Northern Cottonmouth

Yes, well "stories" from the public are many times not what actually happened. And considering most people can't tell a harmless water snake from a cottonmouth, that discredits their stories even more. I assure you that I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to this stuff. Please update your spotting with the common and scientific names since the ID has been confirmed for you, thanks.

I've heard many stories in the south stating the exact opposite. You should watch out for cotton mouths not copperheads.

I agree Ashley. Copperheads 'stay put.' A lot of people around here are bitten when they put their hands/arms into vegetation (shrubs etc.) while gardening, without first looking to see if it's occupied by a Copperhead.

This snake didn't mind me backing my car up getting out and taking a few photos. Then went on his way. Thinking he was just mad at the car passing.

It's a big part of why copperheads account for the majority of venomous snake bites in the areas they are found in. Yes, they blend in well and people don't see them. But if you step on or near one, there's a good chance you will be bit. I've seen so many people step right next to a cottonmouth, or on it, and the snake just tries to get away.

Interesting.... I've not found Copperheads to be aggressive.

Cottonmouth are not aggressive. Of course it struck at a car driving by, a car is huge compared to it and it thinks it's going to kill it. The hundreds and hundreds of cottonmouths I have seen have either all fled, or coiled up and gaped. Nothing more. Copperheads? They are aggressive. Cottonmouths are not. All the bites I know of from cottonmouths are from people playing with them. Which is stupid.

Please tell me you weren't actually that close to an angry Cottonmouth...? They can be quite aggressive.

Yes, a cottonmouth. Scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus