Hello from Baton Rouge

[waltinbatonroug]

I'm walt, originally from New Orleans. have been interested in snakes since I was a kid in the 60's...

I live on a 6 acre lake in Baton Rouge and am constantly amazed by the dozens of "water moccasins" that everyone seems to see during this time of year.

Unfortunately, since I'm the "snake guy" in the neighborhood I'm the one called to identify all the dead water snakes that people shoot, whack with shovels, hit with lawn mowers etc.

Any ideas how to gently educate folks on the fact that about 90% of the snakes around here are harmless and that if you leave alone you'd both be better off?

I realize there are some venomous ones about, here's a pic of one I collected and donated to the local bluebonnet swamp park yesterday..He looks bigger than he is..

its a pleasure to be here..thanks