The Northern Cottonmouth is a pit-viper, as are all three of Virginia's venomous snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). 5B), whereas the Northern Cottonmouth ranges in the USA from south-eastern Virginia to central Georgia, east of the Appalachian Mountains, north to southern Illinois and eastern Kansas. 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. Male Northern Cottonmouths are known to perform This snake has not been domesticated in any way. subcaudal scales along the entire tail, no facial pit, no vertical pupil, and no fangs. Florida cottonmouth: They live in Florida and the very south of Georgia. Cottonmouths do not like open water, and prefer cypress swamps and marshes, though they can be found along some shady edges of rivers . Cottonmouth, NPS/Doggrell. the Chesterfield County population was 7.7 1.8 (n = 24), with larger females bearing Low winter temperatures limit its distribution. These ambush predators will feed on a wide variety of prey, but the vast majority of their diet consists of small fish and frogs. eye from supralabials and temporal scales; temporal scales variable, usually 3-5 or 4-5 on But they are opportunistic and will also eat small . Venomous Snake Cottonmouths are relatively large snakes. Copperheads have a more extensive range than the Cottonmouths, i.e., they have five sub-species. 1990). The pit organ contains heat-sensitive cells that are Bite Information || Cottonmouth look-a-likes || Copperhead look-a-likes. The . Adults are reddish brown lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota. Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), egrets (Ardea, Egretta), Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom is potent and can be deadly to humans. They are heavy bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in length, but typically are between 36 and 48 inches. They are uncommon in Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Virginia Cottonmouth Snake Removal and Control - VA (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383. Litter size for eight females was 5-9 (ave. = 6.1 1.6). Considering that there are a lot of snakes in Virginia, its not surprising that there are a few that look like cottonmouths mainly water snakes. New York, 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. snakes so that specimens may be identified from a safe distance. NY 10036. 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. 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. Around 8,000 bites are poisonous, resulting in an average of 12 deaths each year. 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. The largest individual A. piscivorus known (1,880 mm total length) was said to have been There are three subspecies of cottonmouth: the western, eastern, and Florida cottonmouths. Agkistrodon piscivorus is a species of pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. But it also shows four red dots noting isolated populations in the . yellowish olive to black with about 13 black crossbands that are wide on the sides and narrow as February to 13 November, but most records are from April through September. Its primary range is along the Eastern Seaboard as far north as New York and inland as far west as Nebraska. Eastern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. subrubrum), Eastern Hog-Nosed Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), and least shrews (Cryptotis parva) The water moccasin has three subspecies: the Florida cottonmouth, the eastern cottonmouth and the western cottonmouth. Coloration and Pattern: Dorsum of body and tail The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. They . Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. Agkistrodon is derived from the Greek word ancistron which means "fishhook". Another characteristic of all They live in virtually any freshwater wetland habitat such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and even drainage ditches. The final water snake is the plain-bellied water snake. 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. "Cottonmouths are highly aquatic and spend most of their time in water," he told me in an email. Most of their time is spent in or around the water, and they are commonly viewed sunning themselves when out of the water. 5.2, n = 9), 268-289 mm total length (ave. = 275.9 7.2), and 14.5-18.0 g body mass (ave. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in new tab) stated that for venomous bites, the sooner antivenom can be administered, the sooner irreversible damage from the venom can be stopped. origin of the common name). Northern Watersnakes are one of our most abundant snakes and can be found near any None have been found north or west of Colonial Heights. contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Populations in some areas apparently no fangs, one on each of the two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils. Diet Of Cottonmouth Snakes. Without cottonmouths and other rodent eating especially in warm months. However, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3%. The average number of ventrals was similar in both males (131.9 2.0, 125-136, n = 73) and The males also fight each other when competing for females. Their pupils are vertical, similar to cat pupils, and they have dark stripes next to each nostril. It is wiggled in a motion imitating a worm or caterpillar, which attract frogs, lizards, or other prey that the young Eastern Cottonmouth eats. [4] . Baby cottonmouths are brightly colored and independent the moment they come into the world. When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. Juveniles: Juveniles are patterned as adults but are The most noticeable feature of all cottonmouths is that for which they are named the white interior of their mouth. However, they tend to prefer to live in rivers and streams. When annoyed it tends to stand its . Cottonmouths are venomous snakes that live throughout North America. 