The Infamous Water Moccasin. VENOMOUS / NORTHERN COTTONMOUTH -- A heavy-bodied snake has a pattern that is typically obscured by its dark coloration. 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. Georgia is generally covered in the Ohio basin, which means it is a hotspot for cottonmouth snakes. They use their senses in order to hunt. Northern water snakes are also protected throughout Georgia, where it is illegal to kill or keep non-venomous snakes. the side of the head is the banded water snake, and the stripe is a poorly-defined one, at best. At night they are seen to be sitting on rocks and bushes to hunt their prey. Cottonmouths have white-colored skin on the inside of their mouths, and when they bare their fangs before striking. 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. Ever since I was a kid I've loved learning about wildlife. A bevy of slithering, sneaky, watch-where-you-step snakes came out of hiding. One of the unique factors of cottonmouth is that they can bite underwater too. While shaking their tail, they throw their head back and open their mouth. Venom. If you see a cottonmouth your first instinct may be to take a picture. One thing remains true though – they, just like other snakes, have distinct markings that help you identify them much easier. Typically, the head of a Water Snake will not be as thick as the Cotton Mouth. Its head is blocky with a triangular shape. 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. They normally don’t attack much as they are considered to be less aggressive than the rest. In the daytime, they tend to hunt near marshes and water bodies. Why is a Water Moccasin Called a Cottonmouth? Females generally give birth to little snake babies from one to twenty in number. They don’t have any specific methods to attack. Hi, I am Elise McDonald, a wildlife blogger, and author. Their pits are sensitive to heat, which helps them find warm places. Cottonmouth vs Watersnake Length. Cottonmouths ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ). Their genome contains cytotoxic, which means that their venoms have elements that hold enough power to destroy tissues. They have to be totally shallow, though, because they are not fully marine snakes that can swim in deep waters. They are the largest water snakes in any species. Water snake (top) and copperhead. Many snakes don’t always pose in a defensive posture and can strike at any time without warning. Northern Watersnakes have a body color of brown to gray with varying amounts of white, red and yellow. There are instances where larger individuals have been found.They are known for their large jowls, owing to being venomous, and their larger heads, which stands in contrast to their thin necks. The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can deliver a fatal bite. These snakes are generally found in the northern side of America, mainly in Quebec and Ontario. This is because both snakes can be spotted in water and have similar coloring and patterns at a quick glance. Spotting the color variations might not be the easiest of tasks as the snake starts … Very few retreat to the threat display. The northern water snake is the most common semiaquatic, non-venomous snake in Missouri. 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. WildlifeInformer.com is a site that’s all about wild animals and nature. 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. The northern watersnake being the most widely distributed and the brown watersnake the largest, which can reach a length of nearly 6 feet. If they can't get away and you catch 'em, they immediately try to bite you. 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. Unfortunately, harmless northern water snakes are frequently misidentified as "cottonmouths". They fall under the family of Colubridae. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Garter snakes often live near water but are not always in 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). While the venomous species are likely to bare their mouth to a threat, the Northern Water Snake will usually flee into the water rather than confront any direct threat. This is the broad-banded water snake. 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 are normally dark brown, black, or olive in color. Water moccasins are relatively large, often ranging from 2 to 4 feet (61 to 122 centimeters) long, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. It is mostly found on the southern side of the United States. Water Snakes are not poisonous. Now the good news for me, like I said before, is that this is a non-venomous species. Unlike many other snakes, the watersnakes don’t lay eggs. Water snakes tend to mate around April. The easy way to distinguish cottonmouth, a venomous snake, from watersnake, which is non-venomous, is to notice their structural differences. Now I share my knowledge here on this site with you! It has been reported many times that other subspecies of cottonmouth snakes are more prone to attack than the cottonmouth. 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. All Missouri snakes are protected by law. Check this out. Then you have other cottonmouth snakes such as the Northern Cottonmouth (which also resides in the same area). However, when they are threatened extremely, they vigorously bite the opponents, meanwhile releasing excrement and musk. Like we said earlier, the cottonmouth snake is a semi-aquatic snake that can be found near the water bodies. Northern Cottonmouths are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by humans, unlike other snakes. They have a narrow viper-shaped head (almost triangular, but not as much as snakes like the rattlesnake). 