Introduction: The Serpents of America's Amazon
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta supports an extraordinary diversity of snake species, with over 40 different kinds documented within the region. These remarkable reptiles occupy virtually every habitat type within the delta, from the aquatic environments of rivers and swamps to the terrestrial realms of bottomland forests and upland pine savannas. Snakes play crucial ecological roles as both predators and prey, helping to regulate populations of small mammals, amphibians, and fish while also serving as food for larger predators like alligators, birds of prey, and mammals.
This section explores the fascinating world of snakes in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, examining their ecological roles, adaptations, conservation challenges, and the complex relationship between these often-misunderstood reptiles and humans. By understanding the importance of snakes in this ecosystem, we can better appreciate the need to protect these remarkable animals and their habitats.
Venomous Snakes of the Delta
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is home to several species of venomous snakes, each adapted to specific habitats and ecological niches within this complex ecosystem.
Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
A cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) displaying its namesake white mouth lining as a warning display. These semi-aquatic pit vipers are common throughout the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, particularly in and around water bodies. Despite their fearsome reputation, cottonmouths typically avoid confrontation with humans unless threatened or cornered.
The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is perhaps the most frequently encountered venomous snake in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. These robust, semi-aquatic pit vipers are well-adapted to the delta's watery environment, often found along the edges of rivers, streams, swamps, and marshes. Cottonmouths can reach lengths of 3-4 feet and are characterized by their thick bodies, broad triangular heads, and the distinctive white lining of the mouth that gives them their common name.
Cottonmouths are primarily active during warmer months, often basking on logs, stumps, or branches overhanging water. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, frogs, small mammals, birds, and even other snakes. When threatened, cottonmouths will typically display their white mouth lining as a warning before attempting to bite. Despite their fearsome reputation, these snakes generally prefer to avoid confrontation with humans unless cornered or threatened.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
An eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), the longest native snake in North America and a federally threatened species. These magnificent non-venomous snakes can reach lengths of over 8 feet and have glossy blue-black scales that appear iridescent in sunlight. Eastern indigos are apex predators that feed on a variety of prey, including venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America and one of the most iconic reptiles of the southeastern United States. These impressive pit vipers can reach lengths exceeding 6 feet and are characterized by their distinctive diamond-shaped pattern, large rattle, and formidable size. In the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, eastern diamondbacks are typically found in drier upland areas, particularly in longleaf pine savannas and adjacent habitats.
Eastern diamondbacks are ambush predators, often lying in wait for prey such as rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals. They rely on their excellent camouflage to remain hidden until prey comes within striking distance. When threatened, diamondbacks will typically vibrate their rattle as a warning, creating the distinctive buzzing sound that alerts potential threats to their presence. Despite their potent venom, eastern diamondbacks prefer to avoid confrontation and will typically retreat if given the opportunity.
Unfortunately, eastern diamondback populations have declined significantly throughout their range due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and direct persecution. The longleaf pine ecosystem that these snakes depend on has been reduced to less than 3% of its historical extent, leading to corresponding declines in diamondback numbers. Conservation efforts focused on restoring longleaf pine habitats and reducing human-caused mortality are essential for ensuring the long-term survival of this magnificent reptile.
Non-Venomous Snakes of the Delta
The majority of snake species in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta are non-venomous, playing vital roles in the ecosystem as both predators and prey.
Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)
The eastern indigo snake is the longest native snake in North America, with adults regularly exceeding 7 feet in length. These magnificent reptiles have glossy blue-black scales that appear iridescent in sunlight, giving them their common name. Eastern indigos are non-venomous and serve as apex predators in their ecosystems, feeding on a variety of prey including other snakes (even venomous species), small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Eastern indigo snakes have experienced dramatic population declines due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and historical collection for the pet trade. They are now federally listed as threatened and have been extirpated from much of their historical range, including most of Alabama. However, reintroduction efforts are underway in the Conecuh National Forest, with the goal of reestablishing a viable population in southern Alabama. These efforts represent an important step in restoring the natural biodiversity of the region's ecosystems.
Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma)
The rainbow snake is one of the most striking and secretive serpents of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. These glossy black snakes feature three bright red stripes running the length of their bodies and have vibrant red and yellow patterns on their undersides. Rainbow snakes are highly aquatic, spending much of their time in rivers, streams, and swamps, where they specialize in feeding on American eels and amphibians.
