Of course we encounter snakes while diving. Mocassins abound here in Florida, and further north from me there are the Copperhead. Unlike the Rattlers and the Coral Snake, both the Mocassin and Copperhead dearly love water. The thing that makes it fun is the common banded water snake, which has the same body shape and c-l-o-s-e to the same markings as the Mocassin. The only way to tell the difference for sure is the shape of the head. Well, if you can tell that, you MIGHT be a tad too close.
Just like gators, snakes will seek respite from the Florida heat on the bottom of many of our lakes and streams. Touch the wrong "stick" and you might have more than you bargained for. Snakes will also hang from low branches over the same. Thats how they fish. I have had a Mocassin join me and a friend in a canoe on the southern Withlacoochee River. Paddles are an effective method of "snake control" in these situations. Mocassins have a reputation for being VERY territorial, and there are legends about them chasing fishing boats all the way to the marina. I did have a mocassin seem to give my canoe chase on the St John's River, but it did not follow us very long. Who knows, we might have just been heading in the same direction? To date, I only personally know a few people who have been envenomated, and these were 2 from Pygmy Rattlers, and 1 from an Eastern Diamondback Rattler. Most snakes you will meet here are NOT venemous, and all play an important part in our eco-systems. Take heart, you are NOT on their menu. You are more likely to drop a tank on your toe, then be bitten by a snake.