info needed on water mocassin..

[Yve]

I'm searching for information about its status, venom potency, habitat, nature (temperament and habits). Really as much info. as I can get. I've had trouble finding much on the net. Anyhow, the reason for my query is to gain knowledge to educate someone that owns land in this species habitat. He shoots them when he sees them. I don't think this is a necessary approach to protecting his well-being and his families(which is his reason for killing them). I know what to do when encountering an e. massasauga's and support stewardship activities. However, I do not know if these are different for the water moccasin. Please help me out, I want to provide this guy with some solid information and hopefully change his behaviour.

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

For westerns LD50 is of 4.844 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) and 2.044 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.).
(Uni of Queensland)

I normally find cottons down and around creeks and farm roads that intersect the areas. Marshes, bogs and very rarely lakes.
Most of the cottons I encounter are rather docile, even the one that actually 'chased' me some time ago turned out to be a decently calm animal. Cottons here are an everyday encounter as well, a fairly thick populations of them in nearly any creek or marsh. Not really common in lakes and ponds here, though I'm sure red neck fishermen are to account for that.

No one around me really cares what I say when it comes to any snake, much less cottons, however, taking them into the field seems to really spark up an interest with them, so maybe do a field day with it? Everyone here are quads freaks so when we ride we normally stop and check out the snakes we find, even the ones who use to shoot them on sight, so personal hands on is most possibly the best key.
Good luck,
Xain

[Yve]

thanks for the info. Xain, unfortunately I can't do a field day trip in cotton territory because I live in Ontario. I'm only trying to influence someone online.
Another question that came to mind is how to move one away from the vicinity of a house? Are they calm enough to be moved with a hook into a trash can? Or does it need to be pinned?

[MsTT]

Florida cottons in my experience are extremely calm. I understand that some animals from other localities can be a bit pissier, but I've worked with all three subspecies and found them all to be pleasant tempered and easy to manage on a snake hook.

WC adults calm down very quickly in captivity. For some reason the CB babies usually grow up to be royal buttheads. Not sure why this is.

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Where is this guy located?
If I would probably suggest a landowner to molest the animal into a trash can or some sort of large container. I normally can't keep a wild cotton to stay on a hook, after they figure their scare tatic isn't working, they'll throw some musk and take off. individuals will vary but not everyone has a hook and Im sure he has a large container and a broom so that may be the best bet.

I wouldn't suggest pinning, though the ones I have seem to handle it well, but not something that should just be done, especially by someone who has little knowldge in it.
Xain

[Yve]

not sure of his location so I don't know the subspecies. he does have a pond on his property and enjoys the watersnake inhabitants...go figure...the pond is an attraction for the cottonmouth too. I was hoping it could be coaxed into a trash can I wouldn't recommend pinning...but since my last post I don't think it matters..this guys outlook is that one less venomous snake on his property is one less risk for him.

[SCReptiles]

Where is your friend located? If he is a layperson, there is a very good chance he is dealing with a water snake and only thinks it’s a true cotton. Also, I have some info on cottons, including some articles I have authored. Give me your email addy and I will send them to you. thanks –chuck

[Yve]

I'll try and find out his location..the guy is not a friend..just someone I got into a heated discussion with on a forum. I thought he might be mistaking watersnakes as well so I gave him a description. I sent you a pm. thanks Chuck.

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Chuck, if you dont mind, would you send the articles to me as well? Cottons are one of my favorite hots and can never know too much on 'em.
Thanks,
Xain
Palustris3@aol.com