When going to the pond, make a lot of noise and stomp around a lot
(snakes
can't actually 'hear' in the sense that we do). Most snakes, even
pit vipers,
would rather get out of Dodge than to deal with you. </HTML>
It is my understanding that they feel ground vibrations, so stomping
your feet a bit is good advice.
In the Ozarks, copperheads are quite beautiful, with lovely tan,
cream, and brown markings.
Alas, to have surface water is to have copperheads. To eliminate
snakes around your house and grounds, eliminate their food. Cats and
certain small dogs are useful, as is getting rid of favored habitat
material.