My first reaction to seeing this Northern Water Snake was to turn and put some distance between he and I. Snakes and I prefer to stay away from each other. This is the second time since starting to carry this camera that I have chosen to stay and take some pictures of a snake that surprised me.
To be fair, I originally thought this was a water moccasin, but upon a second look I had my doubts. (Later on several friends confirmed the true identity for me) I was out by the river again and walked uncomfortably close to this guy without seeing him. I took a couple of pictures before some other river goers came by and scared him into the water.