I volunteered at the herpaquarium for about 7 years and have studied reptiles\amphibians for a long time now and this type of issue seemed to be one of the more common and most talked about as far as identification for non-venomous vs. venomous. For kentucky's native species theres alot of the non-venomous snakes that take on similar color patterns and even actions as a line of defense to predators. Aside from the physical features other snakes such as the hognose and pine snakes will vibrate their tails when feeling threatened in an attempt to mimic the rattle snakes. And when they're in some fallen leaves to the un-trained ear they do a very good job of this imitation. Now as far as location go's...it would be very odd to spot a cottonmouth\water moccasin this far north in the state. Of course there's always that very slight chance that someone could have re-located one or two a time here or there, but the odd's of seeing several of them within a small perimeter is very unlikely. What this part of the state does have an abundance of is the northern water snake, which like alot of the other non-venomous species mimic's the more dangerous species very well. But what i've always told others that even though they are non-venomous that does not mean that they are 100% not dangerous...like any other snakes the northern water carries bacteria in its mouth and if a snake bite occurs and the bitten area is not cleaned sufficiently it could lead to infections....now the extent of damage that infection can vary from person to person depending on an individuals immune system...but that's a whole other ball game. But with all of this said I will end this with one piece of advice since i understand that alot of folk on here are avid outdoorsman....If you are ever in the bernheim forest area or surrounding region there be VERY VERY careful and observant when navigating the woodlands there. Some of the guys i worked alongside with a few years back did a timber rattlesnake research project focusing on bernheim forest....which they tracked the movement, eating patterns, growth and other living factors of that snake in accordance to that region of the state, and trust me on this.....the timber's at that time and i would safely assume today are thriving rather well there....i've personally seen day's when they'd come back with 5 or more large timbers and put tracking devices in them....the biggest i ever seen was a female right at 6' in length and weighed 4.5 lbs.....that's a big timber and packs even a bigger punch. Hope this helps a little....and as always if youre not absolutely positive of what youre looking at its best to leave it alone.
Reply With Quote