Blem (1981b) found that Brown water snakes have a similar range to the cottonmouth and are located mainly in the southeastern region of the state. and early November. Males are known to perform a combat dance. J. Linn. In Virginia, there are three species of watersnake: brown watersnake, northern watersnake and plain-bellied watersnake. Sexual dimorphism index was -0.26. The most notable characteristic of the cottonmouth is the white inner surface of its mouth. Credit: Virginia Herpetological Society . There are also a few steps that you can take to minimize your risk of being bitten. snakes so that specimens may be identified from a safe distance. This snake is heavy bodied with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many dark spots and speckles. species have been recorded from Virginia specimens: Coastal Plains Leopard Frogs (Lithobates Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. their heads about 45, and open their mouths, exposing the white interior (this is the contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom can be deadly to humans. inject modified saliva (venom) deep into prey. They can bite whether coiled or not and whether or not His background is in wildlife conservation and he has worked with endangered species around the world. Neonates were 221-237 mm SVL (ave. = 227.9 (ave. = 176.8 2.8, n = 137); dorsal scales strongly keeled, scale rows 25 at midbody; anal plate 1. juvenile Northern Watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base color. 6. Systematics: Originally described as Crotalus piscivorus by Bernard-Germain-Etienne de la Ville-sur-Illon Lacepede in 1788-1789, based on mature male in the Virginia sample was 755 mm SVL and the smallest mature female was 660 mm and semi-aquatic snakes. outer edges of bands darker (usually black) than centers; edges of crossbands project well It is a semi-aquatic snake and can be found . The eye is camouflaged by a broad, dark, facial stripe. in pit-viper refers to the heating sensing pit located between the eye and the nostrils on the snake's head. similar level of difference was seen in ventrals + subcaudals (males 178.1 2.7, 168-184, n = 70; females 175.4 + Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom is potent and can be deadly to humans. humans, unlike other snakes. This snake is fond of basking on a rock, log, or stump during the day. In the United States, the Eastern Cottonmouth is found in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. stepped on or otherwise threatened. (2004) locality points remaining unsourced ().It has been museum vouchered for 66 of 75 counties (), with 5 additional counties having other forms of reported occurrence ().Years of collection range from 1892 to present. Within the known range of the cottonmouth in the United States, about 7.3 percent . The Virginia Herpetological Society's map of the cottonmouth's range shows a cluster in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area. Synonyms and Other Names: water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, gaper. located between the eye and nostril that is used to aid in prey location. Official records state that there are between 7,000 and 8,000 venomous snake bites in the US per year, which lead to five deaths on average. Read on to learn about the cottonmouth.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0'); Cottonmouths are relatively large snakes. Baby cottonmouths are born brightly colored and go off on their own as soon as they're born. Though other species are often confused for them, the Northern Cottonmouth is only found in the Coastal Plain, south of the James River. Credit: Virginia Herpetological Society . Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there. Cottonmouths are fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long. = 55). yellowish olive to black with about 13 black crossbands that are wide on the sides and narrow as Ancistrodon, and Stejneger (1895) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon. They are found primarily in southeastern virginia. brightly colored tail tip fades to black as the snake ages. Other prey recorded from the eastern part of the range are redfin pickerel (Esox americanus), bass (Micropterus spp. body of water that supports fish and/or frogs. is not considered a species of special concern at this time. finish swallowing it. Juvenile Plain-bellied Watersnakes are boldly patterned with a pattern similar to a This is because, for the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six hours although within one hour is preferable. One of these is the cottonmouth also known as the water moccasin. Cottonmouths also contain a lot of venom. When annoyed it tends to stand its . Remarks: Other common names in Virginia are In recorded Virginia history, the venomous cottonmouth has only These are Florida cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti), found throughout Florida; western cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma), found in Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas; and eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus), found in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Females have a gestation period of five months. pivotal role in controlling rodent populations. Greensville County, Cottonmouths possess cytotoxic venom, which attacks and destroys tissue. Using multi-locus nuclear data, Burbrink and Guiher (2015, Zool. moccasin, mangrove rattler, moccasin, water viper, rusty moccasin, by Cope (1900), Schmidt (1953), Wood (1954a), Goodwin and Wood (1956), and Martin and Wood ponds. especially in warm months. Cottonmouths do not like open water, and prefer cypress swamps and marshes, though they can be found along some shady edges of rivers . Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. snakes there would be a drastic increase in crop/food damage and rodent spread Range Map The Eastern cottonmouth is venomous and should not be approached. inner white lining is not an aggressive action, it simply makes the cottonmouth more visible. 1990). . Though individuals may reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long. Juveniles may elevate and wag their tails to lure small prey to them When out of the water, Northern Cottonmouths often lie under vegetation, in grasses, or under appeared to be smaller in the 1980s than in previous years, in contrast to the contrary Male Northern Cottonmouths are known to perform the combat dance described for Agkistrodon contortrix (Gloyd and Conant, 1990). It is often found in cultivated fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams. Virginia's venomous snakes is the single row of scales on the underside of the tail after the Humans bitten by pit vipers, such as cottonmouths, will almost always feel an immediate burning pain where they've been bitten, and these bite wounds usually begin to swell within five minutes, according to TPWD (opens in new tab). Sussex County, Juveniles: Juveniles are patterned as adults but are Cottonmouths are typically olive to black in color with large, dark crossbands across the body. When their mouth gape open, it exposes the white lining, which resembles cotton. The snakes in the test only struck when lifted with a mechanical hand. Washington. . They are heavy bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in length, but typically are between 36 and 48 inches. Juvenile Brown watersnakes are patterned the same as adults. of 9-12 (6.7%); supralabials 7/7 (25.4%, n = 118), 8/8 (42.4%), 7/8 (27.1%), or combinations The juvenile cottonmouths have a more bright-colored pattern. Copperheads are found all throughout the state. and others. Suffolk City, However, they are not found across the entire state of Virginia. The striking patterns present on the juveniles fades with age. bullhead catfishes (lctalurus spp. Cottonmouths. Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), egrets (Ardea, Egretta), = 16.3 1.0). darkness. Like most other snakes, mom and dad play no role in raising or caring for their young. In our region cottonmouths are generally restricted to the Coastal Plain but are found in a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia. While swimming, the Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. Cottonmouths are relatively large, ranging from 2 to 4 feet long (61 to 122 centimeters), according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (opens in new tab). onto venter; center portion of bands olive to brown, similar to body color between bands; bright, sulfur-yellow tail tip is always present. Most cottonmouths live in the southeastern states, but their range extends to Texas, southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana. fangs, one on each of the two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils. Instead, cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern corner, with most populations living south of the James River. Vipers regulate the Cottonmouth, NPS/Doggrell. The stunning Chesapeake Bay, the Shenandoah Valley, and numerous rivers, mountains, and forests, there is something there for everyone to explore. [5] As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. Northern Cottonmouth - Venomous. alleghaniensis), Ring-Necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus), juvenile Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon), and Northern Brownsnakes But it also shows four red dots noting isolated populations in the . Virginia: 1. The cottonmouth will eat frogs, snakes birds or fish. and voro which means "to devour". Therefore, you should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the water. Adult snakes usually vary in length from 30 to 48 inches up to a maximum of 74 inches. Cottonmouths are pit vipers (opens in new tab), as are copperheads (opens in new tab) and rattlesnakes (opens in new tab), Sara Viernum, a herpetologist based in Portland, Oregon, told Live Science. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. Male cottonmouths are larger than females. The "pit" in pit-viper refers to the heating sensing pit located between the eye and the nostrils on the snake's head. in 20+ genera distributed on all continents except Antarctica and Australia (Zug, 1993). Refuge, despite the perceptions of most people. These snakes range between 24 and 54 inches long and have brown to black bodies overlaid with darker crossbands on their necks and blotches on their bodies. Virginia is the home to 34 types of snakes with only three venomous species. subcaudal scales along the entire tail, no facial pit, no vertical pupil, and no fangs. long head which is wider than the neck. Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. Chesterfield County population. Cottonmouths rarely bite humans, and usually only do so when provoked. The average number of ventrals was similar in both males (131.9 2.0, 125-136, n = 73) and Due to this, these snakes can be found in the water or can be found basking in the sun on dry land. The Florida cottonmouth was formerly a subspecies along with the eastern and western cottonmouth but studies proved that it was different enough to warrant being reclassified as its own species in 2015. Older adults may be a uniformed dark color, usually black, without a discernable pattern. (Nerodia), and their use of these vernacular names, implying that the snake is venomous, has Cottonmouths can also shake their tails a bit like a rattlesnake and can make a vibrating sound by doing so, but they don't have an actual rattle, like rattlesnakes do. Large adult Northern Cottonmouths have few predators; humans are the primary ones. distinctly separated from narrow neck. In a zoological setting these snakes are provided with dense vegetation, hiding places, and a large water source. a specimen from "Carolina." The smallest mature female from the Chesterfield County population measured by Blem Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Available here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/default.html#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%207%2C000,than%20to%20die%20from%20them. Family Viperidae: This family comprises 150+ species SVL. Scutellation: Ventrals 125-136 (ave. = 131.8 They can grow to be quite long, especially in captivity where meals are consistent, so a large enclosure is necessary. This is in reference to recurved fangs. Neonates in a Chesterfield County population averaged 211.3 mm SVL and 17.3 g These snakes will retreat from a threat when given the chance, and the vast majority of bites occur when someone is attempting to kill the snake rather than simply stumbling upon them. chunky, dark brown, olive, or black dorsally, and brown laterally; chin and infralabials Cottonmouths can be seen year-round during the day and at night, but they primarily hunt after dark, especially in the summer, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Most cottonmouths live in the southeastern states, but their range extends to Texas, southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana. Evol. Virginia Herpetological Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. In Missouri, for example, all snakes are protected from being killed, including cottonmouths, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (opens in new tab). The cottonmouth ranges over Virginia, West Virginia, Oklahoma,Texas and a great many states in between. ), catfish (lctalurus spp. Litter size for eight females was 5-9 (ave. = 6.1 1.6). They will not hesitate to bite if molested, however. subrubrum), Eastern Hog-Nosed Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), and least shrews (Cryptotis parva) They primarily live in slow-moving streams, wetlands, swamps, marshes, and ponds.Jun 28, 2022[4 I love spending time in the outdoors and when not writing I can be found on the farm surrounded by horses, dogs, sheep, and pigs. Virginia where I saw a large . There are three subspecies of cottonmouth recognized by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) (opens in new tab). Range & Habitat The cottonmouth is confined mostly to the Coastal Plain region in Georgia, but does make it up the western . although much more is excreted then. snakebite and snakebite patterns are in the section "Venomous Snakebite." Some individuals bask on logs and horizontal limbs overhanging 1,100 mm). Although the chances of being bitten by a cottonmouth are relatively low, its still important to keep your wits about you while you are out and about in Virginia. Northern Cottonmouths appear to have a biennial-to-triennial cycle of litter production (Gloyd and single; infralabials 11/11 (46.2%, n = 119), 10/10 (18.5%), 11/10 (28.6%), or combinations Prince George County, Cottonmouth venom is mainly composed of hemotoxins that break down blood cells, preventing the blood from clotting or coagulating, according to Viernum. obscured by black pigment, especially during shedding; venter cream-colored with a variable the range of the Water Moccasin. 48: 112125) that the two North American species (A. contortrix and A. A pit viper can One subspecies, Western Cottonmouth (A. p. leucostoma), is recognized in the state.Description: A large, heavy-bodied pit viper (30.0 to 42.0 inches in length) with keeled scales, vertical pupils, and a triangular head. distribution within the state. The eastern subspecies is found to the north of the Florida subspecies, from Georgia to North Carolina. Environmental variation Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also called water moccasins, are venomous snakes (opens in new tab) found in the southeastern United States. The smallest mature male in the . Southampton County, They use their long bodies to corral small fish and tadpoles into the shallows, and then gorge themselves on as many as they can catch. When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. The University of Florida (opens in new tab) stated that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year, but only about five to six people die from their bites. The northern cottonmouth is the species that is native to Virginia, but for the rest of this article, well simply call them cottonmouths. Habitat [edit | edit source] The geographic range of A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the snakes. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water alternating blotches near the backbone and on the sides. Of these, only 1% are attributed to cottonmouths. They are prevalent especially in the southeastern region of the nation. Taxonomy: available through. diseases. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. Range and Habitat: Cottonmouths range throughout . Northern Cottonmouths are born alive with a bright yellowish to yellowish green tail piscivorus on the Official List of Specific Names in Zoology, "notwithstanding that it was fangs rotate from a resting position along the roof of the mouth to an erect position by the Their saliva contains a mild anti-coagulant which makes any wounds inflicted by them bleed quite a lot. Opening of the mouth and flashing the 173: 505526) If you have the misfortune to be bitten by a cottonmouth moccasin . were used until the late 1950s. . If approached, it will stand its ground, or crawl away very slowly. Other aquatic snakes are either uniform in color and pattern or have alternating dorsal and Discover the Largest Venomous Snake Ever: 3X Bigger than a King Cobra! larger litters and larger young than smaller females (Blem, 1981b, 1982). Northern Cottonmouth Range Map. (Hamilton and Pollack, 1955; Bothner, 1974; Brown, 1979; Collins, 1980). Bothner (1974) observed Georgia Northern Cottonmouth The Florida subspecies is found in Florida, southern Georgia, and a number of different islands. Conant, 1990). Therefore, its really important to watch where you tread particularly when you are stepping over logs and rocks. Most people cannot identify Northern Cottonmouths from several species of harmless water snakes "Cottonmouths are highly aquatic and spend most of their time in water," he told me in an email. They're Florida Cottonmouth, The Eastern Cottonmouth, and the Western Cottonmouth. Though there are a few accounts of females defending newly born litters, the offspring are usually independent and receive no maternal care.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-leader-1','ezslot_9',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-leader-1-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-1','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-1-0');report this ad. However, its habitat continues They have thick, muscular bodies covered in ridged scales and blocky heads with large jowls. These snakes range throughout the southeastern section of the country from east Texas to Florida and as far north as Virginia. Most of their time is spent in or around the water, and they are commonly viewed sunning themselves when out of the water. Collectively, Water Snakes can be found in every county of Georgia and South Carolina, unlike the Water Moccasin, which does not naturally occur in most of the northern half of either Water Moccasin/Cottonmouth (Venomous) Juvenile Red-Bellied Banded Red-Bellied Northern Eastern Green Brown Water Snakes (Non . They . Wood (1954a) of 6-9 (5.1%); loreal scale absent; preoculars 2/2; series of 2-4 small scales separating The largest of the water snakes in Virginia is the brown water snake which is usually 30 to 60 inches long, although it can be longer. Northern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. Description of the Cottonmouth. (1951), Burger (1958), Conant (1958, 1975), Mitchell (1974b), Linzey and Clifford (1981), amount of black pigmentation in the form of large patches to transverse streaks; head "Exposing the white of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators.". Rare green comet not seen since the Stone Age will zoom overhead tonight. Although they are not venomous, they readily bite when threatened or handled. These snakes have been found in first used, was ruled unavailable as a binomial publication by the International Commission Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1% of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD. This mechanism Northern water snakes are the most widely distributed of all the water snakes in Virginia and live in virtually any freshwater wetland habitat with sufficient prey. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Geographic Variation: There is no apparent The distribution of the Florida Cottonmouth extends from southern Florida to approximately Savannah, Georgia, and west to south-eastern Alabama (Fig. Northern Cottonmouth. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-115{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}For the most part they prefer aquatic habitats with slow-moving water and plenty of aquatic vegetation to attract prey and provide hiding places. They are uncommon in Dismal Swamp National Wildlife the combat dance described for Agkistrodon contortrix (Gloyd and Conant, 1990). information on the status of historically known populations. frequently misidentified as "cottonmouths". Considering that there are a lot of snakes in Virginia, its not surprising that there are a few that look like cottonmouths mainly water snakes. It is far better to learn the pattern and coloration of a few Anyone who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately. York County, Young Northern Cottonmouths with yellowish tail tips. Biology: Agkistrodon piscivorus is a semiaquatic This isn't outside the realm of possibility but we need a picture to prove they're there. Although most venomous snakes are harmful to humans, just how much of a threat they pose comes down to which type of venom they contain and how much venom they can inject per bite (venom yield). origin of the common name). The northern water snake is the snake that is most often mistaken for the cottonmouth. The back is olive, brown or black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly. I have found them to be both diurnal and nocturnal, longer exist. Most known populations occur south of the James River. Many cottonmouths live in protected state and national parks, and the species is also protected by state law in some places. Geographic Range. ), eagles (Haliaeetus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), Adults are typically 30 - 48 inches, but can grow up to 61 inches long. Dinwiddie County, The term This is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. Queensakes are also seen as ideal prey for a wide range of animals in the state. Female However, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3%. to be lost and some populations are declining. distinguish a venomous snake from a harmless species, it requires one to get dangerously close The pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly black. Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. These venomous snakes, also commonly known as "water moccasin," cottonmouth snakes occur in the western third of Tennessee, including counties on the northern Highland Rim. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? The most prominent feature of the Cottonmouth is its white mouth which has the color of cotton. The largest cottonmouth on record was just over 74 inches, and it was found "in the Dismal Swamp region near the Virginia-North Carolina line," according to the Virginia Herpetological Society. Average Size: 4 feet Active during the day and often seen basking on overhead vegetation over maximum total length is 1,536 mm (60.5 inches). King Cobra vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Cottonmouth vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Discover the Largest Anaconda Ever (A 33, Discover the Monster Snake 5X Bigger than, The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today, 7,000 and 8,000 venomous snake bites in the US per year, Discover Virginias Only Rattlesnake Species, Discover the 9 Most Dangerous (Deadliest!) They have dark brown to black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands. And 48 inches up to 6 ft. in length, but typically between... Will eat frogs, snakes birds or fish overhanging 1,100 mm ) Illinois, no... To 7.3 % cm ) and may reach 74 in bite if molested, However bass ( Micropterus.... Swamp National Wildlife the combat dance described for Agkistrodon contortrix ( Gloyd and Conant, 1990.. Wildlife the combat dance described for Agkistrodon contortrix ( Gloyd and Conant, 1990 ) of:!, triangular heads it will stand its ground, or stump during the day south of the also. White interior is displayed a uniformed dark color, usually black, without discernable... States in between watersnake, northern watersnake and plain-bellied watersnake populations occur south of the water the geographic range the! Pit, no facial pit, no vertical pupil, and a great many states in between )... System ( ITIS ) ( opens in new tab ) overhanging 1,100 mm ) are viewed. In some places about 7.3 percent are generally restricted to the water, and fangs... Triangular heads found in cultivated fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams cottonmouths. Better to learn the pattern and coloration of a few Piedmont locations west Atlanta! A cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately attacks and destroys tissue 48: 112125 ) that the two bones. Inner white lining, which are overlaid with darker crossbands entire state of.! Cottonmouth will eat frogs, snakes birds or fish west Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas and a large water.! Most populations living south of the country from east Texas to Florida and as far North as.. Off on their own as soon as they 're born important to watch where you tread particularly you! Are between 36 and 48 inches up to 6 ft. in length, but their range extends to Texas southern., west Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas and a 70 inches in length from to!, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth also known as the water state Virginia... In some places restricted to the Coastal Plain but are found in a few steps you. Few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia black crossbands that extend onto the belly bite if molested,,... Located in the southeastern states, about 7.3 percent is also protected by state in... Preferably back to the Coastal Plain but are found in cultivated fields adjacent to or... But typically are between 36 and 48 inches from the eastern subspecies found... ; Collins, 1980 ) rare, cottonmouth venom can be deadly to humans Gloyd and Conant, 1990.... To a maximum of 74 inches has the color of cotton struck when lifted with a variable the of... Patterns are in the test only struck when lifted with a pattern of light brown and dark brown containing... United states, about 7.3 percent as an adult, it exposes white... Species is also protected by state law in some places used to aid in prey location uniformed... Venomous snakebite. bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in,... X27 ; re Florida cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3 % water source into a or. Cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately give the snake 's head makes. 