When his program Austin Steven’s “Snakemaster” debuted on Animal Planet a decade ago, wildlife enthusiasts around the world were mesmerized not only with the serpents he encountered on film, but of Steven’s deep passion and knowledge of the subject matter.
Stevens has just released his latest book Austin Stevens: Snakemaster-Wildlife Adventures with the World’s Most Dangerous Reptiles.
I have had the privilege of interviewing Stevens who is currently residing in Australia. From here in the swamps of East Texas to the great expanse of Down Under we have traded emails, exploring all things snakes.
A recent proliferation of cottonmouth photos on social media as well as a well-publicized incident with a young man being bitten while talking a “selfie” inspired a question about this infamous southern species.
“The cottonmouth, or water moccasin as it is also known is indeed reputed to be a bad-tempered snake when approached. Generally speaking I have found this to be true, though one must also take into account that though a species may have earned a particular reputation, individual snakes may differ within a species,” Stevens said.
“In Florida, in one morning, I came across two specimens within 50 feet of each other. The first immediately deployed the typical defense strategy, with head pulled back into its body coils, mouth wide open with tongue flickering in and out while its tail vibrated noisily amongst leaf litter, producing a sound almost like a rattler. Moving closer with my camera, the snake immediately responded with numerous short, quick strikes in my direction.”
“Not 20 minutes later and just a little further along, I came across a smaller specimen of the same species, basking on a log. This cottonmouth showed little interest in my approach and only moved when I attempted to pick it up with my snake tongs, which I eventually did with little complaint on the part of the snake. Two completely different displays of attitude, but generally speaking, cottonmouths are quick to show their displeasure when approached.”
So how big do cottonmouths gets?
I caught one that was well over 40 inches and was super thick.
This massive cottonmouth was not happy about me catching it!
This was a hyper aggressive snake that was beautifully-marked as you can see in this photo.
I’ve had others be very chill comparatively speaking. That just shows that what Austin Stevens says is true that even snakes can be individuals when it comes to behavior.
I saw one cottonmouth near Sabine Pass, TX that would be more than five feet long and was too big to get in my snake grabbers.
This snake was as big around as a soda can at its thickest point and it had a very long strike distance. There is no doubt this snake was over five feet in length. After a couple of attempts, I just let it be and let the snake slither off. I would’ve loved to have documented its size and get great photos but it was dark and I’m not completely crazy.
The A-Z Animals blog documents the largest cottonmouth on record.
A 1990 review of snakes included the largest cottonmouth snake ever reliably measured. This specimen was reputedly captured on the Virginia-North Carolina border, in an area known as the Dismal Swamp. According to the 1990 review, it measured 74 inches long, making it the longest cottonmouth snake ever recorded
What’s the biggest cottonmouth you’ve ever seen? Do you have photos for video?
A recent photograph from Port Arthur, TX has sparked debate about whether the animal captured on camera is a cougar (mountain lion) or just an ordinary domestic house cat.
Southeast Texas is within the cougar’s range, despite some state officials downplaying their presence over the years.
They are not common here but they do inhabit the greater Southeast Texas area and are technically native to all of the Lower 48. Actually, they’re native from Canada all the way to Argentina.
A cougar looking quite intense. (Photo by Chester Moore)
Upon close inspection of the photo in question the animal in my opinion is a large domestic cat, made to appear more imposing due to its distance from the camera.
Perspective can play tricks, and this in my opinion is a classic case of misidentification—a phenomenon I’ve encountered many times in my investigations of alleged cougar sightings.
People make mistakes in identifying things in blurry pictures. It happens.
Over the years, I’ve analyzed numerous photos that were believed to depict cougars. In many instances, these turned out to be domestic cats or even bobcats, their true size exaggerated by camera angles or distances.
Something I noticed about the animal in the photos is the size of the paws. They are domestic cat size in proportion to the body.
Cougars have big paws from juveniles to adults. I have included a photo of me when I filmed with a young cougar in 2013 at a zoological facility.
See how big the paws are?
I have a full body cougar mounted in my office that I inherited years ago. The cat was probably 120 pounds. Notice the paws in comparison to my fairly large hand.
I cast a cougar track around 2010 in Orange County and had a sighting there when I was a teenager at a very close range that I have documented here.
These cats will show up in our area but I am in agreement with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department official consulted by the news agency here.
They said it was most likely a domestic house cat.
I believe it is one as well.
And this comes from someone who has written many articles about these cats in East Texas.
I just don’t believe we’re looking at one here.
I will be glad to be proven wrong with clearer photographic evidence but I don’t see that happening in this situation.
