Water Snakes fighting over a fish

[constamj]

Yesterday evening a fellow resident of Broadlands pointed out these two common water snakes fighting over a catfish. This was at the nature preserve near Harris Teeter. The larger one did finally steal the fish from the smaller snake. It was quite an amazing sight.

BTW: Northern Water Snakes are extremely helpful to people. They are not poisonous to humans. They control populations of smaller animals, such as mice. Unfortunately, they are often mistaken for Copperheads and Cottonmouths (also called Water Moccasins, which don't even live in our area), and killed. If you see a snake, it is best to leave it alone. The color patter of a Northern Water Snake can be similar to a Copperhead, even though water snakes are much more common. Never kill a snake without good reason, since they are so important to our environment.

[mamatothree]

Very Cool!

[Mike-and-Kim]

Nice!

[Pluto]

nice picture......

[constamj]

Here is an additional picture of the victor. It was pretty cool.