Thursday, June 21, 2018

Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Snakes, Chacos and Brookies - a Sunday Funday down the tubes

Oh - I totally believe you. I've been bitten by plenty of water snakes, and I never had to see a doctor. Probably by the time your leg started tingling you knew enough to make a definite claim. Water snakes tend to have a pretty messy bite, and often leave little hook shaped teeth behind in the wound. They bleed, but don't go numb.

But it seems like every year, somebody posts on here about seeing copperheads in/on/near the river. Further investigation usually reveals they were Northern Water Snakes (not Brown - my bad on the species). This is the first time I've seen a definite copperhead ID. I guess even in the context of your unfortunate mishap, it's worth reminding people that copperheads and water snakes can look very similar.

best,
Miles

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, 10:54:16 AM EDT, Morgan Cosgrove <cosgrove.morgan@gmail.com> wrote:


Certainly was a copperhead. I've seen eastern watersnakes in the park and in the rivers, certainly wasn't. After the doctor's chat, and upon further inspection of the situation I determined it was a copperhead. Apparently copperheads are very territorial, and will strike if they feel bothered. Where as a rattler or other snake will hide and chill and lash out in a last resort. 

 In the Culpepper ER they have seen 4-5 copperhead bites this year, so not terribly uncommon in those parts. Glad the care was on point. Today I finally have some mobility in my leg and foot, and hope to be able to walk in the next few days. 

On Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 8:03:00 AM UTC-4, Miles wrote:
Are you sure it wasn't a Brown Water Snake?

Sorry - I had to do it before TurbineBlade did.

I can't imagine how much this sucks. On the plus side, I bet a flyfishing mag would pay for a fuller version of your post.

-Miles

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