A Trip To Cottonmouth Island

Herping cools off up north, so Michael heads to Florida. A place dubbed Cottonmouth Island was the destination of the trip. Numerous venomous snakes, also know as water moccasins, and even baby alligators greeted the gang, who were wearing flip flops.
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[@Coins_4_Flip]

ya'll are crazy. in canoes with 9ft gators in the water. in flip-flops and shorts with 5 cottonmouths every 2 steps.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

But we had so much fun!

[@hermanfurlong8824]

These people are crazy to go into snake infested swamps with gators, me I would do away with every one I see!

[@RoadrunnerG]

U just scary lol the ppl in FL are wilder than the animals, we are fine w wild life

[@dennymac4198]

It make a feller feel safe,,,

[@christinaobrien4394]

Lol crazy

[@Danimal-D-Animal]

My girlfriend is terrified of snakes. Videos like this make it possible for me to get her out into the woods. It's so much better than hearing about how deadly they are and how proficient they are at tracking their prey. Thanks for not terrifying your audience. 👍😃👍

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

You're very welcome. Snakes have been unfairly maligned for far too long. Simply recognizing that they could pose a hazard, respecting that fact and exercising a bit of caution is more than enough to keep you, and the snake, out of harms way.

[@TheChimeraz]

edit: renamed nope island

[@TheRycooder]

Bwahahaha

[@jamesscaggs3969]

I'm from Illinois, moved to Louisiana about 4 years ago. The southern hospitality is exceptional. I was just telling one of my friends back in Illinois what it's like down here. I told him that it was no big deal to go walking around at night, either barefoot or something something similar without the aid of a flashlight up there. But you don't dare do that down here. With the abundance of snakes, spiders, and fire ants. Plus you throw in the occasional scorpion, feral hogs, armadillos, and of coarse the friendly neighborhood alligators. There's no such thing as a casual stroll in the moonlight down here, like my wife and I used to do occasionally up there! I'm a Marine Corps veteran and live about 100 yards from a 7 acre pond, and you won't catch me outside at night without some kind of shoe or boot on and a really bright flashlight. I go walk around the pond at night with my air rifle because the land owner is trying to get rid of some nutria rats (making sure there's nothing in any of the trees I happen to walk under). But my wife refuses to even go outside at night unless it's to take the four or five steps it takes to get in the truck. It's a whole different world down here.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Yes it is. While this video was filmed in Florida, a few weeks ago we posted a video touring Louisiana looking for herps.

[@michaelkyne7880]

I would play Madonna Vogue watching that turtle striking a pose lol

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

We’d probably get a copyright strike for that.

[@marib.52380]

Okay this is scary. These dark snakes look EXACTLY like one I encountered on a riverside hiking trail in San Antonio Texas this summer. He was chilling among the leaves just like these, right on the side of the trail. I didn’t notice him until he uncoiled as I was approaching, and I watched in horror as he slithered under the brush. Turned my blood cold! 😱

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Not to worry. Cottonmouth will usually coil and remain motionless when approached, opening their mouth to expose it's bright white interior. In all probability the snake you encountered was one of the many species of water snake that are usually mistaken for cottonmouths.But it is always advisable to respect a snakes space and allow them a path to retreat on.

[@leonlessard6837]

That's one snake that always looks mad n grumpy.

[@adamtylermiller]

"Here's a small patch of land infested with vipers. EVERYONE OUT, LET'S GO EXPLORING!"

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

If you liked this one, we're planning to film "Journey to a Rattlesnake Den" later this year 8^)

[@scottbaker7532]

I don't think I'd be wearing shorts and flip flops out there 🤔!

[@teddammit5179]

Exactly

[@roymccarty9481]

Don’t worry. He’s a professional.....l.l.

[@gw5309]

I read the notes and thought I was going to see baby alligators wearing flip flops. What a disappointment.

[@hankarnold9355]

My experience here in Texas is that if a cotton mouth is mad, it will come after you.

[@richardhincemon9423]

The Texas snake Hunter o r r y Martin chased by a nest of cottonmouths KZbin!

[@dynodish]

Every time I've seen a cotton mouth it's when I wasn't paying attention and stepped on em, fell next to em, or something else ridiculous. And none have tried to bite. I tend to think they're pretty mellow. An old bull snake is more apt to nail ya.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That is true. The nonvenomous snakes seem to strike much more readily than venomous snakes do.

[@mjremy2605]

Great footage of this lovely snake but... the music was obnoxious and overly loud. No music. Natural sounds only.

[@duanemarshall7612]

The Louisiana bayou is nicknamed Nature's Hell.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

I've always liked swamps.