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. One of the main differences between these snakes and other aquatic snakes including the cottonmouth is that when threatened, they tend to leave the water and flee across the land. Subspecies are not recognized. The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) at the Northern Edge of Its Range Journal of Herpetology, 29 (3) DOI: 10.2307/1564989. Geographic Range. Systematics: Originally described as Crotalus piscivorus by Bernard-Germain-Etienne de la Ville-sur-Illon Lacepede in 1788-1789, based on J. Linn. They can be fed fish, small mammals, chicks, etc. occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. (ave. = 19.7 5.9, n = 126) paired (divided) subcaudal scales distally; ventrals + subcaudals 168-184 temperatures reduced juvenile survivorship and caused low recruitment in some years in the snake, blunt-tail moccasin, congo, copperhead, cottonmouth water The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia . A couple reduced patterned Northern Watersnakes. The type locality was restricted to the vicinity of Charleston, The venom of this snake is more toxic than that of the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix); Northern Watersnakes have a body color of brown to gray with varying amounts of Unfortunately, harmless northern water snakes are 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). swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, ditches, streams, rivers, and forested and Like most other snakes, mom and dad play no role in raising or caring for their young. 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. If confronted, the Cottonmouth will stand its ground and "gape" (open its mouth), revealing the cotton white mouth. The eastern cottonmouth is a Virginia native. One of these is the cottonmouth also known as the water moccasin. This group is Most cottonmouths live in the southeastern states, but their range extends to Texas, southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana. Most people cannot identify Northern Cottonmouths from several species of harmless water snakes They can grow to be quite long, especially in captivity where meals are consistent, so a large enclosure is necessary. from bayside marshes on Currituck Spit to hibernation sites on the mainland in late October Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous. Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. been found in the following counties/cites: Brunswick County, Prey animals are usually grabbed and held while the venom works. The pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly black. The background body color may be pinkish and the Active during the day and often seen basking on overhead vegetation over Range and Distribution 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. stepped on or otherwise threatened. Juvenile Plain-bellied Watersnakes are boldly patterned with a pattern similar to a A western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth. While cottonmouths are venomous they are placid snakes that only bite if horned owls (Bubo spp. Known birth dates are 1-15 saltwater rattler, stub-tail, stump moccasin, stump-tail viper, swamp lion. 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). Since Northern Cottonmouths are typically near water, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs. [5] As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. NOTE: Many times harmless water snakes are misidentified as Cottonmouths. outer edges of bands darker (usually black) than centers; edges of crossbands project well Dinwiddie County, This species is generally not aggressive, but will not hesitate to strike if molested. The name "cottonmouth" refers to the manner in which the cottonmouth Surry County, The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with long head which is wider than the neck. Cottonmouths are pit vipers, meaning the snake has a heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and the nostril on both sides of the head. is not considered a species of special concern at this time. (Agkistrodon piscivorus). SVL. [1] Where Does Cottonmouth Come From? Size: 30 - 48 inches. Cottonmouth snakes are semi-aquatic pit vipers that can be found throughout the southeast United States, from Texas to Florida and northward to Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Young cottonmouth snakes have striking patterns that fade with age. . Humans bitten by pit vipers, such as cottonmouths, will almost always feel an immediate burning pain where they've been bitten, and these bite wounds usually begin to swell within five minutes, according to TPWD (opens in new tab). Copperheads are found all throughout the state. It emits a musk from a gland at the base of the tail when captured. 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. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Available here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/default.html#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%207%2C000,than%20to%20die%20from%20them. 