Hobbies And Interests
Copperheads
The Copperhead and its relative the Southern Copperhead are commonly found slithering around the southern states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Virginia. Copperheads are a member of the viper family, which indicates a very sophisticated venom delivery system, making their bites very dangerous to humans. Average Copperheads grow to be around 3 feet, but a record-size adult specimen was measured at 4 feet 4 inches.
Cottonmouths
Mississippi is also home to the Eastern and Western Cottonmouths, also members of the viper families. Cottonmouths are a little larger than copperheads, averaging 4 feet, but can reach a maximum length of 6 feet. Cottonmouths are typically aggressive and very dangerous. Although their color and pattern may very, a Cottonmouth can be easily distinguished when it opens its mouth because its oral cavity lining is white, like cotton.
Rattlesnakes
Six different rattlesnakes can be found in Mississippi, each as dangerous as the next. The Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake, Canebrake Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake, Eastern
Diamondback Rattlesnake and Western Pygmy Rattlesnake all call Mississippi home. This family of snakes is generally the most feared because, although they average the same length as the cottonmouths, their venom is stronger and they tend to be more aggressive.
Speckled Kingsnake
Speckled Kingsnakes can be intimidating if you are not aware they are non-venomous. They are called Kingsnakes because they are immune to the venom of other snakes. They range between 2 and 4 feet on average, but have very rarely been documented at lengths of up to 7 feet. Speckled Kingsnakes are easily identified by their black and white spots, from which they derive the name "speckled". As they are non-venomous, they use their powerful body to constrict and suffocate their prey. They typically prey on rodents or small birds, but are not known to attack humans.