[@daringfawn6958]

crocs are the more aggresive species, although a gator will still tear u up!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Yes, both species deserve caution and respect. We have encountered the American crocodile in Florida as well as the more common alligator.

[@shaynewhite4545]

Crocodiles only aggressive if you provoke them

[@valizoe1]

lol...you guys are making so much noise I'm surprised you saw any wildlife at all...whew...my idea of a peaceful float is quietness. Try not talking next time and enjoying the quiet...good for your soul. but good video on snakes...and whew...those dudes will hurt ya if you happened to be unaware. we have them here in Missouri too. Have fun enjoying nature...be careful out there. shhhh

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That quiet thing is a tall order when your dealing with 8 or 10 people most of whom don't spend much time outdoors 8^)

[@joesnelson4041]

@@SharingTheOutdoors not to mention the fact your trying to narrate the adventure! Hello!

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@SharingTheOutdoors most of these people don't spend much time in the outdoors? And you brought them to an island full of venomous snakes? I guess it's true the Lord looks after drunks, little children and fools.

[@harryflotemersch4991]

Hello, is it possible for you to tell me the application you created the nice pleasant background music on exactly and to share with me the file of just this music so that I can play it without the other audio? If so please tell me how this can be accomplished.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Sorry, that's not possible. I created on Garage Band. While use of this material is granted to users on a royalty free basis, Apple owns all copyrights to the material and strictly prohibits second hand relicensing or stand alone redistribution in it's terms of use.

[@nv1493]

Anywhere theres a banjo playing is not the place for me...

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Where's your sense of adventure? LOL

[@whatnow3773]

wearing flip-flops knowing you're going to see snakes ??

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Check out our video Herping the Outer Banks. Barefoot beach goers have no idea how many cottonmouths inhabit that area, and they do from time to time wind up on the beach.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@SharingTheOutdoors oh yes we do know, well those of us who grew up there know! Plenty of gators in the area too! But it's just a tiny bit easier to see either on a freaking sandy beach than it is on the forest floor. What y'all are doing is reckless. You can be as careful as you want but you have to be unlucky once for your whole day (and more) to get ruined. Steve Irwin didn't die of old age ya know?

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

@@ashleighelizabeth5916 These snakes are valued members of our ecosystem. This spot is very accessible to anyone who wants to rent a canoe and head out with a pick-nick lunch, perhaps this video will heighten their awareness of what they could encounter, and make them more aware of their surroundings. As far as reckless, no, adequate caution was used. No different than driving like the interstate system. You can be careful doing that too, but it just takes once to ruin everything. We can't live our lives in fear.

[@rcarlisi63]

are there any cobras or mambas invading the everglades as well...?....or wouldn't they survive there?..

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

It's very possible. People have claimed to see them, and not long ago a King Cobra got loose in Florida leading to an extensive search after it's owner reported it.. They found it after a month, so they can survive in the wild. Being so expensive and rare in the pet trade though, I doubt venomous species like that would have much of a chance of becoming established in the wild like pythons and other species of exotic wildlife that are more common and often released.

[@dirtyred9376]

Cottonmouth island should also be king snake island, cuz u know it's their prey.

[@FlipperDude309]

sounds good man, lookin forward to seeing the rest. :) looks like a pretty awesome trip so far.

[@MorrowSind]

One cottonmouth on an island is enough for me to stay clear of that island.

[@dustymiller8284]

I live in the Montana wilderness with lions, grizzlies, and moose and I'm sorry, but you wouldn't catch me within 100 miles of that hell hole.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

LOL. There are quite a few snakes around this area, that's for sure.

[@rkba4923]

But what if one falls into the bottom of your boat? They do like to hang on branches over the stream, creek, etc.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That is a valid concern. It does speak volumes about paying attention to your surroundings. People are injured and killed by vehicular collisions with deer as well. Aircraft are downed by birds. As for an incident like that with a cottonmouth, remaining calm and flipping the snake out of the boat with an oar would be the best option if possible. It's principal form of defense will be to coil, and will rarely strike at an object that is not giving off a heat signature.

[@rkba4923]

Yea, we used to have it happen to us where I grew up in NW Florida while Red Horse Sucker Gigging if we forgot to shine the car headlight powered by a 12V car battery up into the branches ahead of us. It's a lot scarier at 1 or 2 am in the morn. I always assumed I was giving off a heat signature!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Yes, you are displaying heat, that's why you want to use the oar, fishing rod, or other object to touch the snake that is not. It distracts the snake that something that is not on it's heat radar is touching it.

[@catfart879]

It be called flamethrower Island if I was there. Screw that!!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

😂

[@chuckp342]

Awesome video man!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@chuckp342]

You're very welcome! Love seeing wild Florida

[@doscincos]

What yall need to do it walk around there in dark, or set on bank and fish, see how non aggressive it gets.

