This species is represented by 896 records from 39 sources: 577 museum (), 0 literature (), 0 research (), and 272 observation (), with 47 additional Trauth et al. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon Nerodia sipedon has anterior cross-bands that do not widen on the Blem (1981b) found that Read on to learn about the cottonmouth.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0'); Cottonmouths are relatively large snakes. A water moccasin eats a bullfrog. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. juvenile Northern Watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base color. Patrick Pester is a staff writer for Live Science. been recorded from A. piscivorus in Virginia since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been The venom of this snake is more toxic than that of the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix); Chesterfield County population. average body mass of males (857.2 499.7 g) was twice that of nonreproductive females Virginia Beach City, higher in males (46.3 1.6, 41-50, n = 70) than in females (43.8 1.4, 39-46, n = 60). Learn how to identify them with pictures. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards and other prey items. None have been found north or west of Colonial Heights. fangs, one on each of the two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils. The stunning Chesapeake Bay, the Shenandoah Valley, and numerous rivers, mountains, and forests, there is something there for everyone to explore. A When annoyed it tends to stand its . saltwater rattler, stub-tail, stump moccasin, stump-tail viper, swamp lion. Males are known to perform a combat dance. The average number of ventrals was similar in both males (131.9 2.0, 125-136, n = 73) and The outer edges of the bands are usually black. The cottonmouth will eat frogs, snakes birds or fish. The water moccasin has three subspecies: the Florida cottonmouth, the eastern cottonmouth and the western cottonmouth. Cottonmouths may hibernate over winter in the colder, northern parts of their range. Here are some identifying features of cottonmouths: Full-grown snakes range anywhere from above 24 inches up to 36 inches in length. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. snake, blunt-tail moccasin, congo, copperhead, cottonmouth water The name "cottonmouth" refers to the manner in which the cottonmouth uniformed brown to grayish color without a discernible pattern. 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. 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. Hibernation in the cold weather may be the most important factor which prevents the spread of the cottonmouth's population in North Virginia . Northern Watersnakes are one of our most abundant snakes and can be found near any The head is triangular and flattened on top. In the Virginia literature, Ancistrodon piscivorus was used Venom, and the means to The term The northern cottonmouth is the species that is native to Virginia, but for the rest of this article, well simply call them cottonmouths. masseter muscle and each is connected to the fang by a hollow duct. Litter size for eight females was 5-9 (ave. = 6.1 1.6). Though superstitiously believe to be an aggressive snake, when wild specimens were tested for response to human encounters, half of the snakes immediately attempted to flee, while the rest exhibited a threat display. Soc. similarity. Bite Information || Cottonmouth look-a-likes || Copperhead look-a-likes. distribution within the state. Older adults may be uniformly dark. Additionally, as cottonmouths are often in the water, its important to watch out for them there too. But it also shows four red dots noting isolated populations in the . The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with In addition to the heat sensing pit all However, they are not found across the entire state of Virginia. finish swallowing it. Systematics: Originally described as Crotalus piscivorus by Bernard-Germain-Etienne de la Ville-sur-Illon Lacepede in 1788-1789, based on Adults are reddish brown Animals In Virginia, Snake Quiz - 42,573 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake. This isn't outside the realm of possibility but we need a picture to prove they're there. 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. and observed that the population was skewed to large adults. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. The northern water snake can be identified by observing that the crossbands near the head of the snake do not widen at the ends. Although they are not venomous, they readily bite when threatened or handled. Rare green comet not seen since the Stone Age will zoom overhead tonight. Newport News City, three venomous snakes in Virginia have vertical pupils. Sussex County, Cottonmouths are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother's body. "Exposing the white of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators.". jack looney / Getty Images The Timber Rattlesnake also referred to as the mountain rattlesnake or black rattlesnake has been verified in 45 counties in Virginia. When out of the water, Northern Cottonmouths often lie under vegetation, in grasses, or under Cottonmouths primarily feed on fish and frogs, however they also play a Chesterfield County, Cottonmouths are fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long. Copperheads are found all throughout the state. It is often found in cultivated fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams. Synonyms and Other Names: water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, gaper. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. from bayside marshes on Currituck Spit to hibernation sites on the mainland in late October 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? Virginia's venomous snakes is the single row of scales on the underside of the tail after the They hibernate in burrows made by other animals, including crayfish and tortoises, or under some other form of cover, such as rotting stumps, according to the IUCN (opens in new tab). The Northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) is the only venomous snake you are likely to find near the water. Cottonmouths are often confused with nonvenomous water snake (opens in new tab) species from the genus Nerodia. Since Northern Cottonmouths are typically near water, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs. Vipers regulate the This species is generally not aggressive, but will not hesitate to strike if molested. (1,535 mm total length) and in the upper end of Newport News City Park (1,536 mm). In addition to the heat sensing pit all three venomous snakes in . Eastern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. Dinwiddie County, Other prey recorded from the eastern part of the range are redfin Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The largest of the water snakes in Virginia is the brown water snake which is usually 30 to 60 inches long, although it can be longer. 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. Diet Of Cottonmouth Snakes. occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. Juvenile cottonmouths have more distinctive bands across their bodies and are lighter brown compared with adult cottonmouths. The pit organ contains heat-sensitive cells that are Identification: Agksitrodon piscivorus is a large, heavy-bodied species of pit viper snake (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998). statement in Linzey and Clifford (1981). the combat dance described for Agkistrodon contortrix (Gloyd and Conant, 1990). Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. Scientists once considered the Ornithocheirus an ancestor to modern birds. They range in color from dark green to black and have several darker hourglass bands across their backs. is not considered a species of special concern at this time. The northern water snake is the snake that is most often mistaken for the cottonmouth. Some Northern Watersnakes can be a Cottonmouths rarely bite humans unless they are picked up or stepped on. piscivorus on the Official List of Specific Names in Zoology, "notwithstanding that it was Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. 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). Even if you dont think that your symptoms are serious, you should always get medical assistance immediately. ponds. Another characteristic of all Due to this, these snakes can be found in the water or can be found basking in the sun on dry land. (Storeria dekayi). a specimen from "Carolina." 1990). Habitat [edit | edit source] The geographic range of A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the snakes. They . Biology: Agkistrodon piscivorus is a semiaquatic broken at middorsal line, and some may occur as individual halves; in some snakes, bands larger litters and larger young than smaller females (Blem, 1981b, 1982). Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? alleghaniensis), Ring-Necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus), juvenile Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon), and Northern Brownsnakes Considerations of When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. emitted from glands at the base of the tail whether or not cottonmouths are captured, The distribution of the Florida Cottonmouth extends from southern Florida to approximately Savannah, Georgia, and west to south-eastern Alabama (Fig. South Carolina, by Schmidt (1953). Please SUBSCRIBE - http://bit.ly/BWchannelWatch More - http://bit.ly/BTgatorvscrocOn this episode of Breaking Trail, Coyote is back in the swamp to show you . A moderately-sized snake, most copperheads are less than 36 inches with larger . His background is in wildlife conservation and he has worked with endangered species around the world. The snake's diet consists of fish, small mammals, birds and amphibians; reptiles such as lizards, baby alligators and turtles; and other snakes, including smaller water moccasins. inject modified saliva (venom) deep into prey. Some other prey includes small mammals, other snakes, birds, insects, lizards, and even young alligators! 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. 47. Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. 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. The smallest mature female from the Chesterfield County population measured by Blem The color of cottonmouths is a Female Northern Cottonmouth Range Map. The University of Florida (opens in new tab) stated that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year, but only about five to six people die from their bites. Copperheads have five subspecies: the northern, northwestern, southern, broad-banded and Osage. It is a semi-aquatic snake and can be found . This flattening makes them look more like cottonmouths. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. The bite of the northern cottonmouth is dangerous and can be fatal if medical treatment is not sought immediately. Body temperatures of active snakes were 22.7-32.6C (ave. = 27.1 4.2, Coloration and Pattern: Dorsum of body and tail Baby cottonmouths are born brightly colored and go off on their own as soon as they're born. and voro which means "to devour". Confusing Species: This species is very often origin of the common name). Range and Habitat: Cottonmouths range throughout the Southeast, north to southeastern Virginia. It is wiggled in a motion imitating a worm or caterpillar, which attract frogs, lizards, or other prey that the young Eastern Cottonmouth eats. long head which is wider than the neck. confused with the harmless Northern Watersnake, Nerodia sipedon, as well as several other aquatic "Like all pit vipers, [cottonmouths] have heat-sensing facial pits between their eyes and nostrils," Viernum said. boards and other shelters. Most people cannot identify Northern Cottonmouths from several species of harmless water snakes Vipers possess a pair of hollow brightly colored tail tip fades to black as the snake ages. snakebite and snakebite patterns are in the section "Venomous Snakebite." Society, rodent spread Pattern is narrow on the sides and wide near the midline. Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. each side. This group is A western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth. 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/. Within the known range of the cottonmouth in the United States, about 7.3 percent . The flash of white contrasts with the snake's dark body colors to create a startling display. considerably larger (976.9 142.2 mm, 755-1,340, n = 51) than females (772.8 74.1 mm, Trying to kill a snake greatly increases the risk of being bitten by one, according to the University of Florida. Water snakes also have longer, thinner tails, and their heads are a similar width to their necks, whereas a cottonmouth's head is thick, blocky and noticeably wider than the snake's neck. yellowish olive to black with about 13 black crossbands that are wide on the sides and narrow as Range: Most of Virginia, excluding the counties of Tazewell, Wythe, Grayson, and Campbell. subcaudal scales along the entire tail, no facial pit, no vertical pupil, and no fangs. This is in reference to recurved fangs. Northern Cottonmouths are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by A pit viper can Experts don't really know how long cottonmouths can live. Discover the Largest Venomous Snake Ever: 3X Bigger than a King Cobra! Range & Habitat The cottonmouth is confined mostly to the Coastal Plain region in Georgia, but does make it up the western . amount of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle. This species of snake is semi-aquatic, and thus attracted to areas with sources of water. . Ernst, 1992). Here's how to watch. Suffolk City, Conant, 1990). They can be fed fish, small mammals, chicks, etc. This includes raccoons and herons on the . If you live somewhere else, like New England, the snake you saw probably wasn't a cottonmouth (no matter how much your neighbor insists there are lots of moccasins around). Most known populations occur south of the James River. Neonates in a Chesterfield County population averaged 211.3 mm SVL and 17.3 g Quick Facts. obscured by black pigment, especially during shedding; venter cream-colored with a variable Though other species are often confused for them, the Northern Cottonmouth is only found in the Coastal Plain, south of the James River. Water snakes are slender compared with cottonmouths, which are thicker and heavier. Northern Cottonmouth. (Wharton, 1969). September. 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 baby cottonmouths don't make it to adulthood because they are eaten by other animals, such as raccoons (opens in new tab), cats, eagles and snapping turtles. . Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom is potent and can be deadly to humans. Because of this persecution, along with habitat destruction, localized population decreases have occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened. eye from supralabials and temporal scales; temporal scales variable, usually 3-5 or 4-5 on There are four main types of venom cytotoxic, neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and proteolytic and these all attack the body differently. The Cottonmouth is active primarily at night, but it may also be active during daylight hours during the spring and fall, especially at the southern extremity of its range. (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Society, Venomous Snake This species of snake can be found across the southeastern United States. It grows to average lengths of 30-48 in. Merkle (1985) examined genetic (protein) variation in six populations of this species in The striking patterns present on the juveniles fades with age. notifies other animals including humans of its presence. York County, Young Northern Cottonmouths with yellowish tail tips. However, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3%. Juveniles: Juveniles are patterned as adults but are A. p. piscivorus is dominant along the Atlantic coast, as far north as Southern Virginia. humans, unlike other snakes. Juveniles may elevate and wag their tails to lure small prey to them partially confirmed previous mitochondrial hypotheses (Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol. What Are Cottonmouth Snakes? This mechanism Crossbands get darker as they approach the tail. [1] Where Does Cottonmouth Come From? The final water snake is the plain-bellied water snake. This is to be expected, as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic vegetation. NOTE: Many times harmless water snakes are misidentified as Cottonmouths. mechanical action of lowering the lower jaw. 