Chester Moore
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I”m exciited to be speaking at the Tennessee Wildman & Cryptid Con this weekend.
For those of you who have been following my research, you know that I have a deep interest in feral apes and primates.
I’ve long believed that these creatures play a much bigger role in the cryptozoological narrative than they’ve been given credit for.
At the conference, I’ll be diving into the evidence that suggests these primates are not only real but that they have exist in America for much longer than we might think. I’ll explore historical accounts, modern-day sightings, and the biological plausibility of such creatures surviving in the wild. My goal is to shed light on how these feral apes could be the missing link in our understanding of unusual sightings.
My good friend Randy Hutchings puts on a great event and has been kind enough to help a very special family connected to our Wild Wishes® program come to his events.
Here are the details for my talk and the event:
Event: Tennessee Wildman & Cryptid Con 2024 When: Aug. 10 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Where: Milner Recreation Center, 500 Garfield Street, McMinnville, TN 37110
As we planned our expedition to Yellowstone to gather content for future conservation media including a documentary with Aptitude Outdoors, bison were at the forefront.
Today I had the pleasure of spending time with Reagen, Isaiah, their mother, and their grandmother-a family we connected with through the National Bighorn Sheep Center.
We aimed to capture the majestic bison of the Lamar Valley, and our adventure began as we headed straight towards this wildlife haven.
The valley did not disappoint. Large herds of bison roamed freely, presenting numerous opportunities for photography. Reagen and Isaiah were thrilled, their excitement contagious as they snapped photos of the massive bulls and their territorial tussles.
The boys’ enthusiasm was a joy to witness, and it was heartening to see their curiosity about wildlife and conservation sparked through the lens of a camera.
The big bulls bellowed constantly in a very deep, guttural tone.
I said it sounded like Godzilla.
The boys agreed.
Photo by Reagen
The highlight of our day came when we encountered the “red dogs” – the baby bison that dotted the landscape. These young calves, with their reddish coats, provided some of the most endearing and memorable shots of the day. Reagen and Isaiah’s eyes lit up every time they spotted one.
Photo by Isaiah
Our adventure didn’t stop with the bison though.
Across the Lamar River, we spotted four grizzlies that we wish would have been closer for photography purposes. Later, wee spotted wolves and a solitary coyote with the help of some kind people with a huge spotting scope, further enriching our wildlife photography experience.
These awesome boys inspired me greatly. Spending time with them in Yellowstone was a truly incredible experience as I got to see nature through their eyes. And it looked awesome!
Throughout the day, I shared with Reagen and Isaiah how photography can raise awareness about conservation. I told them that their photos would be part of an in-depth feature on bison at Higher Calling Wildlife, aimed at inspiring others to appreciate and conserve these magnificent creatures. The boys were eager to learn, their polite and fun nature making the long day an absolute pleasure.
Our work with kids aims to show them that, despite life’s challenges, great things can happen.
As our day drew to a close, we encountered one last bison herd. Among them was a massive bull that Reagen photographed bellowing away as the mating season is kicking in. It was a fitting end to a day filled with wonder, laughter, and the promise of a brighter future, a fitting end to our “Hope Is Alive: Yellowstone 2024 Expedition”.
Recently, I had the incredible privilege of meeting a young girl named Vivian through the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, WY. Our organization works with kids who might need a little extra encouragement in their lives, and Vivian was chosen to receive a special surprise during our visit to the center for some documentary work.
I have met a lot of kids, but none quite with the same zeal for wildlife, particularly wolves, as Vivian. Her enthusiasm and curiosity about these majestic creatures are truly inspiring.
I genuinely believe she will become a great conservationist one day, using her passion and intelligence to make significant contributions. Beyond all that, Vivian is simply a great person.
To celebrate her love for wolves, we gifted Vivian a collection of wolf books and memorabilia. Her eyes lit up with joy as she explored each item, her excitement palpable. One of the most touching moments was when I told her about a donation made in her honor to Painted Dog Conservation. Knowing that her love for wolves had a ripple effect, reaching wild dogs in Africa, made her beam with pride.
The past few weeks have been emotionally challenging for me, with the demanding nature of our work with kids weighing heavily. However, meeting Vivian was a breath of fresh air. Her sweetness and inspiring spirit gave me a much-needed boost, reminding me why we do what we do.
To top off the day, I presented Vivian with a long out-of-print Time Life Books Wild, Wild World of Animals “Big Cats” book. This book was a cherished part of my childhood, and I wrote a special note for Vivian inside, letting her know she is awesome and that great things can and will happen in her life.
Seeing Vivian’s joy and knowing we made a difference in her life was an unforgettable experience.
