QUOTE(Peter Damian @ Wed 16th January 2008, 10:40am)
The Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
(Agkistrodon piscivorus)There is only one North American poisonous water snake - the Cottonmouth Water Moccasin! Not to be confused at all with its many nonpoisonous neighbors, this snake is a pit viper in the same general family as the Copperhead and the Rattler.
This dangerous semi-aquatic snake is truly an aggressive reptile that will stand its ground or even approach an intruder.
Regional variations do occur, so never handle a water snake of any kind for fear of a nasty, bacteria-rich or venomous bite!
They favor lying dormant on logs, rocks or limbs at water's edge awaiting the telltale movement of approaching prey. It is characterized by a brown, olive or blackish dark body with lighter belly, and body crossbands which have a distinct border extending all the way around and across the yellowish stomach.
Young, born live, are much brighter and often are most similar in color to the Copperhead, each with a bright yellow or lime greenish tail tip. These snakes readily vibrate their tails when provoked or approached and can make an impressive 'rattling' sound when placed against leaves, water, or solid objects. The older snakes tend to lose the obvious pattern effect and appear to be darker and bland colored. The triangular shaped head is evident even at rest, set off with distinct elliptical 'cat-eye' pupils and a dark facial line extending through the eye. Powerful jaws support this snake's habit of latching on during a bite rather than the quick strike and release pattern of its cousin the Copperhead.
QUOTE(Durova @ ArbCom case)
As someone who watched five arbitrators affirm a decision to admonish me less than twenty-four hours after a case opened and before I had time to present half my evidence, I sympathize with the frustration. I've walked miles in similar moccasins, and I hope my involvement in the Physchim62 case is proof enough that...
You know,
I am surprised that I'm surprised.[b] But the woman is simply so
ballsy to insinusate that she had no opportunity to reply. She spent a week ducking (or [DUCK]-ing), dodging, denying, and sending out emissaries to block anyone who pointed out what she did. Then she turned tail and resigend so as to avoid having to answer any questions. Which was a great strategy, as it gave her the sympathy card, and cover, that she needed to get out of that debacle.
But to claim she had no chance to present evidence? Bah. She had a full week after her resignation before the case was shut.
Giano + Durova again, what are these moccasins
Wed 16th January 2008, 4:40pm
