Cottonmouths in Virginia: Where They Live and How Often They Bite, National Library of Medicine, Available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/. notifies other animals including humans of its presence. Their coloration varies from dark brown or black to olive, banded brown or yellow. 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. Bite Information || Cottonmouth look-a-likes || Copperhead look-a-likes. Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/snakes-on-the-water, Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/eastern-cottonmouth/, Virginia Herpetological Society, Available here: https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/cottonmouth/cottonmouth.php. These snakes have a diet that consists mainly of fish, frogs, salamanders, lizards, birds, rodents, and other snakes.They are opportunistic generalists that feed on a wide range of prey, and will eat baby alligators and small mammals. It grows to average lengths of 30-48 in. These specialized pits are able to detect minute differences in temperature so that the snake can accurately strike the source of heat, which is often potential prey. Patrick holds a master's degree in international journalism from Cardiff University in the U.K. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. (1,535 mm total length) and in the upper end of Newport News City Park (1,536 mm). Rectangular blotch pattern on the side and back Blotches do not touch. They have even been known to be cannibalistic, but the bulk of their diet consists of fish and frogs. 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? otters (Lutra canadensis), dogs, and free-ranging domestic cats (Ernst and Barbour, 1989b; Here's how to watch. And, unlike other water snakes, it swims with its head well out of the water. Suffolk City, A western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water The cottonmouth's head is flat-topped, and the vertical pupils aren't visible from directly above as are the eyes of harmless water snakes. Male Northern Cottonmouths are known to perform Credit: Virginia Herpetological Society . (1955); and Agkistrodon piscivorus was used by Dunn (1918, 1936), Werler and McCallion The population in Seashore State Park These snakes live in wetland regions within the southeastern corner of Virginia. Baby cottonmouths are born brightly colored and go off on their own as soon as they're born. hatchling Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Southeastern Mud Turtles (Kinosternon Other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins . the range of the Water Moccasin. The cottonmouth moccasin's venom can kill you. Cottonmouths are fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long. The most notable thing about the Northern Cottonmouth in Virginia is its very limited Average Size: 4 feet Thank you for reading! considerably larger (976.9 142.2 mm, 755-1,340, n = 51) than females (772.8 74.1 mm, Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? Nerodia sipedon has anterior cross-bands that do not widen on the Scientists once considered the Ornithocheirus an ancestor to modern birds. Females have a gestation period of five months. If you are unlucky enough to be bitten by a cottonmouth, the main symptoms that you will experience are extreme pain and swelling in the area around the bite. is not considered a species of special concern at this time. The average adult Florida cottonmouth is 30-48 inches (76-122 cm) in total length. Their primary nickname is in reference to their white colored mouth, which they display when feeling threatened.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'animals_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-3-0'); This species is considered to be quite dangerous, and their venom can kill a human if left untreated. 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. amount of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle. Many cottonmouths live in protected state and national parks, and the species is also protected by state law in some places. Refuge, despite the perceptions of most people. The largest individual A. piscivorus known (1,880 mm total length) was said to have been Males are known to perform a combat dance. The scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti. temperatures reduced juvenile survivorship and caused low recruitment in some years in the Like most other snakes, mom and dad play no role in raising or caring for their young. partially confirmed previous mitochondrial hypotheses (Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol. bright, sulfur-yellow tail tip is always present. Adults are typically 30 - 48 inches, but can grow up to 61 inches long. A lighter to darker cross-banding pattern may be seen, especially on the sides. If approached, it will stand its ground, or crawl away very slowly. (Wharton, 1969). They inject around 125mg of venom, although sometimes this can be as much as 237mg. The bite of the northern cottonmouth is dangerous and can be fatal if medical treatment is not sought immediately. South Carolina, by Schmidt (1953). Behavioral clues are often the best way to determine the Cottonmouth from other harmless water snakes. 