by Marina Stein

Created on: June 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

Cottonmouth snake (also known as water moccasin) is a semi-aquatic poisonous snake which lives through most of southeastern US from south Virginia to east Texas. There are three subspecies of cottonmouth snakes: eastern, western and Florida. They are dangerous snakes which bite can cause serious damage. Their venom is hemotoxic which means it inflicts damage to the blood cells and tissues and can also compromise blood clotting abilities. Bite may result in hemorrhaging in the affected area, is very painful and can end up in amputation or death. Cottonmouth snakes are pit vipers.

Cottonmouth snakes vary in size from 30 to 48 inches though some snakes can be as long as 74 inches. Cottonmouths can be black, olive or brown with wide paler bands on the backs and dark specks on the otherwise pale bellies. Adults are usually more uniform in color (dark) while younger snakes resemble copperheads (pinkish coloring). The distinctive differences from other water snakes are a dark line through the eye, elliptical pupils, and triangular head. Usually (unless threatened) cottonmouth snakes will be fully exposed above the water when they swim. Non-poisonous water snakes have round eyes and head and pale belly without any blotches or specks of color, and they are fully submerged in the water during swimming with only head showing above the water.

As all pit vipers, cottonmouths have a pit on their head which allows them to feel the difference in temperature of 1.8 F. It helps to determine where the prey is especially at night when those snakes are most active in foraging. During the day they lie on branches or logs near the water beds and bask in the sun. They usually live near swamps, rivers, and creeks. They also congregate in the grass areas near the drying ponds. Cottonmouth snakes eat frogs, small turtles, other snakes including their own species, and small mammals but their main food source is fish.

Cottonmouths give birth to their off-springs every other year and the litter may be up to 20 snakes. They are brightly colored and are from 8 to 19 inches long. Young snakes are ready to provide for themselves, are poisonous and don't need or get any parental care. Cottonmouths are not considered endangered species. Their natural enemies are giant blue herons, king snake and largemouth bass.

The name "cottonmouth" came into existence because when threatened those snakes coil and open their mouth very wide showing its pure white interior. Cottonmouths are not very aggressive and they will not attack on their own unless provoked. However, they are the only snakes which are known to be territorial and protective of their habitat and if agitated (especially stepped upon) they will try to attack and bite. Always be careful while exploring the wilderness, wear strong high boots and long pants, pay attention to your surroundings and know what to do in case of snake bite.

Sources:

http://www.ben.edu/museum/cottonmouth.asp

http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/snakes/agkpis.htm

http://www.wf.net/~snake/moccasin.htm

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