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[clhw AT infoave.net (clhw)]

The SCDNR also claims there are no cougar/panther in the state.
HA! Several members of our family and neighbors and even the police chief
have seen them.

We have a red colored water snake, so identified by the Erskine College
herpetologist, which is vicious! VERY aggressive, but, as you said,
non-poisonous.

I've seen water moccasins in a creek in North Carolina near Asheville.
Clearing brush and killing them is the only way to remove them that I know.

>If it's a watersnake (which it likely is), they are aggressive but not
>poisonous. As to identification I can only recommend you search the net for
>snakes common in your region.
>
>We are repeatedly told by the SCDNR that there are no water mocassins in
>Upstate SC but I am not convinced. Our backyard is a pond, and clearing the
>brush and removing their hiding places will mitigate your problem greatly-
>that and an active dog is your best option.
>
>Warren