We have so many non-venomous water/aquatic type snakes here in Missouri that it takes a huge book published by the state to identify them. Supposedly the only venomous aquatic snake we have here in Missouri is the Western Cottonmouth and most of them are in the southeast corner of the state.
Awareness and education are the 2 best defences. Although I've seen Osage Copperheads and on one occasion a Timber Rattlesnake swimming in the water. I'm not nearly as fearful of snakes as I used to be but they are something I still constantly search for. If I see them first they don't bother me at all.
I do think that the snake's role in nature is misunderstood to a large degree and they are probably a lot more of a friend to us than we realize. But I do give them the respect they deserve.
Awareness and education are the 2 best defences. Although I've seen Osage Copperheads and on one occasion a Timber Rattlesnake swimming in the water. I'm not nearly as fearful of snakes as I used to be but they are something I still constantly search for. If I see them first they don't bother me at all.
I do think that the snake's role in nature is misunderstood to a large degree and they are probably a lot more of a friend to us than we realize. But I do give them the respect they deserve.