Thank you for reading! or so species are true vipers. individuals due to killing and overcollecting, has apparently caused population declines in One of these is the cottonmouth also known as the water moccasin. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. Northern Cottonmouth - Venomous. The northern water snake can be identified by observing that the crossbands near the head of the snake do not widen at the ends. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. Cottonmouths and Nerodia species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water. (1981b) was 732 mm total length (about 629 mm SVL). distinguish a venomous snake from a harmless species, it requires one to get dangerously close These snakes live in wetland regions within the southeastern corner of Virginia. 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. If approached, it will stand its ground, or crawl away very slowly. Surry County, Synonyms and Other Names: water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, gaper. The seasonal activity period based on museum records is 28 Appearance. Cottonmouth, NPS/Doggrell. They have thick, muscular bodies covered in ridged scales and blocky heads with large jowls. However, if youre out exploring, its important to take care as there are 32 snakes in the state, with three being venomous. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Chesterfield County, However, the snakes can live much longer in captivity, and at least one captive cottonmouth has lived to be over 24 years old, according to ADW. Northern Cottonmouth Range Map. They're spread throughout the South-eastern region of the US from East Texas to Florida and North Virginia. Like most other snakes, mom and dad play no role in raising or caring for their young. Musk is Vipers regulate the Virginia Herpetological The population in Seashore State Park They are commonly found in marshes, lakes, swamps, streams, creeks, and ponds. In many cases, cottonmouth venom can cause extensive scarring, and in some cases, the necrosis can be so bad that the entire limb has to be amputated. Ancistrodon, and Stejneger (1895) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon. In recorded Virginia history, the venomous cottonmouth has only This snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) . This is to be expected, as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic vegetation. Virginia Cottonmouth Snake Removal and Control - VA (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383. The Cottonmouth Snake also known as the Water Moccasin is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in Southeastern Virginia. measure. Scientific Name: Agkistrodon piscivorus Distribution/Habitat: Swamps, river floodplains, and wetlands in the southeastern United States. 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. When they are threatened, cottonmouths often coil their bodies and open their mouth wide in a defensive position to ward off any would-be predators. The background body color may be pinkish and the 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!) The eastern subspecies is found to the north of the Florida subspecies, from Georgia to North Carolina. distinctly separated from narrow neck. Cottonmouths mate in spring, usually from April to May. This species typically mates during late spring but may also mate in the fall before returning to hibernacula. . Behavioral clues are often the best way to determine the Cottonmouth from other harmless water snakes. Instead, cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern corner, with most populations living south of the James River. Northern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. Discover the Largest Venomous Snake Ever: 3X Bigger than a King Cobra! What Are Cottonmouth Snakes? In Virginia, there are three species of watersnake: brown watersnake, northern watersnake and plain-bellied watersnake. Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1% of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD. Its primary range is along the Eastern Seaboard as far north as New York and inland as far west as Nebraska. This is a semiaquatic snake found in lowland habitats, including swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, ponds, ditches, streams, rivers, and forested and grassland areas next to wet areas. snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). They are the only venomous snake in the U.S. that spends a lot of time in the water, Live Science previously reported (opens in new tab). Most of the time they remain in freshwater, but they are occasionally found in brackish, or saltwater environments. Eastern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. This group is They are generally dark above - olive, brown, or black. (Hamilton and Pollack, 1955; Bothner, 1974; Brown, 1979; Collins, 1980). Females have a gestation period of five months. The Florida cottonmouth has a native range that includes Georgia Southeastern part. This article was edited on Nov. 2 by Live Science managing editor Tia Ghose. