(CORRECTION as of 0313/09) While the Cottonmouths are out.....the reptile in this photograph as well as the next two is not a Southern Cottonmouth. The snake is actually a variety of the Banded Water Snake who has darkened with age. The Photographer had forgotten to check the eyes when identifing the snake. {This one has round eyes with no slit} Many Banded Water Snakes are mistaken for the pit viper "Cottonmouth"...but still tread lightly as you enjoy the other wildlife in the refuge since Cottonmouths are in the Refuge and a person really does not want to get close enough to this big fellas to see if the eyes are round or slit looking.