Due to their secretive nature and aquatic lifestyle, rainbow snakes are rarely encountered by humans despite being relatively common in suitable habitats throughout the delta. They face threats from water pollution, habitat alteration, and the decline of American eel populations, which constitute a significant portion of their diet.
Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)
The eastern kingsnake is a medium to large constrictor characterized by its glossy black coloration with striking white or yellow chain-like bands or speckles. These adaptable snakes can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, from bottomland hardwood forests to pine savannas and agricultural edges.
Kingsnakes are renowned for their ability to prey upon other snakes, including venomous species like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. They possess a natural immunity to pit viper venom, allowing them to subdue and consume these potentially dangerous prey items. This habit has earned them respect and protection from many rural residents who recognize their value in controlling venomous snake populations around homes and farms.
Conservation Challenges and Opportunities
Snakes in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta face numerous conservation challenges, from habitat loss and fragmentation to direct persecution by humans. Many species have experienced population declines due to these pressures, with some—like the eastern indigo snake—disappearing from portions of their historical range.
Habitat Protection and Restoration
The protection and restoration of key habitats is essential for ensuring the long-term survival of the delta's snake diversity. This includes preserving large, connected tracts of bottomland hardwood forests, longleaf pine savannas, and wetland systems. Conservation organizations and government agencies are working to expand protected areas within the delta and to restore degraded habitats through techniques such as prescribed burning, invasive species control, and hydrological restoration.
Public Education and Outreach
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing snake conservation is overcoming deeply ingrained negative attitudes and misconceptions about these remarkable reptiles. Public education programs that highlight the ecological importance of snakes and provide accurate information about their behavior and biology are essential for building support for snake conservation efforts.
Several organizations in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta region offer educational programs focused on snakes and other wildlife, including the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, the Environmental Studies Center, and the Alabama Wildlife Federation. These programs provide opportunities for people to learn about and even interact with live snakes in a controlled setting, helping to dispel fears and foster appreciation for these often-misunderstood animals.
Research and Monitoring
Ongoing research and monitoring efforts are crucial for understanding the status of snake populations in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and for developing effective conservation strategies. Scientists use a variety of techniques to study snakes, including radio telemetry, mark-recapture studies, and environmental DNA sampling. These methods provide valuable information about snake movements, habitat use, population dynamics, and responses to environmental changes.
Citizen science initiatives, such as the Alabama Herp Atlas Project, also play an important role in monitoring snake populations by engaging volunteers in collecting and reporting snake observations throughout the state. These data help scientists track changes in snake distributions and abundances over time, providing early warnings of population declines and informing conservation actions.
Snake Safety in the Delta
For visitors to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, encounters with snakes are a possibility, particularly during warmer months when these reptiles are most active. While the vast majority of such encounters are harmless, it's important to know how to safely coexist with snakes and what to do if a venomous snake bite occurs.
Preventing Snake Encounters
When exploring the delta, a few simple precautions can reduce the likelihood of unwanted snake encounters:
- Stay on established trails and paths when hiking
- Watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when climbing over logs or rocks
- Wear closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants when walking through vegetation
- Use a walking stick to probe areas ahead of you when hiking through dense vegetation
- Be particularly cautious around water edges, brush piles, and rock outcroppings
If You Encounter a Snake
If you do encounter a snake while exploring the delta, the best course of action is to:
- Remain calm and still initially
- Give the snake plenty of space and a clear escape route
- Slowly back away without making sudden movements
- Do not attempt to handle, capture, or kill the snake
- Appreciate the opportunity to observe these remarkable animals from a safe distance
In Case of Snake Bite
While venomous snake bites are rare, they do constitute a medical emergency. If a venomous snake bite occurs:
- Keep the victim calm and limit physical activity
- Remove jewelry or tight clothing near the bite site before swelling occurs
- Position the bite site at or below heart level
- Seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or transporting the victim to the nearest hospital
- Do NOT apply ice, cut the wound, attempt to suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or give the victim alcohol or pain medications
Modern snake bite treatment relies on antivenom administered in a hospital setting. All hospitals in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta region stock appropriate antivenoms for treating local venomous snake bites.