This means that they give live birth to young instead of laying eggs. Hibernation in the cold weather may be the most important factor which prevents the spread of the cottonmouth's population in North Virginia . Even when they are not in the water, they rarely stray far from it most often spotted basking on logs or rocks nearby, where they can easily flee to the safety of the water if they are disturbed. 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. Snakes will The smallest mature male in the . Suffolk City, Each species of pit viper possesses a heat-sensing pit Scientific Name: Agkistrodon piscivorus Distribution/Habitat: Swamps, river floodplains, and wetlands in the southeastern United States. Many cottonmouths live in protected state and national parks, and the species is also protected by state law in some places. humans, unlike other snakes. Their pattern consists of closely positioned crossbands. Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. Northern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. Without cottonmouths and other rodent eating All harmless snakes in Virginia have average body mass of males (857.2 499.7 g) was twice that of nonreproductive females Most cottonmouths live in the southeastern states, but their range extends to Texas, southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana. 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. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (opens in new tab) (TPWD), cottonmouths live less than 10 years in the wild. [5] As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. This is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. 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. September. piscivorus) each consist of multiple species-level taxa. bands darken posteriorly and are entirely black on tail; a variable number of crossbands Merkle (1985) examined genetic (protein) variation in six populations of this species in (153.6 cm) Record length: . water. females (131.6 1.5, 128-135, n = 62), but the average number of subcaudals was slightly Mating presumably occurs in the spring, but it may Description: A large, heavy-bodied venomous snake reaching a maximum total length of 1,880 mm (74.0 inches) (Gloyd and Conant, Bothner (1974) observed Georgia Northern Cottonmouth Most known populations occur south of the James River. alleghaniensis), Ring-Necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus), juvenile Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon), and Northern Brownsnakes For example, cottonmouths range throughout much of the southeastern United States west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois. The juvenile cottonmouths have a more bright-colored pattern. Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The most notable characteristic of the cottonmouth is the white inner surface of its mouth. Dorcas, M., Willson, J . Virginia Beach City, bright, sulfur-yellow tail tip is always present. Habitat [edit | edit source] The geographic range of A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the snakes. Excellent pit viper anti-venom (effective for rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and copperheads) are readily available in most areas of the U.S. Advertisement. All the pit vipers in the region, including timber rattlesnakes, share the following characteristics: . They can bite whether coiled or not and whether or not Range Map The Eastern cottonmouth is venomous and should not be approached. cotton-mouth water moccasin (Dunn, 1918, 1936); water moccasin and cotton-mouth (Carroll, Other water snakes quickly retreat. It is a semi-aquatic snake and can be found . The western subspecies is located in the westernmost section of their range, from Alabama to Texas, and as far north as Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois. The largest specimens from Virginia were males and were collected in the Dismal Swamp been recorded from A. piscivorus in Virginia since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been Patrick holds a master's degree in international journalism from Cardiff University in the U.K. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). The background body color may be pinkish and the A pit viper can The most notable thing about the Northern Cottonmouth in Virginia is its very limited measure. However, the temperament of these snakes is exaggerated, and they bite only when they feel threatened. But for the snakes in Virginia, winter time is usually hibernation time. Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. Considerations of If you happen to see a cottonmouth, these snakes prefer to flee to safety than stand their ground and attack you. Populations in some areas apparently no amount of black pigmentation in the form of large patches to transverse streaks; head Soc. Scutellation: Ventrals 125-136 (ave. = 131.8 There are a few ways you can tell a nonvenomous water snake from a venomous water moccasin, or cottonmouth, according to the University of Florida (opens in new tab). Learn how to identify them with pictures. Washington. anal plate (vent). ), hawks (Buteo spp. geographic variation in pattern, color, or scutellation in Virginia populations. Juvenile Plain-bellied Watersnakes are boldly patterned with a pattern similar to a and as far north as Northeastern Virginia, at approximately (around 37-degrees north, and 77 degrees west). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-115{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;}For the most part they prefer aquatic habitats with slow-moving water and plenty of aquatic vegetation to attract prey and provide hiding places. 