[@anthonymurphy1624]

Where did you get those red chairs for your canoe?

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That I don't know, Chris and Michael shot this video in Florida, I was not actually there with them.

[@markbradford6642]

At k mart

[@mikeymike8777]

Did he really just say cottonmouths aren’t aggressive?....

[@pezdavis4632]

They aren’t at all bro

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Right. The most common reaction when you encounter a cottonmouth is for them to coil and raise their head in a DEFENSIVE posture. Either that or try and crawl away.

[@randmayfield5695]

...was one of those surprises. I've also seen western diamond back rattlesnakes in the mesquite trees. Just remember, complacency killed Steve Irwin.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

I agree, you have to be on top of things when you're out there, paying close attention to your surroundings

[@jimmypea2207]

The score at my house: Shotgun 3, Copperheads 0.

[@amandahess9228]

Not a comment I expected on a channel titles 'Sharing the Outdoors'

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Ignorance knows no bounds.

[@bettyandrews9571]

They are aggressive!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Only when provoked

[@Cheevoah]

Goth kids say they are suicidal but I don't see linkin park being played on this island.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

No, due caution was exercised. Aside from the myths, as long as you keep your eyes open, stay aware of your surroundings, and don't agitate the snakes by getting too close, they are not going to come after you.

[@MM-M134M4]

Lol. CommonMouth Island. Ha!!! It’s Cottonmouth.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

I know, right 8^)

[@kevincoffey940]

The yellow tail was a copperhead

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Absolutely NOT a copperhead. It was a juvenile cottonmouth. In fact, we have much better footage of a young cottonmouth with that exact same coloration, including the neon yellow tail, in our video Herping the Outer Banks. That one actually has his head back and is flashing the white interior of his mouth in typical cottonmouth fashion.

[@kevincoffey940]

@@SharingTheOutdoors I know you guys have seen a lot of snakes but the front of the #5 snake looks like a copperhead but I'll respect your verdict ✌ and be safe brother

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

I know it is kind of hard to tell in this video, the footage of that little guy wasn't the nest, we just included it for the counting accuracy.

[@kinglouis6974]

What do they live on ?????? Surly there would be no food left

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Cottonmouths actually do very well on frogs and fish in this type of environment.

[@cc9z]

that one at 3.20 is a copperhead

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Absolutely NOT a copperhead. That is a young cottonmouth. We have better footage of that color phase of young cottonmouth in our video Herping the Outer Banks.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Makes you wonder how many they didn't see!

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Damn right!!!

[@wordforthespirit951]

@@ashleighelizabeth5916 truth that

[@spankthemonkey3437]

Just be happy you didn't hear what sounds like a pig squealing 😟

[@wadelemon8199]

Where is this islan

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

@@wadelemon8199 we don’t share exact locations because sone people will kill venomous snakes when they find them

[@jimgreen5995]

There's an island known for being full of Cottonmouth snakes........AND YOU GO THERE.........WTF?

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Yes, we enjoy exploring our world and all of it's fascinating inhabitants.

[@pedropunjabi7339]

What did u expect from white people

[@rck228]

Florida Man

[@rck228]

@@pedropunjabi7339 I'm white and that was funny

[@oneshot8353]

Hillary, Barry. Comey , come stroll your new prison. no bars. no guards food, wine, will be choppered in daily, hope you enjoy your stay .

[@shaunwatson7485]

Cottonmouths and gators, nope see you later

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Not for everyone.

[@joewest1972]

Yeah, IMO thinking you know what they are thinking or that seeing you doesnt have a chance of startling them is eco 101 fiction... ha, no thank you

[@tomortale2333]

WEARING FLIPFLOPS HOW SMART ARE THEY???

[@shaynewhite4545]

I have a pair of snake proof boots how come they are not wearing them they need to buy some they cost about one hundred and thirty dollars it's worth it being on that island full of snakes i grew up in Florida their is plenty of snakes

[@shaynewhite4545]

@Jay Mailloux I'm a Floridian and i wear snake proof boots when i go in the woods they cost about 130

[@shaynewhite4545]

@Jay Mailloux your very lucky lve been bitten twice boots saved my ass

[@shaynewhite4545]

@Jay Mailloux lucky you I've been bitten twice

[@_Belteshazzar_]

@@shaynewhite4545 I'm 13 and haven't been bit yet. I usually go barefoot or use steel toe boots. Caught a pygmy rattlesnake 3 days ago.

[@Cumminsmaniac16]

to hell with that place, you won't find me there!!!!!!! ever!!

