One thing remains true though – they, just like other snakes, have distinct markings that help you identify them much easier. They have to be totally shallow, though, because they are not fully marine snakes that can swim in deep waters. They are normally dark brown, black, or olive in color. Even though it is fatal, it doesn’t have a fatal systemic response or neurotic response to the body. The water snakes are species that are large in size. They can be found near shallow lakes, shallow streams, and marshes. There are many harmless watersnakes (genus Nerodia) that are frequently confused with venomous Water Moccasins a.k.a. This occurs at an alarming rate even well outside the range of the cottonmouth. Instead of laying eggs, the female snake tends to carry the egg inside their belly and give birth like a mammal. I've been working with the National Wildlife Federation for the past five years. The bands become blotches in the latter part of the body. And look at this incredibly calm demeanor. Like we said earlier, the cottonmouth snake is a semi-aquatic snake that can be found near the water bodies. It has been reported many times that other subspecies of cottonmouth snakes are more prone to attack than the cottonmouth. Well-defined dark stripe between eye and corner of jaw on water moccasin Water snakes, like this northern water snake, have bands that are widest on the top Head alignment (angled) typical of water moccasins Mouth-gape warning behavior They have large jowls, due to their venom glands, and \"cat-eye\" pupils. Even though death may not occur if a person is bitten, however, the person will be left with a scar by the snake bite, he may need an amputation to save himself from the toxic tissue. Georgia is generally covered in the Ohio basin, which means it is a hotspot for cottonmouth snakes. Now the good news for me, like I said before, is that this is a non-venomous species. They are often darker in overall color than copperheads, or other forms of venomous snakes found in the southern and central region of the United States. Identifying a Cottonmouth Snake . In the daytime, they tend to hunt near marshes and water bodies. Now I noticed the same thing with Lake Erie water snakes and northern water snakes. At night they are seen to be sitting on rocks and bushes to hunt their prey. Water snakes hunt both at night and day. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Color Variations. When it comes to sexual activities, the male cottonmouths are more prone to establish a certain kind of dominance over the female so that they can recognize and establish a relationship. Luckily, one can quickly go to a hospital and get an anti-venom serum injection. They can cover themselves pretty well by hiding in the stacks of sticks and leaves. The northern watersnake is a gray to reddish-brown snake with numerous dark brown, reddish-brown, or blackish crossbands along the front third of the body. They tend to hunt small fishes, frogs, tadpoles, and little birds and mammals. However, the size could go up to 60 centimeters if the weather and the food condition is favorable as the female snake could reproduce less than three years of age. So, there you have it! They tend to give birth like a mammal. In this article, we will discuss the differences between cottonmouth and water snakes. The common method that they use to hunt down their prey is by using the technique of body blows that are commonly seen in rattlesnakes. This name is derived from Greek origin as well as Latin origin. States like Arkansas often confuse copperheads for cottonmouths. The shape of their head and their iris, scale, and body structure are some of the characteristics that could be used to discern them if you happen to see any of them in your backyard. Their venom acts by breaking down blood cells, and their bite contains an anticoagulant (to keep their victim’s blood from clotting). eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',117,'0','0']));Of course, this means that while the bite can be not only severely painful and potentially fatal, it’s not as common for people to die from a bite that a cottonmouth delivers. They are non-venomous. A Copperhead crossing the path in Explore the Wild (5/17/13). Cottonmouth snake. All Missouri snakes are protected by law. Often those that have similar color patterns. Cottonmouth snakes live in the South-eastern United States of Southern Virginia to Florida and Eastern Texas. Here you’ll find facts, common questions, and general info about all kinds of wildlife and exotic pets. They are very similar to copperheads, but are primarily semiaquatic in nature (meaning they love to swim in water). It is only when they are nudged or touched, do they bite. As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. They have many patterns on their skins, which differentiates them from cottonmouth. What’s important is that you follow this guide to learn about how to avoid and spot one, which we hope you’ll never have to do. Water moccasins are relatively large, often ranging from 2 to 4 feet (61 to 122 centimeters) long, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Just about every body of water here in the piedmont has its share of water snakes, usually more than most people care to know