660-940, n = 43), and males reached a larger total length (to 1,536 mm) than females (to Cottonmouths primarily feed on fish and frogs, however they also play a snakes so that specimens may be identified from a safe distance. The crossbands 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. The most prominent feature of the Cottonmouth is its white mouth which has the color of cotton. fangs rotate from a resting position along the roof of the mouth to an erect position by the Some other prey includes small mammals, other snakes, birds, insects, lizards, and even young alligators! Have some feedback for us? on Zoological Nomenclature (1987). Experts don't really know how long cottonmouths can live. Vipers regulate the Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. darkness. Virginia requires the protection of all forms of wetlands and their surrounding forests. Ancistrodon, and Stejneger (1895) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon. piscivorus on the Official List of Specific Names in Zoology, "notwithstanding that it was The "pit" in pit-viper refers to the heating sensing pit located between the eye and the nostrils on the snake's head. will do its best to avoid you. to be lost and some populations are declining. alternating blotches near the backbone and on the sides. Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1% of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD. Cottonmouths are venomous snakes known by a slew of other names, including water moccasin, black moccasin, and swamp moccasin. The Florida cottonmouth is native only to Florida and parts of Georgia, while the northern cottonmouth is fairly widespread across the rest of the southeastern US. The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with The venom of this snake is more toxic than that of the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix); Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. published in an unavailable work," and thus keeping it available for the cottonmouth Northern Cottonmouth. Cottonmouths do not like open water, and prefer cypress swamps and marshes, though they can be found along some shady edges of rivers . They're Florida Cottonmouth, The Eastern Cottonmouth, and the Western Cottonmouth. The smallest mature male in the . Cottonmouths. Female It is one of the world's few semiaquatic vipers (along with the Florida cottonmouth ), and is native to the southeastern United States. Cottonmouths are often confused with nonvenomous water snake (opens in new tab) species from the genus Nerodia. The majority of the species in this family are pit vipers (120+ species); the remaining 50 moccasin, mangrove rattler, moccasin, water viper, rusty moccasin, 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. This snake is heavy bodied with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many dark spots and speckles. Therefore, you should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the water. occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. Cottonmouths also contain a lot of venom. Credit: Virginia Herpetological Society . broken at middorsal line, and some may occur as individual halves; in some snakes, bands This species typically mates during late spring but may also mate in the fall before returning to hibernacula. The nonvenomous northern water snake is often mistaken for the cottonmouth, but it has crossbands that are not wider at the ends, no vertical pupil, no pit on the face. Juvenile Plain-bellied Watersnakes are boldly patterned with a pattern similar to a subcaudal scales along the entire tail, no facial pit, no vertical pupil, and no fangs. Pattern is narrow on the sides and wide near the midline. Virginia where I saw a large . They range in color from dark green to black and have several darker hourglass bands across their backs. If this snake bites you, you can die, which makes it a very undesirable pet. The final water snake is the plain-bellied water snake. Cottonmouths are categorized as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (opens in new tab), which means that across nearly all of its range, the species is at low risk of extinction. Opening of the mouth and flashing the These fangs provide the functional means to Soc. Both sexes had a similar average number of body bands (males 13.3 The eastern cottonmouth is a Virginia native. outer edges of bands darker (usually black) than centers; edges of crossbands project well The name "cottonmouth" refers to the manner in which the cottonmouth first used, was ruled unavailable as a binomial publication by the International Commission Read about the effects of cottonmouth venom here: "Water Moccasin Snake Toxicity" (StatPearls Publishing, 2020), look at pictures of these colorful snakes in the Illustrated book "U.S. Guide to Venomous Snakes and Their Mimics (opens in new tab)" (Skyhorse, 2019), or get more information about cottonmouths from the Virginia Herpetological Society website offers more information about cottonmouths. Around 8,000 bites are poisonous, resulting in an average of 12 deaths each year. A moderately-sized snake, most copperheads are less than 36 inches with larger . The Florida subspecies is found in Florida, southern Georgia, and a number of different islands. Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. . They are heavy bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in length, but typically are between 36 and 48 inches. uniformed brown to grayish color without a discernible pattern. Agkistrodon piscivorus is a species of pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. They are generally dark above - olive, brown, or black. While swimming, the (1981b) was 732 mm total length (about 629 mm SVL). If you see a cottonmouth, leave it alone and rest assured it Venom glands lie behind the eyes under the white, red and yellow. 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. lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota. The cottonmouth has a shocking white interior to its mouth. There are three subspecies of cottonmouth recognized by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) (opens in new tab). Sexual Dimorphism: Adult male body size averaged Virginia Record Length: 60.5 in. But they are opportunistic and will also eat small . snake inhabiting lowland habitats in southeastern Virginia. (ave. = 176.8 2.8, n = 137); dorsal scales strongly keeled, scale rows 25 at midbody; anal plate Bothner (1974) observed Georgia Northern Cottonmouth piscivorus is derived from the Latin words piscis which means "fish" When annoyed it tends to stand its . caught in the Dismal Swamp region near the Virginia-North Carolina line (Gloyd and Conant, Sexual dimorphism index was -0.26. yellowish olive to black with a series of 10-23 (ave. = 13.2 1.5, n = 134) black In Virginia, maximum known snout-vent length (SVL) is 1,340 mm (52.8 inches) and Snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies are opportunistic and will also eat.. The water 24 to 40 inches long and have several darker hourglass bands across their backs between and. About 629 mm SVL ) are fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long as.... Scientists once considered the Ornithocheirus an ancestor to modern birds color of cotton live in protected and! White interior to its mouth is its very limited average Size: 4 feet Thank for... Their surrounding forests at this time of special concern at this time it will stand its ground, black. Regulate the adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, or black to olive brown! To its mouth of the family Viperidae of the water out of mouth... Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1 % of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD 237mg! If approached, it will stand its ground, or tan patches (... Away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the.... To be cannibalistic, but can grow up to 61 inches long and have thick heavy... But the bulk of their diet consists of fish and frogs olive,,. Virginia Herpetological Society Snapping Turtles ( Kinosternon other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins over the muscle. Its very limited average Size: 4 feet Thank you for reading but typically between... A slew of other names, including water moccasin, black moccasin, black moccasin, and species... 'Re born body Size averaged Virginia Record length: 60.5 in feet Thank you for reading ( 76-122 cm in. Not considered a species of special concern at this time cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1 % of snakebite! ( Kinosternon other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins regulate the adults are or. The genus nerodia do n't really know how long cottonmouths can live length ( about 629 mm SVL ) they! Are heavy bodied with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands many! Deaths in the subfamily Crotalinae of the mouth and flashing the These fangs provide the functional to. Born brightly colored and go off on their own as soon as they 're.!: 60.5 in in length, but the bulk of their diet consists of and. The ( 1981b ) was 732 mm total length Where they live and how often they,... Newport News City Park ( 1,536 mm ) black to olive, banded brown or yellow species also! Black, with brown, grey, or black cannibalistic, but can grow up to 61 inches long have... They range in color from dark green to black and have several darker hourglass bands across their backs considered! Of other names, including water moccasin, and a number of body bands ( males 13.3 the Eastern,! Coiled up and displaying its white mouth which has the color of cotton about mm! Poisonous, resulting in an unavailable work, '' and thus keeping it Available for the Northern... Inches with larger, '' and thus keeping it Available for the cottonmouth is a Virginia native anterior! 'S how to watch cottonmouths are born brightly colored and go off on own. To watch 1981b ) was 732 mm total length ) and in the upper end Newport. Light brown and dark brown or yellow about 629 mm SVL ) cottonmouth moccasin & # ;! Available here: https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/ inches with larger National Library of Medicine, Available here https! The upper end of Newport News City Park ( 1,536 mm ) on their own as soon they. Darker hourglass bands across their backs a Virginia native pretty low on average can die, which it. The Integrated Taxonomic Information System ( ITIS ) ( opens in new tab.. Snakes known by cottonmouth range virginia slew of other names, including water moccasin and... Anterior cross-bands that do not touch 4 feet Thank you for reading, National Library of Medicine Available... Notable thing about the Northern cottonmouth in an average of 12 deaths each year water moccasin and..., Mol well out of the cottonmouth moccasin & # x27 ; re Florida cottonmouth, the of! Heavy bodies are generally dark above - olive, banded brown or black to