She reminded me of the importance of nurturing young passion and the incredible impact it can have on the world. Vivian’s love for wildlife and her kind heart have left an indelible mark on me and Higher Calling Wildlife.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of having a young boy named Andy join us on a wildlife photography trip in Yellowstone National Park.
We were doing some filming and wildlife photography so we thought we should see if any local kids wanted to join in on the fun.
Andy, a bright 12-year-old from Dubois, WY, joined us through the National Bighorn Sheep Center. It was a day filled with excitement and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
We started early in the morning, the sun barely up, with our cameras ready. The crisp air was invigorating, especially for a Southeast Texan like me who was coming from a 100 degree swamp.
As we made our way through the park, a group of pronghorns appeared, their graceful forms moving elegantly across the landscape. Andy was thrilled, especially when a nice buck came close enough for him to get some great photos.
He told me his grandmother sometimes affectionately calls him “Andylope,” and he found it especially cool to see these animals up close.
Photo by Andy
Later, we spotted a big cow elk grazing in a small meadow. And nearby, a vibrant yellow-headed blackbird perched emerged, adding a splash of color to the scene. Andy’s eyes lit up with excitement as he got a perfect shot of the bird.
Photo by Andy
The highlight of our day was visiting the Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America.” Here, we saw huge herds of bison roaming freely. Andy was in awe, and we spent a lot of time photographing these iconic animals. I shared with Andy the conservation history of the American bison, explaining how they were brought back from the brink of extinction.
Photo by Andy
Andy was a lot of fun to be around.
His sharp mind and fun, snarky sense of humor kept us all entertained. It was inspiring to see his enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world. Our time together reminded me of the importance of connecting with the younger generation, of truly getting to know them and recognizing the unique perspectives they bring.
Andy is proof that kids have so much to offer to the world. His passion for wildlife and photography was clear, and I have no doubt he has a bright future ahead.
Spending time with Andy in the field reminded me why I love what I do and the joy that comes from sharing these experiences with others.
The Higher Calling Wildlife® “Hope Is Alive Expedition” kicked off this week in the breathtaking Yellowstone region.
This initiative, led by founder Chester Moore, seeks to uplift children facing extraordinary challenges such as critical illnesses, the loss of parents or siblings, and marginalization. These young participants will be mentored in wildlife conservation and how to use photography as a means of making people aware of wildlife and their habitat.
A symbol of this mission’s spirit is the expedition’s official logo, a white bison. This emblem was inspired by the recent birth of a rare white bison in Yellowstone, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the extraordinary possibilities that nature offers.
An early Higher Calling Wildlife expedition led to kids finding this white bison in Texas. (Photo by Chester Moore)
Moore received the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, WY “Bighorn Educator of the Year Award” in 2024. Now, the Center is helping connect kids to Higher Calling Wildlife’s outreach.
“Their support has been instrumental in helping us reach out to these incredible kids in the region. The Center’s dedication to wildlife conservation aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we’re making a difference in these children’s lives.”
Aptitude Outdoors is on hand to document this transformative journey, aiming to create an inspiring documentary. This film will highlight the expedition and encourage children to engage in wildlife photography, a powerful tool for raising awareness about conservation.
Reflecting on his own childhood, Moore shared, “Growing up, I devoured magazines like Sports Afield, Field & Stream, and Outdoor Life. I dreamed of traveling west to see bighorn sheep, bison, bears, and to fish the pristine trout streams. Now, not only do I get to live that dream, but I also get to share it with kids who need hope the most. Empowering them to experience the beauty of wildlife and nature is truly a dream come true.”
The “Hope Is Alive Expedition” aims to install a sense of hope and possibility in every child they work with, proving that, like the white bison, remarkable and unexpected things can happen.
The trip is fully-funded (travel, lodging for families etc, permits, etc.) but we would love for some of you to bless kids out there through our gift giving.
We are going to be working with families of children facing special challenges such as critical illness, parental/sibling loss and other issues. We are asking for your help to buy plush bison, a Yellowstone wildlife field guide and a bear necklace.
We will also be giving wildlife conservation gift packages to kids with their families we meet while in Wyoming and Montana.
It’s a great way for you to join us in reaching out to kids and letting them know they are loved and that they can become a voice for wildlife conservation.
We will put the same materials in these bags but the plush, wildlife field guide and necklace will be specific to Yellowstonte.
Besides the gifts on the Amazon list we put in educational material from our friends at The Wild Sheep Foundation, our decals and a special card with a QR code that goes to a video explaining how to get involved with conservation.
If you order gifts from this list, they will be shipped directly to us.