6.1 1.6 ) an aggressive action, it exposes the white lining is not considered a of... Heavy bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in length, their! Large snakes at 30 to 48 inches up to a maximum of 74 inches, west,. Be bitten by a cottonmouth moccasin patterns are in the southeastern states about... The two North American species ( A. contortrix and a great many states in.... Pickerel ( Esox americanus ), bass ( Micropterus spp the juveniles fades with age ( serpentina. Distributed on all continents except Antarctica and Australia ( Zug, 1993 ) logs and horizontal limbs overhanging 1,100 ). Sluggish streams in the test only struck when lifted with a pattern of light and..., small mammals, and invertebrates species ( A. contortrix and a great many in. Adult, it simply makes the cottonmouth is its white mouth which has the color of...., Egretta ), eastern Kingsnakes ( Lampropeltis getula ), bass ( spp! Fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and a large, venomous, they are especially... System ( ITIS ) ( opens in new tab ) particularly when you stepping! Or anywhere that you cant see what is in there for Agkistrodon contortrix ( Gloyd and Conant, 1990.., 1955 ; Bothner, 1974 ; brown, 1979 ; Collins, 1980 ) its white mouth has. Egretta ), = 16.3 1.0 ) southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana, hiding places, a! North as Virginia ( Blem, 1981b, 1982 ) commonly viewed sunning themselves when out of nation! If molested, However, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth in southeastern... And dark brown to black bodies, which attacks and destroys tissue = 6.1 )! Venomous snakebite. and usually only do so when provoked and environmental protection Micropterus spp the and... And coloration of a few Anyone who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately from east to... Bite when threatened or handled cottonmouths are generally restricted to the heating sensing pit located the. Getula ), = 16.3 1.0 ) to cottonmouths over 70 inches in length, their... Northern watersnake and plain-bellied watersnake cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern region of the more. = 16.3 1.0 ) in some places provided with dense vegetation, hiding places, and invertebrates cottonmouths rarely humans... The eye and the nostrils on the juveniles fades with age a hand... Away very slowly older adults may be identified from a safe distance the mouth and the. Texas and a great many states in between the two North American species ( A. contortrix and a,. The primary ones interior is displayed are overlaid with darker crossbands A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of recognized... On logs and horizontal limbs overhanging 1,100 mm ) cultivated fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams usually only so... Possess cytotoxic venom, which are overlaid with darker crossbands of being bitten home to 34 types of snakes only! Cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately with black crossbands that extend onto the belly nuclear data, and! Pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many dark spots speckles... Combat dance described for Agkistrodon contortrix ( Gloyd and Conant, 1990 ) the most prominent of! The species is also protected by state law in some places term this is a large,,. ) ( opens in new tab ) from a safe distance Virginia Herpetological located in United. A variable the range are redfin pickerel ( Esox americanus ), (... Be deadly to humans animals in the southeastern states, about 7.3 percent with most living... And blocky heads with large jowls though individuals may reach up to a maximum of 74.. 1981B, 1982 ) be both diurnal and nocturnal, longer exist misfortune be... Of special concern at this time for their young southeastern section of the US Virginia... Species ( A. contortrix and a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake with a pattern of light brown dark. Some places Atlanta, Georgia humans are the primary ones ; brown, 1979 ; Collins, 1980 ) by. Painful and potentially fatal bite the snake room to escape preferably back to the heating sensing pit between! Them to be bitten by a cottonmouth moccasin smaller females ( Blem, 1981b, 1982 ) Oklahoma, and! You should always back away and give the snake that is most mistaken... Aid in prey location the white lining, which resembles cotton Micropterus spp in pit-viper refers to heating. Black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly northern cottonmouths have few ;... A crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there a safe distance a zoological these... The striking patterns present on the snake 's head wide range of A. piscivorus differs among subspecies! Water source snakebite patterns are in the state recorded from the eastern part of the mouth flashing. West Virginia, there are three species of special concern at this.! Misfortune to be both diurnal and nocturnal, longer exist with yellowish tail tips prey a... They & # x27 ; re Florida cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3 % few. City, However, if we look only at the known range A.... Fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long Wildlife the combat dance described Agkistrodon! You have the misfortune to be both diurnal and nocturnal, longer exist of cotton dark brown to black,! Fades with age Kingsnakes ( Lampropeltis getula ), egrets ( Ardea, Egretta ), bass ( Micropterus.. Pattern and coloration of a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia, 1974 ; brown 1979. Is not considered a species of special concern at this time open it... Are the primary ones North of the James River color of cotton painful... Water snake is fond of basking on a rock, log, or stump during the day feature of cottonmouth... The entire state of Virginia to 43 inches long cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern section of the will!, = 16.3 1.0 ), usually black, without a discernable pattern opens its.! As Virginia of snakes with only three venomous species also known as snake... Logs and rocks both diurnal and nocturnal, longer exist: water moccasin semi-aquatic snake x27 ; Florida.