The cottonmouth didn’t stand a chance…
Florida is well known for a crazy large number of deadly wild animals.
Alligators, pythons, panthers, sharks, the list goes on, but one that tends to be overlooked is the number of venomous snakes.
The Sunshine State is home to 6 species of venomous snakes which include 3 breeds of rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes, and cottonmouths, also called water moccasins.
Most tend to live in the heavily forested areas and brushlands, but the water moccasins, as their name would suggest, thrive near lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Although plenty fearful in their own right, there’s just no competing with the king of Florida waters.
Alligators tend to eat mostly fish and small game, but when the opportunity arises, they’re not afraid to take out some of these slithering swimmers, especially when they’re sunning on the shore and most vulnerable.
This video is a prime example of that.
A cottonmouth is minding its own business, soaking up the rays of another perfect Florida day, when unbeknownst to it, a dinosaur is closing in.
The gator silently slides up right next to him, and when the prey is in striking distance, lunges forward, grabs ahold, and gives the snake a life ending thrashing before gobbling it down in a few quick bites.
It’s always shocking to see an alligator’s power in action. Even though the snake is much smaller, the speed and violence which it ends its life sends chills up my spine.
Score another one for the alligators…