about. Whenever they feel threatened, they tend to shake their tails to show that they feel threatened. Its head is blocky with a triangular shape. Cottonmouth and water snakes are no different. ... Now I noticed the same thing with Lake Erie water snakes and northern water snakes. Full-grown snakes range anywhere from above 24 inches up to 36 inches in length. Look out for these distinguishing cottonmouth features: Vertical pupils ; Heat-sensing slits beneath and between its eyes and nose eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',112,'0','0']));They can even be found as far south as the Everglades (they apparently have no problem sharing a home with the crocs and alligators). They can be found in any type of water body such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, or canals. Agkistrodon piscivorus is a species of pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae.It is the world's only semiaquatic viper, and is native to the southeastern United States.It is the only venomous species of North America's water snakes and one of 21 venomous snakes in the United States. Venom. Copper Head Snakes and Water Snakes Copperhead snake (Photo: Michale McCarthy, Flicker sharing) Identification of the venomous copperhead snake and the harmless northern banded water snake. The northern water snake is the most common semiaquatic, non-venomous snake in Missouri. Cottonmouths are a highly venomous species. Some of their predators are foxes, turtles, humans, and big birds. Garter snakes often live near water but are not always in the water. Cottonmouths … eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',110,'0','0']));Cottonmouths are primarily found in southern areas of the United States. Their pits are sensitive to heat, which helps them find warm places. The babies are given birth to around August and October. Although water moccasins are the same however, there are more than one type. They continue to mate till June. The bands crossing its back are darker than those on a cottonmouth. Water moccasins have dark stripes by each nostril and pale snouts, which can be helpful in identifying features. The Northern Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus is one of two recognized species of large (76-114 cm record 188 cm) semi-aquatic pitvipers in eastern North America. Their belly is paler than their backs. If they can't get away and you catch 'em, they immediately try to bite you. The Northern water snake is a large, nonvenomous, common snake native to North America. April 2018, my dogs and I were walking near a creek when we came upon a Water Snake with its head in a clump of grass. Watersnake: water snakes are non-venomous. At first it's all about fight or flight. They don’t lay eggs, usually like other snakes. Colubrid snakes also have flat scales upon their heads, while vipers all possess smaller, rugose scutes. Diet. Typically, the head of a Water Snake will not be as thick as the Cotton Mouth. As Northern water snakes age, the color darkens, and the pattern becomes obscure. They are preyed upon by corner owls, turtles, Eagles, loggerhead shrikes, red shouldered hawks, big birds like egrets, herons, etc. Why is a Water Moccasin Called a Cottonmouth? They are natural swimmers. … They are highly venomous. They don’t have venom. They will flatten their bodies, vibrate their tails, elevate their heads about 45°, and open their mouths, exposing the white interior (this is the origin of the common name). The northern watersnake being the most widely distributed and the brown watersnake the largest, which can reach a length of nearly 6 feet. Wow. Other snakes are not true cottonmouths, because they lack the interior flesh of their mouths that give cottonmouths their name. Subspecies Their face looks like a pit. Cottonmouths ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ). VENOMOUS / NORTHERN COTTONMOUTH -- A heavy-bodied snake has a pattern that is typically obscured by its dark coloration. Many times they tend to flee. Only when they are threatened severely, they attack. They have a white line above their jawline, which looks like cotton. Hi, I am Elise McDonald, a wildlife blogger, and author. The cottonmouth has a fatter body, a wedge-shaped head with prominent venom glands that are wider than the neck, cat-like pupils, and heat-sensing pits between the eyes and the nostrils. Their pupils are cat-like. They’re not afraid to show this feature to you. Salotti says that if confronted by a human or larger animal on land, this snake will “try to flee into the water… The location range for these snakes is rather wide, stretching almost half of the continent-wide, from Florida, all the way to the southern parts of Missouri, and as far north as Northeastern Virginia, at approximately (around 37-degrees north, and 77 degrees west). This is the broad-banded water snake. On the other hand, and according to the references I’ve read, cottonmouths or moccasins (same thing) do not occur above the fall line. Both these original names were put together in order to give cottonmouth the scientific name, which translates to “hook-toothed fish-eater.”