Many people fear snakes, and watersnakes in particular have one of the worst reputations of any snake found in North America. Some species are commonly mistaken for venomous cottonmouths, and a few may eat popular game fishes. Unfortunately, few people realize the important roles many watersnakes play in natural ecosystems and, consequently, they are still persecuted in many regions today. Seeking to overcome common misperceptions, J. Whitfield Gibbons and Michael E. Dorcas have compiled North American Watersnakes, the first comprehensive study of all fourteen species of watersnakes found in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba. Individual species accounts explore all aspects of the natural history of watersnakes in North America, including their behavior, physiology, life history, ecology, and conservation. Almost 100 color photographs accompany the text, illustrating all 14 species and nearly all subspecies. Supplementing the species accounts are detailed color maps depicting each species distribution and stunning black-and-white drawings by Peri Mason. Easy-to-use keys help readers to identify specimens at hand.

North American Watersnakes: A Natural History (Volume 8) (Animal Natural History Series)

Science & Math

Gibbons, J. Whitfield

Dorcas, Michael E.

Biological Sciences

University of Oklahoma Press

Fifty-three kinds of snakes can be found in the Southeast, almost half of all species native to North America. Filled with more than 300 color photographs and written by two renowned herpetologists, this new edition is the most comprehensive authoritative guide to the snakes of the region.
At the heart of the book are its heavily illustrated, fact-filled descriptions of each snake species. Also included is a wealth of general information about the importance of snake conservation and the biology, diversity, habitats, and ecology of snakes. Find useful information about the interactions of humans and snakes: species that are likely to be found near houses, snakes as pets, what to do in case of a snakebite, and more.
The revised edition of Snakes of the Southeast includes new photos, the latest research findings, new species discoveries, and the most current geographic range maps. Clearly written, cleanly designed, and fun to use, this guide promotes a better understanding of the conservation of this fascinating but often maligned group of animals. Features: Conservation-oriented approach
Over 300 color photographs, including many new images for this edition
New distribution maps for 53 species of snakes
New accounts of invasive snakes of the Southeast
Clear descriptions of each species, including differences in the appearance of young and mature snakes
Size charts, key identifiers (scales, body shape, patterns, and color), descriptions of habitat, behavior and activity, food and feeding, reproduction, predators and defense, and conservation

Snakes of the Southeast (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Book Ser.)

Gibbons, Whit

University of Georgia Press

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Books by Dorcas, Michael E.