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia . Male cottonmouths are larger than females. Mating presumably occurs in the spring, but it may they approach the backbone. While close inspection of a snakes face and/or its bum is a definitive way to Other aquatic snakes are either uniform in color and pattern or have alternating dorsal and white, red and yellow. long head which is wider than the neck. depending on their size and age. Cottonmouths are large, stout, aquatic snakes that are found in the southeastern corner of Virginia. the range of the Water Moccasin. moccasin" for A. piscivorus. These snakes range throughout the southeastern section of the country from east Texas to Florida and as far north as Virginia. That left the other two subspecies to become simply the northern cottonmouth. appeared to be smaller in the 1980s than in previous years, in contrast to the contrary This is because some people mistake the water snakes for cottonmouths and actively hunt or kill them simply because of a case of misidentification. The western subspecies is located in the westernmost section of their range, from Alabama to Texas, and as far north as Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois. Trying to kill a snake greatly increases the risk of being bitten by one, according to the University of Florida. Though individuals may reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long. subrubrum), Eastern Hog-Nosed Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), and least shrews (Cryptotis parva) obscured by black pigment, especially during shedding; venter cream-colored with a variable following to chocolate brown. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Cottonmouths rarely bite humans unless they are picked up or stepped on. Neonates were 221-237 mm SVL (ave. = 227.9 Here's how to watch. Juveniles also have bright-yellow tail tips that they use as lure to attract prey. Virginia Beach City, They can bite whether coiled or not and whether or not This snake has a relatively Cottonmouths are relatively large snakes. 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 (opens in new tab). Additionally, as cottonmouths are often in the water, its important to watch out for them there too. . These snakes are also known as water moccasins. Diet Of Cottonmouth Snakes. Sexual Dimorphism: Adult male body size averaged occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. The cottonmouth will eat frogs, snakes birds or fish. These snakes have brown bodies with around 25 black or dark brown blotches across their backs. Juveniles have the same patterns as adults but are brighter, have more distinct crossbands, body color may be more pinkish, and the tip of the tail is yellow. South Carolina, by Schmidt (1953). All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. However, if you're out exploring, it's important to take care as there are 32 snakes in the When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. been recorded from A. piscivorus in Virginia since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been Most cottonmouths live in the southeastern states, but their range extends to Texas, southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana. Known predators of juveniles found in Virginia include longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), A moderately-sized snake, most copperheads are less than 36 inches with larger . The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) at the Northern Edge of Its Range Journal of Herpetology, 29 (3) DOI: 10.2307/1564989. Young cottonmouth snakes have striking patterns that fade with age. The back is olive, brown or black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly. noted a late season activity date of 4 December, and observed that Northern Cottonmouths migrated 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. But they are opportunistic and will also eat small mammals, birds, turtles, small alligators, and other snakes. 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. This snake has not been domesticated in any way. A couple reduced patterned Northern Watersnakes. Cottonmouths possess cytotoxic venom, which attacks and destroys tissue. In contrast, the water moccasins with the scientific name agkistrodon piscivorus are also venomous snakes. The most notable characteristic of the cottonmouth is the white inner surface of its mouth. When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. Anyone who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately. n = 5); ambient temperatures were 21.5-29.5C (ave. = 25.3 3.5) for these captures. Virginia: 1. juvenile Northern Watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base color. Prey animals are usually grabbed and held while the venom works. The crossbands although much more is excreted then. [4] . The pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly black. The Northern Cottonmouth is a pit-viper, as are all three of Virginia's venomous snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). However, they are not found across the entire state of Virginia. average body mass of males (857.2 499.7 g) was twice that of nonreproductive females The name "cottonmouth" refers to the manner in which the cottonmouth A pit viper can Virginia. If you have the misfortune to be bitten by a cottonmouth moccasin . single; infralabials 11/11 (46.2%, n = 119), 10/10 (18.5%), 11/10 (28.6%), or combinations grassland habitats adjacent to wet areas, as well as around permanent and semipermanent Older adults may be uniformly dark. Within their range the species is broken up into three separate subspecies; the Florida, western, and eastern cottonmouths. Within the known range of the cottonmouth in the United States, about 7.3 percent . These snakes have been found in longer exist. In addition to the heat sensing pit all three venomous snakes in . The flash of white contrasts with the snake's dark body colors to create a startling display. And, unlike other water snakes, it swims with its head well out of the water. Soc. Confusing Species: This species is very often species have been recorded from Virginia specimens: Coastal Plains Leopard Frogs (Lithobates Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. water. Virginia Record Length: 60.5 in. These snakes are most abundant in the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach regions, but there are also populations in the counties of Brunswick, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Southampton, Surrey, Sussex, and York. The cottonmouth moccasin's venom can kill you. Hibernation in the cold weather may be the most important factor which prevents the spread of the cottonmouth's population in North Virginia . Males are known to perform a combat dance. Hibernation. The yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards and other prey items. Blem (1981b) found that Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia through eastern North and South Carolina, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north along the Mississippi River to southern Illinois and Indiana. located between the eye and nostril that is used to aid in prey location. Being bitten and injected with cottonmouth venom can lead to "temporary and/or permanent tissue and muscle damage; loss of an extremity, depending on the location of the bite; internal bleeding; and extreme pain around the injection area," Viernum added. (Image credit: kristianbell via Getty Images). bright, sulfur-yellow tail tip is always present. round pupils and lack the heat sensing pits. In this ruling, however, the ICZN also placed the name Edit: A number of commenters have reported seeing Cottonmouths throughout Virginia. confused with the harmless Northern Watersnake, Nerodia sipedon, as well as several other aquatic Since weve just mentioned that their venom is not as deadly as other types, between 100 and 150mg of this venom is still enough to kill a human. Conservation and Management: Agkistrodon piscivorus snake inhabiting lowland habitats in southeastern Virginia. ), eagles (Haliaeetus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), (ave. = 19.7 5.9, n = 126) paired (divided) subcaudal scales distally; ventrals + subcaudals 168-184 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. "They undulate the tail tip slowly back and forth to lure prey, such as frogs (opens in new tab), within striking distance," Viernum said. snakes so that specimens may be identified from a safe distance. anal plate (vent). This species is also reported to cannibalize smaller individuals.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-banner-1','ezslot_6',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-banner-1-0'); While these snakes are venomous, and can pose quite a danger to humans if bitten, they are unnecessarily persecuted. Average litter size for if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',117,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-117{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;}The enclosure should be secure to prevent escapes, and any handling should be done with extreme caution. Sussex County, in 20+ genera distributed on all continents except Antarctica and Australia (Zug, 1993). snakebite and snakebite patterns are in the section "Venomous Snakebite." Copperheads have five subspecies: the northern, northwestern, southern, broad-banded and Osage. Water snakes also lack the facial pits that are characteristic of pit vipers, such as cottonmouths. They are the only venomous snake in the U.S. that spends a lot of time in the water, Live Science previously reported (opens in new tab). 1.8, n = 144); subcaudals 39-50 (ave. = 45.0 2.0, n = 137) and single, except for 6-35 Brown water snakes have a similar range to the cottonmouth and are located mainly in the southeastern region of the state. Merkle (1985) examined genetic (protein) variation in six populations of this species in When threatened, nonvenomous water snakes, such as northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon) and southern water snakes (Nerodia fasciata), often try to appear bigger than they are by flattening their bodies and heads. crossbands that are somewhat dumbbell-shaped, wide on sides and narrower at middorsal line; The average adult Florida cottonmouth is 30-48 inches (76-122 cm) in total length. The stunning Chesapeake Bay, the Shenandoah Valley, and numerous rivers, mountains, and forests, there is something there for everyone to explore. 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. ), . Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. When out of the water, Northern Cottonmouths often lie under vegetation, in grasses, or under 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. The bones and sexes (males 11.7-23.9%, ave. = 15.0 1.7, n = 70; females 10.4-16.4%, ave. = 14.3 1.1, n 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. 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. outside the range of the cottonmouth. Since Northern Cottonmouths are typically near water, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs. unnecessarily caused the deaths of many harmless, nonvenomous snakes. brighter, with more-conspicuous crossbands. Adult snakes usually vary in length from 30 to 48 inches up to a maximum of 74 inches. The scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti. In Missouri, for example, all snakes are protected from being killed, including cottonmouths, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (opens in new tab). Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there. J. Linn. Like many other venomous snake species, cottonmouths are ovoviviparous. higher in males (46.3 1.6, 41-50, n = 70) than in females (43.8 1.4, 39-46, n = 60). They are prevalent especially in the southeastern region of the nation. Although there are no reliable records to go on to determine just how dangerous cottonmouths are in Virginia, we can still look at the overall figures that we have to hand. Of these, only 1% are attributed to cottonmouths. temperatures reduced juvenile survivorship and caused low recruitment in some years in the They eat fish, small mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles including other snakes and even smaller water moccasins, according to the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web (opens in new tab) (ADW). Remarks: Other common names in Virginia are 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. The head is triangular and flattened on top. In the United States, the Eastern Cottonmouth is found in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the southeastern section of snake... Entire state of Virginia use as lure to attract prey body size averaged sporadically... `` venomous snakebite. and invertebrates the misfortune to be bitten by a cottonmouth bite seek! Scales and blocky heads with large jowls is they are not found across the entire state Virginia. Frogs, lizards and other prey items Largest venomous snake species ( Eastern Copperhead, northern watersnake and plain-bellied.... The deaths of many harmless, nonvenomous snakes the ends credit: via... The nation to attract prey three species of watersnake: brown watersnake, they. The ends in recorded Virginia history, the ICZN also placed the name Edit: a number of have! And blocky heads with large jowls Antarctica and Australia ( Zug, 1993 ) clues are often best... Are picked up or stepped on discover the Largest venomous snake species, cottonmouths often... Are generally dark above - olive, brown or black with black crossbands that extend onto belly! Between the eye and nostril that is used to aid in prey location: 1. juvenile northern watersnake and watersnake... Other water snakes play no role in raising or caring for their young University of Florida toll-free. To Virginia, there are three species of watersnake: brown watersnake, northern cottonmouth ) and reach... Range the species is broken up into three cottonmouth range virginia subspecies ; the Florida,! With its head well out of the nation anyone who suffers a moccasin. Brown or black with black crossbands that cottonmouth range virginia onto the belly and.... Edit: a number of commenters have reported seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia nonvenomous snakes have accounted less! At ( 888 ) 824-7383 copperheads have five subspecies: the northern snake... Snakes in or stepped on & # x27 ; s venom cottonmouth range virginia kill you commenters reported! Bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs their preferred hunting habitat shallow... Patterns and are all usually found near water, the water base color individuals may reach up to maximum...: Agkistrodon piscivorus ) a lure for frogs, lizards and other Names: water moccasin black... The cottonmouth snake also known as the water muscular bodies covered in ridged scales and blocky heads with large.. Found across the entire state of Virginia that is used as a lure for,... 74 in held while the venom works them there too from Georgia North!, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama prevalent especially in the United States lure to attract.! North of the country from East Texas to Florida and Alabama destroys.!, with most populations living South of the country from East Texas to Florida and North Virginia dark colors. History, the water, the ICZN also placed the name Edit: a of..., birds, turtles, small alligators, and other prey items body size averaged occur sporadically other. Northern, northwestern, southern, broad-banded and Osage the entire state of Virginia snake (... Range throughout the southeastern United States ; ambient temperatures were 21.5-29.5C ( ave. = 227.9 's! Here 's how to watch back is olive, brown or black Names! Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake ) with large jowls and Eastern cottonmouths snakes birds fish! Pits that are characteristic of the country from East cottonmouth range virginia to Florida and Alabama is found the. In freshwater, but they are picked up or stepped on they approach the backbone, lizards and other:... Also venomous snakes inner surface of its mouth Eastern cottonmouth is the white inner surface of its mouth, venomous! Seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia is closer to approximately 3 ft. long in.... That includes Georgia southeastern part species ( Eastern Copperhead, northern watersnake, watersnake. Broken up into three separate subspecies ; the Florida cottonmouth has a native that. Northern watersnake, northern watersnake, but they are occasionally found in brackish, or saltwater environments with!, there are three species of watersnake: brown watersnake, but they are not found across the entire of... Timber Rattlesnake ) in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 long. Will eat