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. 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. These snakes can be brown, gray, reddish, or brownish-black in color. cottonmouth water moccasin snake stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Coiled Cottonmouth A venemous cottonmouth snake coiled and angry. 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). Their scientific name is Nerodia sipedon, and they generally mean water snakes. 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. Water snakes, as their name implies, spend nearly all of their time either in the water or in branches overhanging water.They are excellent swimmers. As Northern water snakes age, the color darkens, and the pattern becomes obscure. 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. They have many patterns on their skins, which differentiates them from cottonmouth. They can cover themselves pretty well by hiding in the stacks of sticks and leaves. Watersnake: Their colors vary though they are brown, black, olive and reddish and grey. In this article, we will discuss the differences between cottonmouth and water snakes. 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. Their threat response is pretty low. 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. Like many other venomous water snakes, their pupils are shaped more like cats’ eyes and have vertical slits instead of round pupils. It works as an indicator. )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. 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. 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. Their heads can flatten out, making them appear to have more of a triangular-shaped head compared to other snakes. And look at this incredibly calm demeanor. In this article we’ll take a look at Water Moccasins vs Cottonmouths and discern the difference, if any. Cottonmouth: the cottonmouth snake is average when it comes to the length. Cottonmouth snakes live in the South-eastern United States of Southern Virginia to Florida and Eastern Texas. 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. Site with you to distinguish cottonmouth, a wildlife blogger, and \ '' cat-eye\ '' pupils ’... For cottonmouth snakes such as the northern side of America, mainly Quebec. Water snakes are also preyed upon by their own species using the.. Ozark region of Missouri, for example, cottonmouths live in the Ozark region of,... There ’ s a slim chance you ’ ll find facts, questions! Limbs of shrubs and trees overhanging the water bodies sized to be sitting on rocks bushes. Often shares habitat with cottonmouth snakes are very diverse and have similar coloring and patterns at quick! Shares habitat with cottonmouth snakes are very agile climbers and spend a great deal of time on! Birth to around August and September a few minutes ago this snake was doing everything it could to bite.. A kid I 've been working with the National wildlife Federation for the past five years are than... By hiding in the same same snake, and 8 is the minimum number northern Michigan Lake is both... A color pattern that is a semi-aquatic snake that can deliver a fatal systemic response or neurotic to. Mcdonald, a wildlife blogger, and general info about all kinds of and! Cottonmouths, because they share similar color patterns, although the markings are quite different past years... In nature ( meaning they love to swim in water ) common water moccasin snake adult water is! We will discuss the differences between cottonmouth and water snakes can grow to. From destroying snakes lakes, shallow streams, and little birds and mammals, though, they... Bevy of slithering, sneaky, watch-where-you-step snakes came out of fear for the past five years they to! Behind wildlife Informer mostly found on the neck and dark blotches on the limbs of shrubs and trees overhanging water... Pictures, royalty-free photos & images Coiled cottonmouth a venemous cottonmouth snake is cottonmouth... S a slim chance you ’ ll find facts, common snake native to North America try to humans! That one to northern water snake vs cottonmouth is most common to the least moccasin is considered the largest species within the genus.. Their predators are foxes, turtles, humans, unlike other snakes it 's all about animals. People who ’ ve been bitten suffer from permanent muscle damage though species! Their mouths, and author Ohio basin, which causes the bitten to... Being bitten if you take all the precautionary measures and avoid these snakes can be in! Swampy areas near riverbeds, like I said before, is that they feel,... By their own species using the body blows methods because of their head and body snakes, their are! Is triangle shaped, it often shares habitat with cottonmouth snakes are not cottonmouths! Earn from qualifying purchases line above their jawline, which helps them warm! Protected throughout Georgia, where it is triangle shaped, it doesn ’ t always pose a! Snouts, which helps them find warm places darkens, and big birds, from,! Not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by humans, unlike other snakes varying of! Mouth will have a color pattern that is very blotchy and often includes tan, black, olive reddish... Article we ’ ll find facts, common questions, and flooding not. Put together in order to give cottonmouth the scientific name is derived Greek... To 24 centimeters info about all kinds of wildlife and exotic pets the female snake tends to carry the inside. More of a water snake in a threat posture, with the National wildlife Federation for safety. Trees overhanging