[@milovela]

Michael Oliver I feel you.. I won't even go near one even if it was non venomous ,poisonous, or venomous. . i can't even even be around one period I will freak out... of fear...

[@Ksgggg]

Milo m ready to go anywhere with u

[@markbradford6642]

Chicken

[@indridcold8433]

The further north I can go, the better. If it were realistic for me to live in the Arctic circle, I would move there without reservations.

[@indridcold8433]

@John Porter I did it with my boss's account. Some things can not be unseen.

[@nancysrios]

Snakes are needed in nature.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

So true. They play a vital role in keeping rodents in check. Given a little space, and a bit of respect, they are also fascinating to observe.

[@briantaylor2.023]

Especially non-venomous snakes, which in fact keep venomous snake numbers controlled. A lot of non-venomous snakes will eat baby cotton mouths and baby rattle snakes, as well as their eggs.

[@jeffgraham436]

Well they sure as hell are not needed anywhere I am! No hell no!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Yes, they do seem to be fairly prolific where they were at. If you go, I would suggest doing it in something other than flip flops!

[@daphanemcconnell9222]

I live on a Louisiana Bayou. I would not be out in a small canoe

[@scherryvalentine9673]

Daphane Mcconnell I used to live in a little swamp house in Barataria. All I had was a pierrot attached to the house in case of a hurricane. I hated being in the swamp in that tiny thing.

[@alexanderh.5814]

Gators won't bother you.

[@Ploobstill]

@Digby Dooright So,.. you got that going for you. Which is nice.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Yeah, that old wives tale is one of the reasons we make videos like this. These snakes simply want to be left alone, and will do their best to get away from people given half a chance.

[@rebeccaneustel35]

Sharing The Outdoors oh, you mean they weren't chasing you down or dropping out of the trees into your canoe (said with tongue in cheek)?

[@agentfungus9742]

Rebecca: I used to go herping with graduate students in TN. I found numerous cottonmouths and never had a problem with them. Just respected them and pretty much left them alone. I'm from WI, and the only venomous snakes we have up here are timber rattlers along the Mississippi. People get so stupid about snakes and other critters.

[@ryta1203]

I wouldn't call it stupid so much as fearful and fear can cause irrationality. These snakes are venomous and although they might not be 'aggressive' they should be left alone and avoided.

[@williamgreen2554]

Agent Fungus.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

@Bill Barr I've been around countless cottonmouths, and the most aggressive I've ever seen one was to coil and display it's open mouth, in an effort to be respected and left alone. Which is what we did. Enjoyed our encounter, took video and pictures, turned our backs and walked away, without any chasing involved. We are not worried about old wives tails.

[@ln2596]

Common mouth island,is the one guy saying this. hanging out by a gator nest is a good way to lose your life and a great video of you not being able to wrestle/wrastle a gator. this video should have went a completely different way. Snake falls into or comes out of the water into the boat people freak out jump out of the boat now the Gators are fed

[@hughjaynus3341]

its really awesome to see others with so much respect for dangerous wildlife. here in Louisiana, we have our fair share of cottonmouth as well. even up here in north louisiana, ive seen 8-10 in one short outing. I believe the biggest had to have been around 6ft and nearly as big around as my wrist. and that was before he puffed up his body to try and intimidate me! haha. keep up the awesome content!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Thanks! Treated with respect, these animals are not really all that dangerous. Sounds like you have some really impressive specimens out your way!

[@daphanemcconnell9222]

Yes Hugh the old snakes get pretty fat

[@snakesandfrogs]

awesome snakes...wish all the idiots that say "cottonmouths have chased them" would watch this footage of all of them running away.

[@randallflag9840]

Walk up on one with babies and see what happens. Bet she chases ur screaming lil ass

[@bornfree8073]

Yeah they were on land moron. What dont you hippies understand. I see these on every video. Also they are in huge party, not just one

[@webincomeincome8767]

I had 6 cottonmouths lined up protecting 6 puddles on a small trail between 2 swamp heads after getting out of a tree stand one morning. They would not let me pass them on the trail. Hissing, striking and just generally being difficult. I finally had to get an 8 ft tree limb and beat em back off the trail. Don’t tell me they aren’t aggressive.

[@el34glo59]

@@webincomeincome8767 exactly

[@cherylholmes8677]

Those gators will clean out a cottonmouth habitat pretty quick.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

They've been coexisting for a long time.

[@zacharyswan4927]

Well, luckily water moccasins are very shy and will most likely flee the immediate area. But, they will bite if cornered, provoked or stepped on... And with how many there were..... I get a lot of them on my family's hunting property along with copperheads. Just be mindful, respectful and observant, you'll be fine.