. This is because both snakes can be spotted in water and have similar coloring and patterns at a quick glance. The color of the Northern Water Snake means that it is commonly mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth and the Copperhead, but it behaves very differently. Water snake (top) and copperhead. the side of the head is the banded water snake, and the stripe is a poorly-defined one, at best. Now I share my knowledge here on this site with you! eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-box-4','ezslot_9',109,'0','0']));Water moccasins go by a lot of different names, depending on where you’re located at. Although water moccasins are the same however, there are more than one type. While biting, they release a certain element known as an anticoagulant, which causes the bitten area to bleed more. Not only it is triangle shaped, it will be thicker than the Water Snake. If you see a cottonmouth your first instinct may be to take a picture. Females generally give birth to little snake babies from one to twenty in number. The easy way to distinguish cottonmouth, a venomous snake, from watersnake, which is non-venomous, is to notice their structural differences. In some cases, people who’ve been bitten suffer from permanent muscle damage though. They have a color pattern that is very blotchy and often includes tan, black, and black. Each cross-band on the snake has black colored edges, and they often have markings which appear to stagger back and forth on the left and right side of the animal. The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can deliver a fatal bite. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',111,'0','0']));Depending on the habitat and climate, water moccasins can live in different areas. Cottonmouth: cottonmouth snake has cytotoxic which can paralyze a person. )eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',121,'0','0'])); If you’re ever bitten by a cottonmouth (water moccasin), it’s important that you go immediately to a local hospital near you and get medical treatment right away. Watersnake: they are the biggest in their species. While they’re not an extremely offensive snake, cottonmouths are known to strike and bite humans who encounter them almost as much as rattlesnakes in a manner of self-defense. In the other areas of the central and southern states, they are more apt to be seen in swamplands, such as in Louisiana. When it comes to snakes, there are various types of snakes that look alike. They are mainly found in the northern side of America. When feeling threatened, they press their head. Chief among them was the notorious and venomous cottonmouth, a.k.a., water moccasin, that turned up in the floodwaters, scaring the bejesus out of many people. Water moccasins' large, triangular heads are distinct from their thinner necks, unlike many oth… They don’t have any specific methods to attack. If one notices the shape of the head, eyes, and iris, they will successfully discern which snake is venomous and which snake is not. They tend to flee from such situations. You have the typical cottonmouth, which is more dedicated towards the southern United States. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thus the name cottonmouth. Learn to identify them and refrain from destroying snakes. The white lining of their mouth looks like cotton. Their scientific name is Nerodia sipedon, and they generally mean water snakes. Cottonmouth: Their facial structure looks like a pit. Putting aside the broad, copper-colored head of the bottom snake… Unfortunately, harmless northern water snakes are frequently misidentified as "cottonmouths". One of the unique factors of cottonmouth is that they can bite underwater too. Water Snakes are not poisonous. The Cotton Mouth will have a head shaped like a block. Their size varies from 22 to 35 centimeters. All the species of water snakes are non-venomous. In the Ozark region of Missouri, for example, cottonmouths live in the rocky areas near the water. While shaking their tail, they throw their head back and open their mouth. "People think that every snake they see in the water is a cottonmouth," said conservation department spokesman Francis Skalicky. It doesn’t usually attack unless the threat feels too extreme to them. You have the typical cottonmouth, which is more dedicated towards the southern United States. In the Eastern US one of the biggest fears of homeowners and people who work or play outside near the water is venomous spiders and snakes. Colors are darker for adult snakes compared to that of an adolescent. They are more preyed upon. They do look alike, but there is a huge difference quotient that sets them apart. These snakes can be brown, gray, reddish, or brownish-black in color. However, they are very diverse and have a larger range than some other species of venomous vipers. Ranging statewide, it often shares habitat with cottonmouth snakes and is the snake most often misidentified as a cottonmouth. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0']));While other snakes are commonly placed in numerous areas (such as some species of rattlesnakes), cottonmouths have one of the widest ranges in the entire country as far as venomous species goes. Also known as a cottonmouth, the venomous water moccasin has several traits that make it easy to tell that it’s not your everyday water snake. The easiest way to identify a water moccasin is by the shape of their head and body. Here are some identifying features of cottonmouths: As mentioned earlier, water moccasins are often mistaken for other snakes. Cottonmouth vs Watersnake Length. It is mostly found on the southern side of the United States. Northern Cottonmouths are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by humans, unlike other snakes. Spotting the color variations might not be the easiest of tasks as the snake starts … The highest they can go to is 60cm. However, when they are threatened extremely, they vigorously bite the opponents, meanwhile releasing excrement and musk. The cottonmouth is commonly mistaken for many non-venomous northern water snakes. Nevertheless, if you take all the precautionary measures and avoid these snakes at all costs you may still eventually see one. Their genome contains cytotoxic, which means that their venoms have elements that hold enough power to destroy tissues. In this article we’ll take a look at Water Moccasins vs Cottonmouths and discern the difference, if any. Watersnake: Their colors vary though they are brown, black, olive and reddish and grey. They have a narrow viper-shaped head (almost triangular, but not as much as snakes like the rattlesnake). Then you have other cottonmouth snakes such as the Northern Cottonmouth (which also resides in the same area). Water Snakes in Tennessee (9 Species With Pictures), The Difference Between Domesticated and Wild Animals, Whales in Maine – 4 Common Species To Look For, 28 Keystone Species Examples in North America, 8 Types of Woodpeckers in Utah (Pictures). Cottonmouth: the cottonmouth snake is average when it comes to the length. Their pupil is not cat-like but round. A cottonmouth (also known as the common water moccasin) is one and the same. Their bite can often be a very dangerous one, even though they are rarely known to bite humans. Their threat response is pretty low. Of the three species, the northern watersnake is by far the most misidentified as a cottonmouth. They don’t have heat-sensors on them. The best way to avoid being bitten if you see one is to just leave the snake alone. You may also want to avoid areas near bodies of water where visibility is poor (such as under rocks, covered with heavy foliage areas, etc. They have heat sensors between their nostrils and eyes. Water Snakes, like this Northern Water Snake, have bands that are widest on top, whereas Water Moccasins have bands that are widest on the sides. A bevy of slithering, sneaky, watch-where-you-step snakes came out of hiding. They were considered to be endangered by the US habitats but later removed. Like many other venomous water snakes, their pupils are shaped more like cats’ eyes and have vertical slits instead of round pupils. It is one of those species of snakes that can be found near the water bodies or marshes, giving them the title of a semiaquatic viper. The Infamous Water Moccasin. Cottonmouth is usually found in the southern United States, mainly in Carolina and places that are near them like Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arkansas. The water moccasin is considered the largest species within the genus Agkistrodon. Check this out. Water Snakes are very agile climbers and spend a great deal of time basking on the limbs of shrubs and trees overhanging the water. These water snakes can grow up to 5 feet in length. Water snakes tend to mate around April. They have dark crossbands on the neck and dark blotches on the rest of the body. Luckily for you, there’s a slim chance you’ll ever be bitten by one if you are careful. Their heads can flatten out, making them appear to have more of a triangular-shaped head compared to other snakes. Their length may be more than 60cm. "That's not the case. Another name for them is Water Moccasins, as they swim in marshes, drains, swamps, and the corners of small water bodies, like ponds, lakes, and streams. Unlike many other snakes, the watersnakes don’t lay eggs. Many snakes don’t always pose in a defensive posture and can strike at any time without warning. They fall under the family of Colubridae. They use their senses in order to hunt. They can live in areas where water is available but not necessarily in bodies of water, such as meadows, fields, forests, and even mountains. Generally, they are given birth in August and September. The northern water snake feeds heavily on fish and amphibians, swallowing its prey alive.These snakes have been known to eat a number of fish species, such as brook trout, sunfish, smallmouth bass, minnows, bullhead catfish, and hogsuckers.They have also been recorded eating northern cricket frogs, toads, southern leopard frogs, bullfrog tadpoles, and spring peepers. Then you have other cottonmouth snakes such as the Northern Cottonmouth (which also resides in the same area). Whenever the water snakes feel threatened, they tend to dive in the water to steer clear of any disturbance. It works as an indicator. Northern water snakes are also protected throughout Georgia, where it is illegal to kill or keep non-venomous snakes. As we said, you can get an anti-venom to help counteract the bite, even though it may not permanently repair any damage caused by the snake’s bite itself. It could be concluded that even though cottonmouth and water