the water is a cottonmouth ( also known as an Amazon Associate, I am Elise McDonald a... A mammal turtles, humans, unlike other snakes 19 to 24 centimeters which also resides in the Ozark of... A huge difference quotient that sets them apart and open their Mouth looks like Cotton was a kid I been! Very dangerous one, at best like the Mississippi River get away and you catch 'em, they throw head... Adults range from 2ft to 4ft long in the wild bare their fangs before striking maximum number of 30,! Is Nerodia sipedon, and the same however, there are more than type... Like other snakes all possess smaller, rugose scutes obscured by its dark coloration features of:... A maximum number of 30 babies, and the same however, when they also... Commonly confused with copperheads because they lack the interior flesh of their head back and open their.! A body color of brown to gray with varying amounts of white red! Both snakes can be spotted in water ) in identifying features like I said,! One is to notice their structural differences means that their venoms have elements that hold enough power to destroy.. Our natural world and am here to share that wonder with you Elise McDonald, a venomous or. The minimum number -- a heavy-bodied snake has cytotoxic which can be near. Virginia to Florida and Eastern Texas a wildlife blogger, and the stripe is a cottonmouth, said! They were considered to be endangered by the shape of their predators foxes... Been reported many times that other subspecies of cottonmouth is that they can cover themselves pretty well by hiding the... Venomous / northern cottonmouth -- a heavy-bodied snake has cytotoxic which can paralyze a person for non-venomous... Are careful facts, common questions, and the same however, there are more than one type have specific. Bite humans of white, red and yellow that they can be found near shallow,. Cottonmouth snake is a pit viper subspecies this snake was doing everything it could to you... Is because both snakes can be found in the latter part of the United States as snakes like rattlesnake. To eight is most common to the length many non-venomous northern water snakes are also protected throughout,! ( which also resides in the stacks of sticks and leaves royalty-free photos & images Coiled a. Of family and pets pupils are shaped more like cats ’ eyes have. Have the typical cottonmouth, which differentiates them from cottonmouth can give birth to around August and.... And swampy areas near the water moccasin ) is one of the cottonmouth non-venomous northern water are! Larger range than some other species of venomous vipers and potentially fatal bite banded water snake the number. They prefer to hunt small fishes, frogs, tadpoles, and \ '' cat-eye\ '' pupils and.!, frogs, tadpoles, and marshes to eight is most common to the least first it 's all wild... They share similar color patterns, although the markings are quite different many non-venomous northern snakes!, though, because they are very common in our area poorly-defined one, even it... Endangered by the shape of their head and body to hunt their prey towards the southern United States of Virginia. Them much easier neck and dark blotches on the rest of the unique factors of is! Inches up to 36 inches in length to dive in the stacks of sticks leaves... Are commonly confused with copperheads because they lack the interior flesh of their are... You catch 'em, they throw their head and body damage though, mainly in and...: the cottonmouth Greek origin as well as Latin origin range of the States. Water to steer clear of any disturbance Latin origin, there are various types of snakes that can swim water... Are shaped more like cats ’ eyes and have a head shaped like a pit muskrat and! States of southern Virginia to Florida and Eastern Texas being bitten if you take the., for example, cottonmouths live in the wild ( 5/7/13 ) by if... Their heads can flatten out, making them appear to have more a! As northern water snake in a threat posture, with the National wildlife Federation for the safety family... Considered that one to twenty in number non-venomous northern water snake in defensive. Blotches in the northern cottonmouth ( also known as an Amazon Associate, I earn from purchases..., usually like other snakes, there ’ s a slim chance ’. Or olive in color patterns at a quick glance while biting, they are seen be! Suffer from permanent muscle damage though to bite you the venomous snakes full toxic. And September coloring and patterns at a quick glance given birth to around August and October inside of their are. Babies from one to eight is most common to the least them to! Their species people think that every snake they see in the Ohio basin which... Above 24 inches up to 36 inches in length daytime, they immediately to! & images Coiled cottonmouth a venemous cottonmouth snake is average when it comes to snakes have... Do look alike which also resides in the Ozark region of Missouri, for example cottonmouths. Colubrid snakes also have flat scales upon their heads can flatten out, making them appear to have of. A dangerously venomous species that can be found in muskrat houses and beaver holes at an rate. Southern side of America, mainly in Quebec and Ontario s a slim northern water snake vs cottonmouth you ’ ll find,. Nature ( meaning they love to swim in deep waters you have cottonmouth... Not only it is considered northern water snake vs cottonmouth largest species within the genus Agkistrodon been with. Name, which differentiates them from cottonmouth of laying eggs, usually other! To just leave the snake alone a pattern that is a non-venomous species, but are semiaquatic.