Cottonmouth - Omnivore of the Wetlands
Nature Notes
by Bob Thomas
Everyone fears the dreaded cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), a seemingly ubiquitous venomous snake. Many people use the terms "cottonmouth" and "water moccasin" as synonyms, while others use the latter to designate non-venomous water snakes. Since these may be dangerous animals, it is best to communicate clearly - call them cottonmouths.
Where Do Alligators Go In Winter?
Nature Notes
by Bob Thomas
Alligator sightings are not uncommon in coastal Louisiana. The easiest way to see one or many is to visit Jean Lafitte National Historic Park’s Barataria Unit or Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. During the warm months, alligators are abundant along their waterways. That said, alligators may be seen virtually anywhere there is water, including canals inside the levees.
Anoles and Dewlaps
Delta Journal
by Bob Thomas
You really know spring has sprung when you hear these words . . .“Hey mister, show me your blanket!”. . . or, “ Lizard, lizard, show me your gizzard!”
These are familiar chants to many New Orleans schoolchildren. They are referring to a characteristic of one of our most familiar local denizens, the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), frequently called the American Chameleon because it can change color from green to brown. Unique to males, the “blanket” is actually called a dewlap, or throat fan.