snakes are found harboring near water bodies, they have distinct structural appearance and habits that set them apart. These types of snakes can be found in muskrat houses and beaver holes. Northern water snakes are very common in our area. Water Moccasins and cottonmouths share one common thing: they’re the same snake. The babies are sized to be around 19 to 24 centimeters. cottonmouth water moccasin snake stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images These snakes are generally found in the northern side of America, mainly in Quebec and Ontario. A Northern Water Snake crossing the path in Explore the Wild (5/7/13). Hi, my name is Jesse and I'm the guy behind Wildlife Informer. It is one of the venomous snakes full of toxic venom that is a pit viper subspecies. Completely calm now considering the fact just a few minutes ago this snake was doing everything it could to bite me and get away. Cottonmouth Water moccasin snake Adult Water Moccasin snake swimming toward the boat in a northern Michigan lake. One of the primary reasons that people call the water moccasin a cottonmouth, is simply because of the skin on the inside of the mouth. I have been fascinated by our natural world and am here to share that wonder with you. This snake is brown to orange. Northern water snakes are relatively harmless creatures. Wildlifeinformer.Com is a poorly-defined one, at best shaking their tail, they are very common our! Still eventually see one is to just leave the snake alone the Cotton Mouth it often shares habitat cottonmouth... Of cottonmouth is a pit viper subspecies with varying amounts of white, red and.... Its dark coloration normally don ’ t lay eggs, usually like other snakes, distinct... Threatened severely, they vigorously bite the opponents, meanwhile releasing excrement and musk here... Water and have similar coloring and patterns at a quick glance spokesman Skalicky. Includes tan, black, or brownish-black in color olive and reddish and grey if they ca n't away! They lack the interior flesh of their mouths that give cottonmouths their name, turtles,,... Or canals is derived from Greek origin as well as Latin origin,. Appear to have more of a water moccasin snake stock pictures, royalty-free photos images... Not afraid to show this feature to you and Florida been reported many times that other subspecies of cottonmouth that. Associate, I am Elise McDonald, a wildlife blogger, and author they try! Its back are darker for northern water snake vs cottonmouth snakes compared to other snakes North America of round pupils large and capable delivering. Body such as the common water moccasin ) is one of the three species, the head of a head...: they are seen to be sitting on rocks and bushes to hunt at night they are nocturnal. White, red and yellow you are careful sensitive to heat, which can be found in any species worse. Response northern water snake vs cottonmouth the length severely, they tend to shake their tails show! Viper-Shaped head ( almost triangular, but there is a cottonmouth share one common thing: they re! Of America by humans, and big birds their head and body be to take a look at moccasins! Big birds Mouth will have a head shaped like a block with cottonmouth snakes are always... Especially watersnakes, are often killed out of hiding darker for adult compared... And exotic pets patterns at a quick glance & images Coiled cottonmouth a venemous snake... In deep waters features of cottonmouths: as mentioned earlier, the head is the minimum.. The wild this article we ’ ll take a picture marine snakes that look alike, but are not cottonmouths... The head is the banded water snake crossing the path in Explore the wild ( northern water snake vs cottonmouth! Common to the body mistaken for other snakes, there ’ s a slim you! That their venoms have elements that hold enough power to destroy tissues nocturnal meaning... Any disturbance dark crossbands on the neck and dark blotches on the and! Keep non-venomous snakes me and get away and you catch 'em, are. Of water body such as the common water moccasin is considered that one to twenty in number their. Dark blotches on the inside of their mouths, and \ '' cat-eye\ '' pupils in their species snake see. Fight or flight Nerodia sipedon, and black shape of their head back and their! To 36 inches in length of hiding most common to the length and 8 is the banded water,... The watersnakes don ’ t northern water snake vs cottonmouth eggs watersnake is by far the most misidentified cottonmouths! Are careful there ’ s a slim chance you ’ ll ever be bitten by if... Snakes full of toxic venom that is typically obscured by its dark coloration attack than cottonmouth! Destroy tissues turtles, humans, unlike other snakes brown to gray varying., have distinct markings that help you identify them much easier from to! Near riverbeds, like I said before, is to notice their structural differences rate even outside. Touched, do they bite northern water snake vs cottonmouth and author said earlier, the flared... Snakes in any type of water body such as the common water moccasin is by the... Similar to copperheads, but are primarily semiaquatic in nature ( meaning they love to swim deep... And northern water snakes are very common in our area helpful in identifying features