[@alecatttheman896]

We got cottonmouth in backyard city creeks of DFW Texas the trinity river full of them too

[@TheBerylknight]

If you want to find Cottonmouths I recommend finding an area of the swamp that is prone to flooding. When the water dries there are often small puddles left over with trapped minnows. This can attract hundreds of Cottonmouths to the area where they'll stay to eat, breed and sun for as long as the puddles last. "Experts" like to say Cottonmouths are solitary animals who don't live together in large groups, but that's hogwash.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That's great advice!

[@leonlessard6837]

So true there is a creek that was by grandmother house it was full of cottonmouths had plenty small fish n minnows n frogs

[@ilikeknafs9563]

this is very true .also rivers and creeks . i was walking a creek that had recently dried after a flood and estimated around 30 cotton mouths down a 70 yard stretch

[@bssaassin1900]

I think alot of the time they're alone except in certain circumstances cause I've seen them here in Texas on numerous occasions and I've always seen them alone. And no I'm not one of those people who calls every water loving snake a moccasin I know the difference. We also have the texas banded watersnake which are more common

[@Kevs442]

If you kiss them on the nose, it paralyzes them and they can't move.

[@joewest1972]

That's a two way street

[@bobbyfranklin3734]

LMAO

[@mattdelarede9673]

Sounds legit.

[@terrypatterson211]

I would rather be around cottonmouths than copperheads. copperheads are not scared and they will stand their ground. just respect the hell out of all snakes because they all are here for a reason.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That is very true. Copperheads tend to be more cryptic, as a cottonmouth will coil and display it's mouth as a warning, letting you know he's there, a copperhead just remains still, and will strike if need be.

[@SuperFunny65]

"Paddle faster! I hear banjos!" Now that's funny! LOL! Thanks guys for that one.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

I know right 8^)

[@ilovetomorrow]

Ha..

[@rasta7225]

Im a Banjo player better run 😁😁✌

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

There is more footage from Florida, maybe even enough for another video. The gang found some cool stuff down there, including a coral snake.

[@harryflotemersch4991]

Well I decided to learn after another person sent to me last week and when I heard it I said” I’m going to learn it today “and I did. It is a pleasant tune I call. “ Cottonmouth island”

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Thanks Matt. I think the herping crew is doing a great job trying to dispel that myth. Venomous snakes should not be taken lightly, and caution should be used in their presence, but they are not out to chase you down and bite you. Did you know most snake bites are to the hand? What does that tell you about the real reason people are bitten. I couldn't resist using the banjo with the clip Chris had shot!

[@jdoyle843]

Sharing The Outdoors Of course cottonmouths don't chase you down and bite you. I don't think that's what anybody that knows these snakes is saying. Where a lot of snakes will just try to get away from people a cottonmouth will stand their ground and if you get to close they will strike. If you say that's not true then you do not know these snakes. They are very aggressive for a snake and usually people get bit because they didn't see it and stepped too close to it. We have a lot of copperheads and cottonmouths here in SC.

[@baynebogdanov939]

Actually during certain times of year, Cottonmouths will chase you. Once you exit there territory, they stop. It’s not very large territory. If you haul ass you can get out of it. They can be territorial

[@hot00head00red]

Lets walk around a venomous snake island with flip flops and shorts ... great idea ( not) lol

[@vbabii9666]

What the hell is that little turtle doing frozen like we don't see him! Lol so cute 😍

[@wordforthespirit951]

I watched this at 2AM I will probably dream about Cotten mouths now

[@wordforthespirit951]

Don’t take me wrong I mean you know more about than me and I do agree that leave them alone let them crawl off because most people are bitten needlessly because they were trying to kill it or something. They should have let them just go on about their way. But I have heard of cotton mouth getting mad so what you are saying is most time we make them mad by messing with them. I try to stay away lol

[@FintasticFilms]

Hey! I've been coming back to this video for years! As an aspiring nature cinematographer I love seeing places where people can get up close with animals like the cottonmouth. I'll be in Florida in November and would love to film some cottonmouths. Is there any way you could give me the location of cottonmouth island? If it's near where I'll be staying I'd love to check it out. I know you don't want to give away the location publicly to help protect the animals, so feel free to send me an email going over it. Thanks!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Well thanks for watching our video. I would love to help, but Michael and Chris swore me to secrecy before I published this video. Not to worry, cottonmouths are relatively easy to locate in Florida. Any swampy WMA in central Florida should yield good results.

[@FintasticFilms]

@@SharingTheOutdoors I’ll be kayaking the Hillsborough river in central FL, you think that’s a good spot?