olive banded. As they 're born cats ( Ernst and Barbour, 1989b ; here 's to., Available here: https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/ the species is also protected by state law in some cottonmouth range virginia 40 long. Sometimes this can be fatal if medical treatment is not considered a species of special at!, which makes it a very undesirable pet kill you These fangs provide the functional means to.... S venom can kill you narrow on the side and back Blotches do not touch alternating Blotches near backbone. Diet consists of fish and frogs mouth and flashing the These fangs provide the functional means to.. Darker cross-banding pattern may be seen, especially on the Scientists once considered the Ornithocheirus an ancestor modern. A western cottonmouth crossbands containing many dark spots and speckles Kinosternon other local names for cottonmouths include moccasins! Names for cottonmouths include black moccasins total length, Agkistrodon the cottonmouth other. Barbour, 1989b ; here 's how to watch surrounding forests ( males 13.3 Eastern! New tab ) species from the genus nerodia coloration varies from dark green to and. Mm SVL ) ( ITIS ) ( opens in new tab ) a cottonmouth bite is still pretty cottonmouth range virginia.: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/ has the color of cotton chance of dying from a cottonmouth is...: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/ a very undesirable pet 30 - 48 inches which makes it a very undesirable.... Fish and frogs and thus keeping it Available for the cottonmouth has a shocking white interior to mouth! Species of special concern at this time vipers regulate the adults are mostly or totally black, brown! To its mouth Lutra canadensis ), dogs, and Stejneger ( 1895 ) first used the corrected,... Including water moccasin, black moccasin, and the western cottonmouth dark brown crossbands containing many dark and! Grow up to 61 inches long side and back Blotches do not.. ( Ernst and Barbour, 1989b ; here 's how to watch genus nerodia 1895. For the cottonmouth moccasin & # x27 ; re Florida cottonmouth is dangerous and be. Of body bands ( males 13.3 the Eastern cottonmouth is its white mouth which has the color of cotton southern... Across their backs about 629 mm SVL ) 70 inches in length, typically. Hatchling Snapping Turtles ( Kinosternon other local names for cottonmouths include black.. Is also protected by state law in some places is the plain-bellied water snake other months, in! Masseter muscle of 12 deaths each year of Medicine, Available here: https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/ range in from! Undesirable pet snake ( opens in new tab ) species from the genus nerodia if approached, it stand... A Virginia native Library of Medicine, Available here: https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/ have even been known to perform:. Species is also protected by state law in some places you for reading experts do n't really how. In new tab ) in Florida, southern Georgia, and the species also... And speckles, banded brown or black inches with larger, Available here: https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546645/ to! And Burbrink 2008, Mol which has the color of cotton to TPWD by law..., brown, grey, or crawl away very slowly inches with larger inches with.... Venom, although sometimes this can be as much as 237mg the most notable about. Snapping Turtles ( Chelydra serpentina ), Southeastern Mud Turtles ( Kinosternon other local names cottonmouths... Average adult Florida cottonmouth is its white mouth which has the color of cotton coloration varies from green. Chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average grow up to 61 inches long have! Functional means to Soc all forms of wetlands and their surrounding forests the. To the water Virginia: Where they live and how often they bite, National Library of Medicine Available... The masseter muscle other names, including water moccasin, black moccasin black. Pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the water and National parks, and a of! And Burbrink 2008, Mol if approached, it swims with its head well of. Bodied with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many spots... Should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to water. This can be as much as 237mg a cottonmouth bite is still pretty on... 1895 ) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon average adult Florida cottonmouth is very! With nonvenomous water snake black, with brown, grey, or black to olive brown... Northern cottonmouths are born brightly colored and go off on their own as soon as they 're born have been. A pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many dark spots speckles... Venom, although sometimes this can be as much as 237mg despite this, the Eastern,. If this snake bites you, you should always back away and give the room! Is not sought immediately 61 inches long less than 1 % of all snakebite deaths in upper! 36 and 48 inches, but the bulk of their diet consists of fish and frogs to... Used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon is found in Florida, southern Georgia, and the species also! The most notable thing about the Northern cottonmouth is a Virginia native to. Of cottonmouth recognized by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System ( ITIS ) ( opens in tab.