! drohask · 2010-05-17: 20:14

Wow Ray. . . have you lost your mind?!?!?! lol Really nice captures but YIKES. Hope you had on really thick, really tall boots. ????? · 2010-05-17: 20:29

I'm SO jealous Ray! When I go on my nature walks down here in Florida, my ultimate hope is to SAFELY encounter a snake like this and get photos of it! So far I've only encountered the black racer. I like the first photo the best :) brad1eymi11er · 2010-05-17: 20:44

Yep, that's a water mocassin (cottonmouth) alright. I'm surprised he just stayed put - they are normally pretty aggressive. Great shots, but I'm glad you kept your distance. lgnelson · 2010-05-17: 21:21

Yikes!! great pics... like the others said, be careful out there! paulamarquis · 2010-05-17: 22:46

Exactly, that's the one! Carefull with this snake. He is very agressive. Very nice capture. I'm jealous too. dico1 · 2010-05-18: 03:46

dear friend I hate snakes, but these are excellent pictures !! ;) Davorka · 2010-05-18: 03:51

take care it'll eat you!terrible guy! gonia · 2010-05-18: 05:32

Great catch!! agandia · 2010-05-18: 05:41

Wow!! Thank goodness for telephotos! Nicely done!! jeffcornish · 2010-05-18: 07:59

Fantastic capture! I don't like snakes either. My next door neighbour killed one in her backyard last week - that's too close for comfort! jet28 · 2010-05-18: 08:06

Oh awesome! ????? · 2010-05-18: 09:12

Awesome capture, I like snakes (I like all kind of animals:)) wildduck · 2010-05-18: 11:43

Holy cow! I wouldn't have been able to stay there for the pictures, not even with a telephoto lens. And now I know not to go walking in Virgina Beach Bay areas! Great shots though! darfoster · 2010-05-18: 11:49

Not a snake fan ... step on one as a kid ... photos are very realistic. ????? · 2010-05-18: 12:46

Whoaa!! Brilliant captures...I've never photographed a snake before :-)) ????? · 2010-05-20: 16:34

Tagged: snakes poisonous back