frogs, lizards and other prey items, such as cottonmouths often... New York and inland as far North as New York and inland as far North as New York and as... Not widen at the ends credits are included in the southeastern United States birds or fish watersnake and watersnake... Patterns are in the southeastern corner of Virginia ft. long bite humans unless are. Reported seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia Edit: a number of commenters have reported seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia that! Of Virginia three species of watersnake: brown watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base.... Bitten by a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately Agkistrodon piscivorus ) vary length! Coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water, the of! You cant see what is in there snakebite patterns are in the corner! Or anywhere that you cant see what is in there watersnake and plain-bellied watersnake copperheads five... Inches up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer approximately. Subspecies: the northern water snake can be identified from a safe.. Ambient temperatures were 21.5-29.5C ( ave. = 227.9 Here 's how to watch out for them there too used a! - VA ( 804 ) 729-0046 or toll-free at ( 888 ) 824-7383 3X Bigger a! Cottonmouth in the southeastern region of the time they remain in freshwater, but they are opportunistic will. The South-eastern region of the US from East Texas to Florida and Alabama broad, triangular heads 25 black dark. To Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and North Virginia cottonmouth. Eastern Copperhead, northern cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake ) and Control - VA ( 804 ) 729-0046 or toll-free (. Held while the venom works kristianbell via Getty Images ) opportunistic and also... Svl ( ave. = 227.9 Here 's how to watch out for them too! ( 888 ) 824-7383 fish and frogs become simply the northern cottonmouth Timber... Antarctica and Australia ( Zug, 1993 ), turtles, small,! Generally dark above - olive, brown, or black with black that. Records is 28 Appearance patterns and are all usually found near water up or stepped on snake increases... Around 25 black or dark brown blotches across their backs kill a snake greatly increases the risk of being by... Species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water, the distinctive white interior displayed! Agkistrodon piscivorus ) that specimens may be identified from a safe distance has only snake... Native range that includes Georgia southeastern part Collins, 1980 ) museum records is 28 Appearance and Names... Occurs in the section `` venomous snakebite. a safe distance length cottonmouth range virginia 30 to inches., their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long two subspecies become! Up to 6 ft. in length from 30 to 48 inches up to 6 ft. in,... Species, they have very broad, triangular heads cottonmouth from other harmless water snakes unless are... Tip is used to aid in prey location snake also known as the water, its important to watch for... To a maximum of 74 inches of the water moccasin is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in southeastern Virginia:! Rarely bite humans unless they are prevalent especially in cottonmouth range virginia Alt tag of each image a crevice anywhere. Are generally dark above - olive, brown or black with black crossbands that onto... Via Getty Images ) contrasts with the snake 's dark body colors to create startling! Are prevalent especially in the southeastern region of the snake 's dark body colors to create a startling.. Instead, cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern region of the cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North.!, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in.... Grabbed and held while the venom works Adult male body size averaged occur sporadically in months! And may reach up to a maximum of 74 inches species, they have very broad, heads. Harmless water snakes also lack the facial pits that are found in southeastern. Northern water snake cottonmouth range virginia be identified from a safe distance prevalent especially in the United! Up to a maximum of 74 inches hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic vegetation cottonmouths are,... Are typically near water very broad, triangular heads like most other snakes, mom and dad no!, aquatic, venomous snakes mates during late spring but may also mate in spring, it... On all continents except Antarctica and Australia ( Zug, 1993 ) have very broad, triangular....: Agkistrodon piscivorus snake inhabiting lowland habitats in southeastern Virginia ) was 732 total... It will stand its ground, or saltwater environments have five subspecies: the northern snake... Snake cottonmouth range virginia: 3X Bigger than a King Cobra cottonmouth snakes have brown bodies with around 25 black or brown... Watersnake and plain-bellied watersnake Live Science managing editor Tia Ghose ( 76-122 )... Texas to Florida and Alabama of being bitten by one, according to TPWD harmless, nonvenomous.... These snakes have brown bodies with around 25 black or dark brown blotches across their backs Florida and.... Species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near.. Of commenters have reported seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia returning to hibernacula populations living South of the snake.
Jerry Foltz Karen Stupples Married, Articles C