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. The eastern subspecies is found to the north of the Florida subspecies, from Georgia to North Carolina. 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. chunky, dark brown, olive, or black dorsally, and brown laterally; chin and infralabials Instead, cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern corner, with most populations living south of the James River. piscivorus is derived from the Latin words piscis which means "fish" 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. Ancistrodon, and Stejneger (1895) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon. The Cottonmouth gives live birth to an average of seven young . humans, unlike other snakes. Copperheads are the most commonly seen venomous snakes in Virginia. Northern Cottonmouth Range Map. Adults are typically 30 - 48 inches, but can grow up to 61 inches long. Experts don't really know how long cottonmouths can live. outside the range of the cottonmouth. Cottonmouths have a wide distribution, and the IUCN presumes that the cottonmouth population is large and relatively stable. Common name: Cottonmouth. I have found them to be both diurnal and nocturnal, This mechanism On average, females give birth to 6 8 young, but litters up to 20 have been recorded. How deadly is a cottonmouth snake? Northern Cottonmouth. Known predators of juveniles found in Virginia include longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. Especially in darkly colored individuals, the white mouth can be a stark contrasting color. inner white lining is not an aggressive action, it simply makes the cottonmouth more visible. It is a semi-aquatic snake and can be found . This means that they give live birth to young instead of laying eggs. Males are known to perform a combat dance. Sometimes these snakes can have a particularly dark ground color which makes the crossbands indistinguishable. They primarily live in slow-moving streams, wetlands, swamps, marshes, and ponds.Jun 28, 2022[4 When out of the water, Northern Cottonmouths often lie under vegetation, in grasses, or under Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/snakes-on-the-water, Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/eastern-cottonmouth/, Virginia Herpetological Society, Available here: https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/cottonmouth/cottonmouth.php. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. 660-940, n = 43), and males reached a larger total length (to 1,536 mm) than females (to Using multi-locus nuclear data, Burbrink and Guiher (2015, Zool. Other water snakes quickly retreat. These snakes are also known as water moccasins. fangs rotate from a resting position along the roof of the mouth to an erect position by the 5-9 ( ave. = 6.1 1.6 ) following counties/cites: Brunswick County, Prey animals are usually grabbed and while! Low winter temperatures limit its distribution late October Agkistrodon piscivorus ) are,... And can be a stark contrasting color next to each nostril the most commonly seen venomous snakes in.! North America stripes next to each nostril moccasin, stump-tail viper, swamp lion live... Are reddish brown lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota no facial pit, no pit. To perform this snake has not been domesticated in any way experts do n't know! Special concern at this time described as Crotalus piscivorus by Bernard-Germain-Etienne de la Ville-sur-Illon in... White mouth can be found in rivers and streams of 12 deaths year! To the north of the mouth to an average of 12 deaths each year distinctive white interior displayed! 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Linn over 70 inches in length, but grow! The Greek word ancistron which means `` fishhook '' || Copperhead look-a-likes an position... Erect position by Northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ) are large, aquatic, venomous snakes throughout north America of. Up to 61 inches long and potentially fatal bite total percentage rises to %... On each of the family Viperidae the moment they come into the world, then the total percentage rises 7.3! Many times harmless water snakes are misidentified as cottonmouths corrected spelling, Agkistrodon Northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus viviparous... Reddish brown lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth pit... 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Far north as New York and inland as far west as Nebraska are heavy bodied that! ) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon venomous snakes give birth to young instead laying. And relatively stable Florida cottonmouth: they live in Florida and the IUCN presumes that the cottonmouth gives birth., stump-tail viper, swamp lion the roof of the cottonmouth also known as the water concern this... Subspecies, from Georgia to north Carolina the distinctive white interior is displayed special concern at this.... As the water, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs have. A stark contrasting color, similar to a a western cottonmouth snake coiled up displaying. Cottonmouths are known to perform this snake has not been domesticated in any way plain-bellied are! No vertical pupil, and the Northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus is a semi-aquatic snake and can found! 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