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

I would suggest getting further as opposed to closer to Tampa, into the preserve. If that doesn't work out, try a drive out to Green Swamp and Richloam. If you don't find them kayaking, the cooler November temps in the mornings and evenings can make road cruising the sand roads there a good bet @@FintasticFilms

[@bamadeadhead]

Nerd cringe is strong here...

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

8^)

[@bamadeadhead]

Sharing The Outdoors haha just kidding cool video👍🏼

[@ChrisGilliamOffGrid]

bamadeadhead You in Bama?

[@bamadeadhead]

Chris Gilliam live in GA, born and raised in Bama👍🏼👍🏼

[@bamadeadhead]

Chris Gilliam 👍🏼👍🏼

[@SuperFunny65]

Not common mouth. Ha, Ha!

[@smetlogik]

Sheesh. A few cottonmouths I'd say. Nice vid.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

It was a crazy place. There's a lot more Florida footage, I just wanted to do a video on that particular segment of the trip, it seemed like it would package together nicely. I'll mess around with the rest when I get some free time.

[@ericmanning8090]

Where in Florida is this?

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

@@ericmanning8090 The central Florida swamplands

[@LeGoat_James23]

One of those was a water snake, but looks exactly like a cotton mouth

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

No, they were all cottonmouth. Theres a good example of the Nerodia that closely resemble the cottonmouth in our video Herping Florid Cypress Swamps.

[@skipdow3]

"Heaving this canoe up on land " My God.

[@Gtbie_]

Lmao hey let’s all have a good old time no protective gear let’s just go and walk around and see some snakes lol 😂

[@Will-sr71]

Dont tell me where that is because i might “accidentally” drop a match out there.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Oh come on now. That might scare all those snakes down the road a bit, perhaps into your yard? LOL

[@carywest9256]

I ain't going no where a place called Moccasin Island.PERIOD!!!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Oh come on. You can wear your moccasins while you're there LOL

[@kateallen7675]

be like "hell NO I ain't gettin out of the boat!"

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Just a fun afternoon in the park!

[@studlynesss]

I love my flip flops but wearing them to “Cottonmouth Island” is a bold AF strategy.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

😀 Wasn't all that bad.

[@michaelh7527]

I would have an absolute blast with a 12 guage and bird shot. Hell, I might wear the barrel out. It's one thing to want to see nature. But going there without snake boots is irresponsible and nuts.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Shown respect, there is no danger from these snakes. They just want to be left alone. We often do wear snake boots in situations where we might accidentally step on one in brush, but conditions like that were not present here.

[@slippinjimmy4239]

Why there just trying to get away from you don't be a dick head for no reason

[@michaelh7527]

@@slippinjimmy4239 Not blasting them away would be irresponsible and nuts. They serve no purpose.... Try getting bitten by one and going bankrupt with sky high medical bills and excruciating pain. Some animals and insects are absolutely useless and cause more harm than good

[@michaelh7527]

@@SharingTheOutdoors Are you serious? No danger??? These are highly venemous snakes that will put you in a world of pain. They do not think hey it's a human, just let them be. You are going to get seriously phucked up one day by these highly venemous snakes.

[@slippinjimmy4239]

@@michaelh7527 they where here befor you they keep the rat population at bay and why would you get bit if you wernt trying to fuck with them

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Not aggressive my butt! I have lived in the South my whole life and enjoy outdoor activities. The Cottonmouth is extremely territorial. It is the only snake I have encountered that will go out of its way to engage you! Sure there are some that will mind their own business and stay put, but that is the exception and not the rule when it comes to these snakes. Always be aware of your surroundings when you're out in nature and take care folks.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

We've been around many cottonmouths in different regions of the south, and found just the opposite to be true. Left alone, they seem fairly docile to us.

[@dwade6322]

@@SharingTheOutdoors i live near Mason-Dixon line in Maryland. As a kid i was fishing in a pond during mating season for Cotton mouths. I looked over and a big Cotton mouth came to the surface floating on top of the water,and was extremely pissed off that i was in its territory. It hissed and charged toward me at a fast pace. I grabbed my fishing box an ran. Maybe snakes are more mad up here cuz they only get 6-7 months of warm weather 🤣

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

We live in Maryland too. What you most likely saw was a Northern Water snake. There are no cottonmouths this far north. Southern Virginia is the northernmost extent of their range. Oh, and they don't come after you. A cottonmouth's primary defense is to coil and display the white interior of its mouth.

[@dwade6322]

@@SharingTheOutdoors you know,your prob right..i dont recall noticing that white mouth that they have,but the snake was highly aggressive. In the Conowingo area,near the Dam,theres a million Copper heads. I heard old timers say in the south Water moccasins have actually bit people under water. Now everyone i know says thats not possible but according to a few old timers from down south its happened. Scary thought.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

@@dwade6322 Cottonmouths (water moccasins) can bite when submerged. And yes, water snakes are very aggressive. I'm glad to hear there are lots of copperheads around. It means people are finally starting to learn not to kill every snake they see just because it's there.

