The snake in my photo was neutral about my presence. At one time I was within three feet of it and I had followed it along the bank a ways. Maybe it's a less aggressive variety?
The funniest part is that when I was closest to the snake and crouched down for another photo I heard a faint humming sound. I looked over my shoulder to see a swarm of Yellow Jackets that are living* at the base of an oak tree. I lost a good pair of reading glasses while setting a new record for the 100 yard dash.
*until tomorrow
Thanks for the words of caution cat, I will certainly be wary around these critters.
