The Moccasins 



of a uniform, dull olive brown or black, with little or no trace 

 of the markings. 



The very young specimens of this species somewhat resemble 

 the young of the Copperhead Snake, but may generally be recog- 

 nised by the situations in which they are found the immediate 

 vicinity of water. 



In general conformation, pattern and actions, the Water 

 Moccasin tallies with the popular idea of a poisonous snake. The 

 body is very stout in proportion to the length, while the head is 

 chunky and distinct from the neck. The large shields project 

 slightly over the top of the eyes, imparting a sinister, scowling 

 aspect; moreover, the tail tapers very abruptly from the body. 



Dimensions. The Water Moccasin is one of the largest of 

 the poisonous serpents inhabiting the United States. It attains 

 a length of five feet. Herewith are the measurements of a spec- 

 imen of average size captured in Hampton County, South Caro- 

 lina: 



Total Length 4 feet. 



Length of Tail 7^ inches. 



Diameter of Body 2f 



WidthofHead 4 



Length of Head 2\ 



The largest specimen examined by the writer measured 

 58^ inches in length, and 9! inches in circumference. It was 

 captured at Lake Kerr, Marion County, Florida. 



Distribution. In the Atlantic Coast region, the Moccasin 

 occurs from North Carolina, in the vicinity of the Neuse River, 

 southward throughout Florida ; thence it extends westward 

 into eastern Texas. Its range northward is up the valley of the 

 Mississippi into southern Illinois and Indiana. In those states 

 bordering the Mississippi River proper and its lower tributaries, 

 this snake is of general occurrence, although it is found in greatest 

 numbers along swampy areas of the Atlantic seaboard and the 

 Gulf of Mexico. 



Habits of the Water Moccasin 



In its native wilds the Water Moccasin is an irritable and 

 pugnacious reptile. After being a short time in captivity it 

 becomes tame, good-natured and lazy. Moreover it is very 



416 



