[msilagy]

I stepped smack dab in the middle of a coiled large cottonmouth water moccasin while hiking in Marshall's swamp in Ocala - it felt like hard rubber. He did not strike (thank God) as we were 3 mi from the cars and I might not be here today! He was camouflaged by leaves, I look down 99%, because of stumps and roots, of the time but I must have been on automatic pilot. I was first in the group so I jumped forward after I stepped on it, they all stopped, he reared his head, stayed there a minute or so then slithered away. I know how lucky I was as they can do a lot of nerve damage or if you don't get medical help even death. Sorry to hear they are here in the villages. Take this seriously as a friend in southern Florida was weeding near a canal she lives on and got bit on the elbow. Has lost range of motion in that arm.