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Name: Linda
Status: educator
Grade: 4-5
Location: TX
Country: USA
Date: N/A
Question:
Why does a water moccasin snake float, but not other water snakes?


Replies:
Linda

Water moccasins aren't the only snakes that float. If a body weighs less than the water it displaces, it will float. That is, fill a buck to the very brim with water. Put a snake in it and collect the water that spills over the side. Weight the snake and weigh the water that spilled over the side. If the snake weighs less than the water that spilled over the side of the bucket, the snake will float.

Please see the following URL for a whole genus of water snakes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerodia

Sincere regards,
Mike Stewart

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