[@tomcosburn566]

I love herping by canoe - a great way to get "into" the habitats. I've never canoed in Florida (that would be amazing as your videos shows) but I frequently canoe up here in Ontario (especially Algonquin Provincial Park). Cool turtles on your canoe trip. In Corkscrew Swamp (again back in 1979) I saw florida red-bellied turtle and chicken turtle - both easily seen from the wooden boardwalk. I remember in Corkscrew hearing the mating calls of american alligators back in the deep swamp. What an amazing sound. I wonder if the american crocodile has a different -sounding mating call ? No wonder this place is called Cottonmouth Island - this area is swarming with them. The one cottonmouth I saw (in Florida) was in the water about 20 feet from me. It was an intense moment (I do not experience very many poisonous snakes) but it was exciting to see this amazing reptile in the wild. Great video.

[@magnumpotube]

Guy: I can wrestle a gator. Gator: I'm sure could hold your own.. Jump in

[@andrewfarren3028]

I don't live far from Hillsborough river, I might have to check that spot out. I work with camps and educate about herps, and do quite a bit of herping Myself, Great video!

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

+Andrew Farren Thanks! Great job getting folks educated about hers, lots of folks still think they are creatures to be feared, when all they really need is to be respected for the damage they can do when they are not.

[@sainttimothy2230]

U have herpies

[@shauncry1917]

I don’t wanna learn about herps

[@twohawk1203]

Flip flops, glitter, cottonmouths and unicorns! oh gawwwd.

[@knownknot]

A brick of 22 LR HP's several magazines = Fun day in the swamp !

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

I'm with you on that!👍✌

[@el34glo59]

Only if you're eating them, or it's an invasive species. If not you're just removing things very beneficial to the environment for absolutely no reason other than wanting to kill something. And I'm sure these guys would tell you the same thing

[@davidburkholder7360]

Seems like wearing thongs is not the right gear for such an environment. Like wearing shorts at the North Pole.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Herping in thongs may be our next video LOL.

[@ursulasmith6402]

Oh, they are like a black mamba, climbing trees, ouch! Sir, i admire your nerves and courage. Iam afraid of worms, so iam not the type, wow.

[@crayolabarb5893]

Thank you for this video helping to dispell the myths of the aggressive water mocassins. I am heartened by good people like you, and saddened and frustrated by those who hold on to their unfounded, untrue beliefs. I say watch and learn. If you use a gun against an innocent creature that makes you a coward. Don't be a coward. Nothing to brag about holding onto false beliefs. Actually we can all learn and appreciate.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Your quite welcome. Not that we don't use due caution, simply being mindful of your surroundings and watching your step will usually keep you out of harms way, though we will wear snake boots if we are in overgrown areas and snake dens. It's funny that these views on venomous snakes are so pervasive, and I agree, there is not need to chop them up with a shovel or shoot them. When we choose to kill an animal, it is so we can eat it. That and defense of life are the only acceptable reasons for us, and these snakes pose not threat. I do understand why people do not want them in their yards and around their homes, but they can be easily removed and relocated with a snake hook.

[@outoftime417]

Fuck all that bullshit y'all Talkin bout. A snake is the devils animal. No compassion for humans at all . I know of and heard of to many stories about these fuckers attacking people even kids for no reason. Bump that, I say kill all them bitches AS-AP.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Snakes are a creation of the Lord, just as much as the earth and Man. He has given us a choice on how to act though, and I would say there are many men who chose to become the Devils property through their words and actions. That is quite evident.

[@joshuagonzales1587]

Yeah same as your drunk stepdad who used to touch you....

[@cobaltbluestickman5557]

Yeah sure and then let the rat population increase because of your dumbass

[@Victorseafog]

No there are not cottonmouths in northern MO. Cottonmouths are rare in the southern part of the state, as well as southern il and western ky too. Thats as far north as they come. In a severe winter they become even more rare. Here's why the cottonmouth absolutely cannot handle prolonged ver cold weather. It doesn't hibernate deeply and will perish with any extended cold or short spell of brutally cold weather. It takes decades for a cottonmouthl to slowly migrate its range beyond its historic range, then one extra col winter knocks the population back further south intoits historic range. A savage cold snap even in souther alabama will kill the snakes too. Populations are large and rebound faster. Young cottonmouh nenates are especially killed off during peroids of cold or record breaking short term cold. No cottonmouths in cold area period, its a myth.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Actually, in this day and age, a cottonmouth could turn up anywhere. While I would agree 99% of the time it's a misidentification with a similar looking species like Nerodia, a cottonmouth could easily wind up poached and released, surviving all summer even at extreme northern latitudes until cold set in. While unlikely, I would not add a period to that.We have filmed cottonmouth as far north as southern Virginia, while extremely uncommon in that state, they are there. Best bet is if you are not very good at identifying any snake would be to give it plenty of room and let it go on it's way.