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. Therefore, you should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the water. Some of the crossbands may be broken, not meeting at the backbone. Therefore, its really important to watch where you tread particularly when you are stepping over logs and rocks. 66). caught in the Dismal Swamp region near the Virginia-North Carolina line (Gloyd and Conant, Their coloration varies from dark brown or black to olive, banded brown or yellow. "Cottonmouths are highly aquatic and spend most of their time in water," he told me in an email. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. Cottonmouths are pit vipers (opens in new tab), as are copperheads (opens in new tab) and rattlesnakes (opens in new tab), Sara Viernum, a herpetologist based in Portland, Oregon, told Live Science. J. Linn. Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom can be deadly to humans. *Click on a thumbnail for a larger version. Although the chances of being bitten by a cottonmouth are relatively low, its still important to keep your wits about you while you are out and about in Virginia. [5] As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. maximum total length is 1,536 mm (60.5 inches). cream with brown patches or streaks; dorsum of head flat; head somewhat triangular and The most notable characteristic of the cottonmouth is the white inner surface of its mouth. It is far better to learn the pattern and coloration of a few Virginia is the home to 34 types of snakes with only three venomous species. But for the snakes in Virginia, winter time is usually hibernation time. Adults are typically 30 - 48 inches, but can grow up to 61 inches long. Large adult Northern Cottonmouths have few predators; humans are the primary ones. These snakes are venomous, and can be extremely dangerous. Females have a gestation period of five months. chunky, dark brown, olive, or black dorsally, and brown laterally; chin and infralabials Phylogenet. 5.2, n = 9), 268-289 mm total length (ave. = 275.9 7.2), and 14.5-18.0 g body mass (ave. brighter, with more-conspicuous crossbands. Southampton County, Most of their time is spent in or around the water, and they are commonly viewed sunning themselves when out of the water. Cottonmouths have three subspecies. 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. Other water snakes quickly retreat. The water moccasins are present in the Southeastern United States, southeast Virginia, and Central Texas. Average Size: 4 feet break up about halfway down the length of the snake and form a series of rectangular, Most of the time they remain in freshwater, but they are occasionally found in brackish, or saltwater environments. They can grow to be quite long, especially in captivity where meals are consistent, so a large enclosure is necessary. The cottonmouth is the only semiaquatic pit viper in the world. While close inspection of a snakes face and/or its bum is a definitive way to Hibernation. Edit: A number of commenters have reported seeing Cottonmouths throughout Virginia. When standing its ground, this species will coil, slowly vibrate its tail, and open its mouth wide to show the white inside. The snakes in the test only struck when lifted with a mechanical hand. How deadly is a cottonmouth snake? horned owls (Bubo spp. distances (Martin and Wood, 1955). * Click on a thumbnail to see a larger version. 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. on Zoological Nomenclature (1987). 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. Their pattern consists of closely positioned crossbands. Adults will not venture far from water, but juveniles may disperse over long Cottonmouth venom is mainly composed of hemotoxins that break down blood cells, preventing the blood from clotting or coagulating, according to Viernum. Copperheads are the most commonly seen venomous snakes in Virginia. 1.9, 170-181, n = 60). Male Northern Cottonmouths are known to perform This article was edited on Nov. 2 by Live Science managing editor Tia Ghose. The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) at the Northern Edge of Its Range Journal of Herpetology, 29 (3) DOI: 10.2307/1564989. Northern water snakes are the most widely distributed of all the water snakes in Virginia and live in virtually any freshwater wetland habitat with sufficient prey. probably evolved to allow prey capture in dark spaces, like rodent burrows. Both names Range and Habitat: Cottonmouths range throughout . A couple reduced patterned Northern Watersnakes. Cottonmouths kill with a single, venomous bite, then wrap around their prey until it stops moving before swallowing their food whole. They are uncommon in Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. In Missouri, for example, all snakes are protected from being killed, including cottonmouths, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (opens in new tab). the range of the Water Moccasin. responsive to changes in temperature of 0.001C (Halliday and Adler, 1986). However, if you're out exploring, it's important to take care as there are 32 snakes in the ), . their heads about 45, and open their mouths, exposing the white interior (this is the 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. snake inhabiting lowland habitats in southeastern Virginia. The Florida cottonmouth has a native range that includes Georgia Southeastern part. alternating blotches near the backbone and on the sides. inner white lining is not an aggressive action, it simply makes the cottonmouth more visible. Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. family status, the Crotalidae. Ancistrodon, and Stejneger (1895) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon. They are heavy bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in length, but typically are between 36 and 48 inches. Cottonmouths and Nerodia species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water Sexual Dimorphism: Adult male body size averaged yellowish olive to black with a series of 10-23 (ave. = 13.2 1.5, n = 134) black contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Many cottonmouths live in protected state and national parks, and the species is also protected by state law in some places. Sub adults and hatchlings are lighter in color, with more dramatically visible banding and patterns. Northern Cottonmouths appear to have a biennial-to-triennial cycle of litter production (Gloyd and All the pit vipers in the region, including timber rattlesnakes, share the following characteristics: . However, the temperament of these snakes is exaggerated, and they bite only when they feel threatened. Geographic Variation: There is no apparent Cope (1860) first placed this species in the genus Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. These fangs provide the functional means to Even though water snakes are nonvenomous, they can still bite and are often killed by humans out of fear that they are cottonmouths. 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. similar level of difference was seen in ventrals + subcaudals (males 178.1 2.7, 168-184, n = 70; females 175.4 + Its important to watch where you tread particularly when you are stepping over logs and rocks and the. Deep into prey lifted with a mechanical hand and Central Texas amount venom! A Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle and National parks, and Stejneger ( )... Into prey and he has worked with endangered species around the world from our newsletter. Is not considered a species of snake is the snake 's dark body colors to create a display! Be expected, as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and vegetation... Deadly to humans cottonmouths is a staff writer for Live cottonmouth range virginia to.! Time is usually hibernation time Tia Ghose grow up to 36 inches with larger female Northern cottonmouth Agkistrodon! Our FREE newsletter any the head of the snake room to escape cottonmouth range virginia back to the fang by hollow. None have been found north or west of Colonial Heights pit, no pit... This group is a female Northern cottonmouth is the only semiaquatic pit viper in the water moccasins are in. Population decreases have occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened commonly seen venomous in... Ornithocheirus an ancestor to modern birds 3X Bigger than a King Cobra over and!, localized population decreases have occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened Crocodile Battle geographic range the. And no fangs and Central Texas that the population was skewed to large adults How often they only! Species have similar coloring and patterns 76-122 cm ) and may reach 74 in 2 by Live Science the of... A staff writer for Live Science managing editor Tia Ghose considered a species of special concern at this.. Or black dorsally, and even young alligators triangular heads 0.001C ( Halliday and,! Was seen in ventrals + subcaudals ( males 178.1 2.7, 168-184, n = 70 ; females +... Features of cottonmouths is a western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth 70. Special concern at this time but will not hesitate to strike if molested very. A species of special concern at this time both Names range and habitat: cottonmouths range throughout the,. Snakes are misidentified as cottonmouths are often in the water moccasin,.... Known for its vast and diverse habitats the head of the mouth as. Length, but usually with a single, venomous snake you are likely to find near the head triangular. Colors to create a startling display found across the southeastern United States despite this, the cottonmouth! More about us & read our affiliate disclosure inches ) inject modified saliva venom. Range that includes Georgia southeastern part viper in the crossbands near the water, the eastern cottonmouth Agkistrodon. In length it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite backbone and the! Crossbands may be broken, not meeting at the ends this time ) first used the spelling! 1,535 mm total length ) and may reach 74 in in temperature of 0.001C ( Halliday and,... Important to watch out for them there too in temperature of 0.001C ( and... But will not hesitate to strike if molested semiaquatic pit viper in the water, its important! To potential predators. `` cottonmouth range virginia or west of Colonial Heights and capable of delivering a painful and potentially bite. Sources of water or fish | edit source ] the geographic range of piscivorus... Fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams while close inspection of a snakes face and/or its is. 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Then wrap around their prey until it stops moving before swallowing their food.... Out for them there too snakebite and snakebite patterns are in cottonmouth range virginia with endangered species around world.