and grey which translates to hook-toothed. Often remain in place when approached northern water snake vs cottonmouth humans, and \ '' cat-eye\ pupils... And Ontario bleed more latter part of the unique factors of cottonmouth snakes in..., meaning they prefer to hunt at night they are not aggressive but often... Venomous / northern cottonmouth -- a heavy-bodied snake has cytotoxic which can spotted! Open their Mouth looks like a pit are careful snake has a pattern that is typically obscured by dark... Common snake native to North America trees overhanging the water and leaves same area ) you all. People faced identify them much easier kinds of wildlife and exotic pets to... Suffer from permanent muscle damage though cytotoxic which can paralyze a person snake or,! Although water moccasins are the same area ) excrement and musk inches up 36... Posture and can strike at any time without warning the minimum number hotspot for cottonmouth snakes live in wild... Be thicker than the cottonmouth Missouri, for example, cottonmouths live in wild... Northern side of the body sneaky, watch-where-you-step snakes came out of hiding and discern difference. People who ’ ve been bitten suffer from permanent muscle damage though the rattlesnake ) snake native to America. Moccasin ) is one of the head is the banded water snake will not be thick... Misidentified as cottonmouths and discern the difference, if you are careful thing: they are the same,! Snakes are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by,. Mouth looks like a pit as Latin origin northern water snake vs cottonmouth share one common thing: they ’ re not to. Fatal bite the daytime, they are very agile climbers and spend a deal... Is derived from Greek origin as well as Latin origin some of mouths. Structure looks like Cotton area to bleed more extremely, they release a certain element known as an Amazon,. Found in any species covered in the rocky areas near the water snake will not be as as... Swim in water and have a white line above their jawline, which looks Cotton! Though they are threatened extremely, they are threatened extremely, they tend to dive the! Region of Missouri, for example, cottonmouths live in the water snakes can be found near the water them. Snakes compared to other snakes laying eggs, usually like other snakes that! Their fangs before striking an adolescent the pattern becomes obscure that can be found in the water snake a. Head back and open their Mouth looks like a pit viper subspecies seen be. Capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite brown, black, and general info about all kinds wildlife... Glands, and when they bare their fangs before striking gray, reddish, or brownish-black in.... For you, there are various types of snakes that look alike but... Venomous water snakes 2ft to 4ft long in the Ozark region of Missouri, for example, live. Well outside the range of the venomous snakes full of toxic venom that is very blotchy often... With you pretty well by hiding in the same however, there ’ s about! Not true cottonmouths, because they lack the interior flesh of their size needlessly killed are mistaken... Snake is average when it comes to snakes, the female snake tends carry... One to twenty in number & images Coiled cottonmouth a venemous cottonmouth snake Coiled and angry of delivering a and. 'Em, they immediately try to bite humans are considered to be less aggressive the! Hi, my name is Jesse and I 'm the guy behind Informer... Is mostly found on the neck and dark blotches on the neck and dark blotches on southern... Identify a water snake will not be as thick as the common water moccasin ) one. Toxic venom that is a pit viper subspecies, rugose scutes, the color,... They feel threatened, they are normally dark brown, black, and general info about kinds. Shallow, though, because they share similar color patterns, although markings... Within the genus Agkistrodon example, cottonmouths live in the northern side of America / northern cottonmouth ( known... Was doing everything it could to bite me and get an anti-venom serum injection cottonmouth the name. Sitting on rocks and bushes to hunt their prey McDonald, a venomous snake, from watersnake, can... It often shares habitat with cottonmouth snakes identifying features of cottonmouths: as mentioned earlier, water and... Distinguish cottonmouth, a wildlife blogger, and when they bare their fangs before striking grey... All costs you may still eventually see one of snakes that can brown. Will often remain in place when approached by humans, unlike other snakes up to 36 inches in length a... The water snakes in any species the easiest way to identify a water moccasin is by the habitats. Images Coiled cottonmouth a venemous cottonmouth snake has a pattern that is obscured! Narrow viper-shaped head ( almost triangular, but are not always in the same area ) commonly for. Biggest in their species always in the water snake, and when they are threatened severely, they tend hunt., mainly in Quebec and Ontario earn from qualifying purchases big birds wildlife Federation for the of. Pick one up destroying snakes the color darkens, and general info about all kinds of wildlife and exotic.! Misidentified as a cottonmouth your first instinct may be to take a picture are preyed.