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All about the Cottonmouth snake – how to identify, avoid their habitat, and treat a Water Moccasin bite.

Eastern cottonmouth snake in a defensive position with gaping mouth

How to identify a Cottonmouth snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Also known as water moccasin, swamp moccasin or black moccasin.  Cottonmouth snake colors are highly variable. Adults are uniformly olive brown or black with a distinctive white or yellowish-white mouth (which they display when threatened). The young and subadults are strongly crossbanded with dark brown, sometimes even copper colored. Here are some characteristics to help identify a cottonmouth:

  1. Appearance: Cottonmouths have dark, stocky bodies with a distinctive wide, triangular head. They can range in color from brown to black, and often have bands or stripes on their bodies.
  2. Eyes: The eyes of a cottonmouth are distinctly different from non-venomous snakes. They have vertical pupils, similar to a cat’s eye.
  3. Behavior: Cottonmouths are usually found near water, and are often seen swimming with their head held above the waterline. They are also known for their aggressive behavior and will sometimes stand their ground and display their fangs when threatened.
  4. Sound: Cottonmouths can also be identified by the sound they make when threatened. They produce a loud, distinctive hiss that can be heard from several feet away.

How to treat a Cottonmouth snake bite

If you are ever bitten by a cottonmouth snake, it is important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Time is of the essence in treating snake bites.
  2. While waiting for medical help to arrive, keep the affected limb immobilized and at or below the level of your heart. This will help slow the spread of venom.
  3. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the bite site, as swelling can occur.
  4. Clean the bite wound with soap and water, but do not apply a tourniquet or attempt to suck out the venom.
  5. Do not apply ice or a cold pack to the bite area, as this can worsen the tissue damage caused by the venom.
  6. Avoid taking any medications or pain relievers without first consulting with a medical professional.
  7. Try to remain as calm and still as possible. Rapid movements can increase the spread of venom throughout your body.

Characteristics of the Cottonmouth snake

These snakes are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, frogs, rodents, and other small mammals. These dangerous semiaquatic snakes closely resemble harmless water snakes that have the same habitat. Therefore, it is best to leave all water snakes alone.

Cottonmouths often stand their ground. An aroused cottonmouth will draw its head close to its body and open its mouth, showing its white interior. Cottonmouth venom is hemotoxic and potent. Bites are prone to gangrene.

Cottonmouth snake habitat

Cottonmouth snakes are found in swamps, lakes, rivers, and ditches.

Cottonmouth snake physical characteristics

Cottonmouth snakes average about 90 centimeters (35 inches), maximum 1.8 meters (6 feet), and weigh about 10 pounds.

Where to find the Cottonmouth snake

Most of southeast United States, particularly southeast Virginia, west central Alabama, south Georgia, Illinois, east central Kentucky, south central Oklahoma, Texas, North and South Carolina, and Florida (including the Florida Keys).

Cottonmouth snake picture gallery

Image Credits

In-Article Image Credits

Eastern cottonmouth snake in a defensive position with gaping mouth via Wikimedia Commons by CDC with usage type - Public Domain. 2005
Juvenile Cottonmouth snake via Wikimedia Commons by Jim Evans with usage type - Creative Commons License. October 20, 2010
Cottonmouth snake swimming via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. May 2006
Neonate Eastern Cottonmouth: Note yellow tail tip via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Public Domain. October 7, 2016
Cottonmouth snake coiled to strike via Wikimedia Commons by Imelda Bettinger with usage type - Creative Commons License. April 6, 2007
Head of a Florida Water Moccasin Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti snake via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. April 30, 2010
Florida cottonmouth snake via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. March 22, 2021

Featured Image Credit

Eastern cottonmouth snake in a defensive position with gaping mouth via Wikimedia Commons by CDC with usage type - Public Domain. 2005

 

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