Water Tubing in STL Area, questions (Ozark: camping, bus, snakes)

[rabble12]

Some of my friends want me to go on a weekend water tubing/camping trip in St Louis this weekend; should I expect to encounter any nasty-tempered water snakes (cottenmouth or water moccasin) in this part of the country? I think I've heard they can be found that far north.

[dashels]

Not be a downer, but our lakes and rivers are pretty polluted. What area are your friends talking about going to?

[OA 5599]

To answer your question, yes you can find water moccasins (or "cottonmouths") in Missouri streams.

However, you should not be worried. They do not have a nasty temperment. I'm an avid enjoyer of Missouri streams, and have been for many years, but have never had a problem with poisonous snakes in the rivers. They seldom have any interest in people, and I've swam right by them before (by accident, of course) and we've left each other alone. If you happen to see one (they swim on the top of the water), simply swim away and they will leave you alone.

As far as pollutes lakes/rivers, it depends on which ones you visit. Most of the streams further out in the Ozarks are very clean. Only a few are polluted.

[oscottscotto]

Speaking of which, where in the STL or Southern Illinois area can you go tubing? (as in places pre-set and run for people who want to tube)

For instance, there is a river in Baldwin County, AL that we went to alot each summer. You pay $10 and you get a tube and a bus ride to the point where you enter the river. You then tube for 3 to 4 hours before you hit the pre-set point where you are supposed to exit the river.

Anywhere run an operation like that around here?