Above, a common resident of Eagle Creek. It's a rare trip that I don't see a few garter snakes in and around the campsite. This fat and happy specimen was sunning near the bear cables.

Below, another common inhabitant of Campsite #90. Luckily, copperheads are calm in temperament and their venom is mild in comparison to the other venomous snake of the Great Smoky Mountains, the rattlesnake. However, getting bit by a copperhead, far from the trailhead or paddling put-in, is a serious matter. Avoid the risk by watching where you put your feet and hands, and use a strong flashlight when moving around camp at night. This particular copperhead made itself at home in a stack of firewood about 10 inches from a boat-campers lawnchair. It was the biggest that I've seen, measuring close to 3 feet in length. In comparison to the more venonmous rattlesnake, the copperhead has much smaller fangs.

The large garter snake in the bottom photo had recently swallowed a rather substantial meal and seemed offended when we interrupted its after-dinner snooze.