Are you sure that it is actually
a rattler and not a water moccasin? I was under the impression that only W.M’s swam with the whole body on the surface, as did the snake in the vid.
Jim
Definitely a Eastern Diamondback…
Rattler based on diamonds on back and banded tail with rattles.
unusual action…
I’ve seen snakes try to board boats when they were exhausted. All snakes will avoid people as much as possible unless they are in desperate straits. This snake more than likely was blown off course or carried to the water by a predator then left to swim for it. It probably had no other choice than to swim for the boat or drown.
Western Diamondback
The Western is the classic cowboy movie rattler. Similar pattern to Eastern, more brownish/sand/dusty color range - compare photo to closeups in video.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crotalus_atrox_USFWS.jpg
Yes
I’ve seen them swimming near my boat at least twice. One of those times, I slowly paddled closer to it to get a better look. BAD IDEA! The snake tried to slither onto my rear deck. I hurried away, amazed at its boldness.
Good thing the little buggers don’t have hands.
You could be right…
I wonder where the video was made since the Eastern and Western are basically the same snake.
Rattlesnake boarder
That’s what caused one previous owner to give up on paddling and sell me his boat for a real good price. He said it came straight at hijm and slipped right into the boat, quicker than he could pull in his line. He decided to stick to bigger boats. Maybe it has something to do with the fishing…
My mistake
http://www.coastalplainsreptiles.com/articles/Everyone/ReallyMoccasin.html
It apears that ALL pit vipers are bouyant.
Jim
An excellant article!
Thanks Jim. Ken…
The snake in the video looked bouyant.
Waterton Canyon – Rattler Heaven
I’ve seen them swim across the South Platte on the lower section of the Canyon - did not even slow them down.
Lake Falcon, TX - according to Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMyjR2_7LnM
Lake Falcon is on the Mexico border.
You’re definitely right then…
I wasn’t sure just based on coloring considering the lighting. But, that’s western diamondback territory, although easterns can be found in parts of Texas.
yep
yes all reptiles can swim.
If I had to…
I can swim faster!
You should carry a pistol loaded with
shot shells to be safe from snakes, though a 12 gauge with buckshot is better for anacondas. Just having a knife on your PFD is not adequate.
smart kid, stupid dad
Gotta love how the kid repeatedly says “Dad, Don’t be stupid…I don’t want to get near it I’m scared…don’t touch it…if you get bit it will ruin our trip” etc while the father continues to stay close to get good video and then pokes at it repeatedly.
you gotta admit
the father was an idiot—the main reason snakes are poisonous is so people won’t pick them up and play with them—kid was smart than his father who kept poking the snake with a fishing pole.
The main reason snakes are
poisonous is so they can catch supper.