The May 2011 Mississippi River flood required the opening of Morganza spillway, flushing swamp creatures such as, alligators, snakes, deers, rabbits and others, to higher ground (the levees).Their departure from the swamps poses several problems for other creatures and for the safety of individuals in near-by communities.
There are three known poisonous snakes on the Morganza Spillway. The cottonmouth/water moccasin snake, the diamondback rattlesnake and the copperhead snake all pose a major problem to nearby communities. In addition, there are various non-venomous snakes including the king snake, a killer of other snakes. The king snake is unique because it makes a habit of eating venomous snakes and produces an enzyme that breaks down the venom from other snakes minimizing the damage it suffers from bits. To kill another snake it will grip the snake behind their head, wrap its body within its length, then stretch out, breaking the other snakes backbones. The king snake will then release the snake and move a few feet away. Within a few minutes the snake will die becoming the king snakes next meal.
Another snake, the gopher snake creates problems for homeowners because they like to raid chicken coups, swallowing the eggs whole.
The last days of June and most of July will be the time frame for the flood waters to return its natural banks allowing the swamp creature to return to their natural domain.
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