The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

VIPER SNAKE

INFORMANT TOLD ME OF A LOCAL SNAKE SHE REMEMBERED FROM
HER CHILDHOOD, WHICH HAD IMPRESSED HER. THIS SNAKE,
CALLED THE SPREADING VIPER, WOULD BE THE OBJECT OF
SEVERAL SNAKE HUNTS IN HER HOME STATE OF KENTUCKY.
THE SNAKE WAS DESCRIBED AS LOOKING "LIKE A LONG, LONG,
STICK." WHEN THE SNAKE GOT NERVOUS OR EXCITED, ITS
BODY WOULD SWELL UP TWO OR THREE INCHES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-29-1971