[@randyrudd5485]

St. Clair; excuse the type.

[@Aidancordell]

Victorseafog there was 1 recorded cottonmouth in jefforson county missouri

[@dwade6322]

No way in hell im going to be gliding 8 inches on top of water with 9 foot gators and Cotton mouths around me 😳

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

LOL, probably don't want to be on the water much south of Virginia then!

[@mr.sir0173]

imagine how bad it would be if those where actually Nile crocodiles and not alligators

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

There are actually american crocodiles in Florida. I don't know that their behavior is as bad as Nile crocs, but they are still way more dangerous than alligators.

[@xfallofmanx]

lol the hell is “herping” and why does that weird dude keep saying it 😂

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Drawn from herpetology, herping is exactly what you might think it would be. Searching for reptiles and amphibians. You didn’t know? Type it into your search engine and you’ll get thousands and thousands of results for herping videos. Don’t get left behind in the blind !

[@charlesforrest5942]

Ole timers always said if you seen one snake there is 50 more around the same area.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That can be true.

[@wordforthespirit951]

You guys are CRAZY lol Naw man really it’s good to see some real country boys. You still Crazy though

[@johncurtis1472]

My first time fishing in Georgia one fell in the boat the guide grabbed it and thru it out crazy

[@Walgy]

Watch out for those low hanging branches.

[@chunga1958]

not so sure about a canoe or kayak in gator country. As for cottonmouth island, I'd stay off shore. Have to give the visitors props for basically leaving the wildlife alone and just observing. That's the way to do it.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Crocodiles might be a problem, but gators usually shy away from potential danger, and things larger than they are. As far as the snakes, most Florida swamps host large populations of cottonmouths, and it's not uncommon to come across a few even in suburban parks and popular birding trails that see large volumes of human traffic. We even encountered a large number of cottonmouths on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, videos on our channel here somewhere. The truth is, there are so many of them lurking just out of sight, if they were as dangerous and aggressive as most think they are, we wouldn't be able to go outdoors.

[@chunga1958]

@@SharingTheOutdoors I've been known to fall out of kayaks and canoes. lol

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

@@chunga1958 That would present a few issues. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremymiller1119]

My man. I could be wrong but I live in the backwoods of Texas and that yellow tailed snake you encountered was indeed a baby copperhead. Y'all be careful

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That's understandable. It's an easy mistake to make when they exhibit the light coloration and people are used to the darker patterns in the south. We assure you it's a cottonmouth. Better examples of this light phase can be seen in. our video Herping The Outer Banks. We have some great shots of a young cottonmouth with this light pattern and yellow tail tip displaying with his mouth open and head back i9n the beginning, but the best one is at the end of the video.

[@richardhincemon9423]

Cottonmouth and copperheads have yellow tip Tails when they are juveniles that they use as a lure to attract p r e y! Copperheads have what looks like Hershey Kisses in their patterns cottonmouths don't.

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

@@richardhincemon9423 Indeed they do!

[@kathybehlen7088]

why is he wearing flip-flops on cottonmouth island?

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

There's really very little danger as long as you are aware of your surroundings.

[@seachers6124]

Budreau and Tibideau were hunting in the swamp and another hunter accidentally shot Budreau so Tibideau called the emergency room to find out what he should do. He said "Ol' Tibideau been shot Cher!! He's dade" !!! The charge nurse said "Are you sure he's dade ??? You better go and make sure" !!! Tibideau said "well alright"... Then he put the phone down and the charge nurse head three shots ring out. The Tibideau picked up the phone and said , " Yes Ma'am !!! He's dade now"!!!

[@WorldisGone]

This is cool but this says nothing on Snake island an island completely infested with golden lancehead vipers

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

We've heard about that place too.

[@istandwithkalief9993]

Okay well let's get going I'm in. I've handled a few deadly snakes including a coastal Taipan I think I can hold my own with the golden lancehead although I sure as hell don't want to lose a limb if bitten

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

That is very,very true. Chris says it is a reliable place to find them, you just know there were more camping on that little island that went unseen. I have no idea why they chose to visit there without their snake boots. I also can't help but wonder if that gator was "mom". When I edited the footage, that clip was right after the discovery of the baby gators in the thick brush. It must have been nearby.

[@olben1095]

... shorts and flip flops... nah.