Found snake mating ball

[Trap-Daddy]

I've heard that story a hunnert times word for word growing up by different people through the years..

x2

[SnakeID]

I've heard that story a hunnert times word for word growing up by different people through the years..

This is a common story and it can't possibly be true. The only snakes in The States that form mating balls like that are non-venomous water snakes (Nerodia) and Garter/Ribbon snakes (Thamnophis)

Cottonmouths and other viperids will only mate one at a time. Often males will even combat to mate a female, with the loser (usually the smaller one) backing down and retreating.

There is no reason to believe any of the stories you hear about someone falling into a ball of snakes like this and not making it out alive. It is also doubtful that the non-venomous water snakes shown about would bite even if you did get mixed up in them; they're pretty focused on the female snake.

So you don't have to take my word for it, here's another site that offers some information on the subject:

http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/2011/01/cottonmouth-myths-ii-cottonmouth.html

[Trap-Daddy]

This is a common story and it can't possibly be true. The only snakes in The States that form mating balls like that are non-venomous water snakes (Nerodia) and Garter/Ribbon snakes (Thamnophis)

Cottonmouths and other viperids will only mate one at a time. Often males will even combat to mate a female, with the loser (usually the smaller one) backing down and retreating.

There is no reason to believe any of the stories you hear about someone falling into a ball of snakes like this and not making it out alive. It is also doubtful that the non-venomous water snakes shown about would bite even if you did get mixed up in them; they're pretty focused on the female snake.

So you don't have to take my word for it, here's another site that offers some information on the subject:
http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.c...ttonmouth.html

glad to know it. my original view stands true for me and most other individuals, as the old saying goes the best kind of snake is a dead one

[ckuehl]

Was bowfishing conroe one night several years ago back when there was still vegitation in the lake, and I bet we saw several hundred snakes in the various coves and little creeks we went up in... they'd be all balled up like that and when the lights hit 'em, they'd make a bee line for the boat. Most were too small to make up to the gunwales, but a few managed to climb in... it didn't end well for them, but we otherwise left the rest alone... Have never seen it before or since, but it was an awesome night.

That would have freaked me out. What kind of snakes were they? Were they more aggressive just because of the frenzy or what. Yikes. I just pictured it in my head and gave myself the shivers.

I've heard that story a hunnert times word for word growing up by different people through the years..

I did to but, did not want to say anything but now that you did.

[brrdnk]

Kill them all. KAS

[Smart]

This is a common story and it can't possibly be true. The only snakes in The States that form mating balls like that are non-venomous water snakes (Nerodia) and Garter/Ribbon snakes (Thamnophis)

Cottonmouths and other viperids will only mate one at a time. Often males will even combat to mate a female, with the loser (usually the smaller one) backing down and retreating.

There is no reason to believe any of the stories you hear about someone falling into a ball of snakes like this and not making it out alive. It is also doubtful that the non-venomous water snakes shown about would bite even if you did get mixed up in them; they're pretty focused on the female snake.

So you don't have to take my word for it, here's another site that offers some information on the subject:
http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.c...ttonmouth.html

I didn't say I believed it....I just said i heard it told by many people through the years.

Heck I can remember a guy telling us the story on Lake Mathis/Corpus Christi in the late 70's. I believed him then until I heard it several times through the years.....including tonight..

[x1jett]

This is a common story and it can't possibly be true. The only snakes in The States that form mating balls like that are non-venomous water snakes (Nerodia) and Garter/Ribbon snakes (Thamnophis)

Cottonmouths and other viperids will only mate one at a time. Often males will even combat to mate a female, with the loser (usually the smaller one) backing down and retreating.

There is no reason to believe any of the stories you hear about someone falling into a ball of snakes like this and not making it out alive. It is also doubtful that the non-venomous water snakes shown about would bite even if you did get mixed up in them; they're pretty focused on the female snake.

So you don't have to take my word for it, here's another site that offers some information on the subject:
http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.c...ttonmouth.html

What's up with ruining a good snake-ball horror story with knowledge and facts???

[camo_cowboy55]

just great!

im layin in bed on the GS and just had to open this thread now im gonna have nightmares of snaked in my bed!

thanks!

[bowstalker210]

Never seen one, read about it... totally terrified now. Thanks, lol

[WyoHunter]

Looks like that ball of fun went out with a bang!

[EarleyBird]

http://theurbanrancher.tamu.edu/reti...mals/l1912.pdf
Read the last paragraph all you dang scaredycats lol

For additional information contact the nearest
office of the Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service

[Death Dealer]

How would you like it if someone came shooting you up while you were in the middle of a big ole pile of...well...you know where I'm going with this.

I can think of a lot worse ways to go!!!

[Fooshman]

gross

[Traildust]

I've heard that story a hunnert times word for word growing up by different people through the years..

Yep...and everybody's Great Great Uncle was Geronimo or Sitting Bull. I love those stories!

[bobfishbw]

Yikes!