Truman Critter Question

As some know, Badaxed(Randy) Abby(his dog) and I will arrive on April 23 to fish Truman and will take advantage of your kind invitation to meet those at Crappie Camp.

When I lived in MD, rattlesnakes and copperheads were common. Here In WI one can find rattlesnakes in the area where I and Badaxed live. I found these critters all live in MO. http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/herpetol/snake/snake2.htm Because we will have Abby(Wonder dog) in the boat with us & she will at some point like to swim and or relieve herself on shore.

1. Should we be concerned?
2. Advice to help protect her from being bitten. (Us too)
3. Which if any of the snakes are in the Truman area.
4. Would like to hear any experiences, comments or stories regarding said critters in the Truman area and other parts of the state of MO.

Thanks in advance for any input.

I used to drop my Gordon off on the shoreline to relieve herself.
Moved here from Wisconsin five years ago.
I'm no more concerned with snakes as I was in Wisconsin.

Copperheads can swim but typically avoid water.

G.

With the exception of college and the navy, I have lived my whole life here in MO doing all kinds of hunting and fishing night and day. I have seen less than 10 poison snakes in this state in the wild in my whole life. They are around, but I wouldnt think twice about taking my dog if I wanted.

I have been to Truman bout 12 times and have never seem a snake. I know they are there just have not seem one. I would not be concerned at all to bring my dog along.

Born and raised in Illinois, 4 years in Oklahoma, a few deployments, the rest in Missouri. In my whole life I have only seen 3 poisonous snakes in the wild. 1 timber rattler in Illinois when I was 12. A pit viper in Saudi Arabia when I was 19. The last was a 12" copperhead in Minnesota while on vacation when I was 14. I wouldn't worry about it. If you want to take precautions keep some benadryl handy. If the dog acts funny but you can figure it out, give her some benadryl and get to the vet. But I would just about bet it stays in the package your whole stay.

I appreciate you comments.

Pretty much like I expected. Personally, I'm not afraid of snakes. When stationed in Panama way back in the day (Army Infantry), saw lots including a bushmaster (very aggressive snake)

Had a couple 4-5" Timber Rattlers in our valley road last summer, but they would rather not be around and are not aggressive. Just have to watch where one steps when turkey hunting in the spring.

Thanks again,
OTD