The text is a transcript of a video where a man named Coyote Peterson is hiking in the southern swamps of Texas. He is looking for two different water snake species: one venomous and one non-venomous. He explains that it's crucial to identify the species if you come across a snake, as many non-venomous snakes are mistakenly identified as venomous and killed.
Coyote Peterson successfully captures a non-venomous snake, a broad-banded water snake. He then proceeds to capture a venomous snake, a water moccasin, which he handles with caution due to its venomous nature. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the distinct differences between these two snake species to avoid misidentification and potential harm.
He explains that the broad-banded water snake has a more distinct banding, a vertical pupil, and does not have pits. On the other hand, the water moccasin is girthier, has a vertical pupil, and a pit for heat sensing. He also mentions that the venomous snake has anticoagulant in its saliva, which can potentially kill if its body reacts to it.
Coyote Peterson concludes by advising viewers to always treat a snake as if it's venomous if it's a moccasin, to avoid any potential harm. He emphasizes the importance of learning about these animals and gaining a newfound respect for them.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The video is about identifying the differences between a venomous water moccasin and a non-venomous broad banded water snake.
2. The video is set in the southern swamps of Texas.
3. There are two different water snake species in the area, one venomous and one non-venomous.
4. The venomous snake is a water moccasin, also known as a cottonmouth.
5. The non-venomous snake is a broad banded water snake.
6. The broad banded water snake can grow up to 3-4 feet in length.
7. Females are larger than males in the broad banded water snake species.
8. Broad banded water snakes are often misidentified as water moccasins due to their similar coloration.
9. Broad banded water snakes have anticoagulant in their saliva.
10. Water moccasins have venom that can be deadly to humans if not treated promptly.
11. Water moccasins have a vertical pupil, while broad banded water snakes have a circular pupil.
12. Water moccasins have a heat-sensing pit between their nostril and eye, which broad banded water snakes do not have.
13. Broad banded water snakes have more distinct banding on their bodies than water moccasins.
14. Water moccasins have a more girthy, flattened body than broad banded water snakes.
15. Both species have rough keeled scales that allow them to move quickly through their environment.
16. Broad banded water snakes have a beautiful, checkered belly, while water moccasins have a plain, cream-colored belly.
17. Both species can release a musky smell as a defense tactic.
18. It's best to treat all snakes as if they are venomous and admire them from a safe distance.