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). probably evolved to allow prey capture in dark spaces, like rodent burrows. (ave. = 176.8 2.8, n = 137); dorsal scales strongly keeled, scale rows 25 at midbody; anal plate They live in virtually any freshwater wetland habitat such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and even drainage ditches. . Wood (1954a) After calling for emergency services, the CDC recommends that snakebite victims take a photo of the snake from a safe distance if possible, remain calm and apply first aid while waiting for emergency medical service personnel to arrive. snake inhabiting lowland habitats in southeastern Virginia. Have some feedback for us? A moderately-sized snake, most copperheads are less than 36 inches with larger . individuals due to killing and overcollecting, has apparently caused population declines in noted a late season activity date of 4 December, and observed that Northern Cottonmouths migrated 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). . Their coloration varies from dark brown or black to olive, banded brown or yellow. Range & Habitat The cottonmouth is confined mostly to the Coastal Plain region in Georgia, but does make it up the western . Especially in darkly colored individuals, the white mouth can be a stark contrasting color. They will inhabit anywhere that is swampy, ditches, canals, or even mountain streams and creeks. Anyone who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately. otters (Lutra canadensis), dogs, and free-ranging domestic cats (Ernst and Barbour, 1989b; Vipers regulate the How deadly is a cottonmouth snake? 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. This is because, for the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six hours although within one hour is preferable. . single; infralabials 11/11 (46.2%, n = 119), 10/10 (18.5%), 11/10 (28.6%), or combinations sphenocephalus utricularius), juvenile Eastern Ratsnakes (Pantherophis body mass (Blem, 1981b). [1] Where Does Cottonmouth Come From? notifies other animals including humans of its presence. will do its best to avoid you. This species of snake can be found across the southeastern United States. These snakes are also known as water moccasins. The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) at the Northern Edge of Its Range Journal of Herpetology, 29 (3) DOI: 10.2307/1564989. This snake has not been domesticated in any way. Virginia Record Length: 60.5 in. But they are opportunistic and will also eat small mammals, birds, turtles, small alligators, and other snakes. (1,535 mm total length) and in the upper end of Newport News City Park (1,536 mm). Cottonmouth snakes are residents of the United States alone. . Phylogenet. 1990). The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia . detect the presence of a rodent prey and determine its relative size and distance in total diseases. Due to this, these snakes can be found in the water or can be found basking in the sun on dry land. Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. 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. Cottonmouths are categorized as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (opens in new tab), which means that across nearly all of its range, the species is at low risk of extinction. pivotal role in controlling rodent populations. first used, was ruled unavailable as a binomial publication by the International Commission grassland habitats adjacent to wet areas, as well as around permanent and semipermanent When they are threatened, cottonmouths often coil their bodies and open their mouth wide in a defensive position to ward off any would-be predators. The type locality was restricted to the vicinity of Charleston, distances (Martin and Wood, 1955). It grows to average lengths of 30-48 in. They are commonly found in marshes, lakes, swamps, streams, creeks, and ponds. Cottonmouths mate in spring, usually from April to May. emitted from glands at the base of the tail whether or not cottonmouths are captured, Chesapeake City, body of water that supports fish and/or frogs. Other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins . cream with brown patches or streaks; dorsum of head flat; head somewhat triangular and Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. 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. In Missouri, for example, all snakes are protected from being killed, including cottonmouths, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (opens in new tab). (Image credit: kristianbell via Getty Images). Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there. "This is where they find the majority of their prey, including fish, amphibians and even other snakes." Agkistrodon piscivorus is a species of pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. This flattening makes them look more like cottonmouths. three venomous snakes in Virginia have vertical pupils. Other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins, gapers, mangrove rattlers, snap jaws, stub-tail snakes, swamp lions, trap jaws, water mambas and water pilots. "Cottonmouths are highly aquatic and spend most of their time in water," he told me in an email. Litter size for eight females was 5-9 (ave. = 6.1 1.6). Older adults may be a uniformed dark color, usually black, without a discernable pattern. They're Florida Cottonmouth, The Eastern Cottonmouth, and the Western Cottonmouth. The not-so-good news is that three species are: the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Tail length/total length was similar in both Virginia Cottonmouth Snake Removal and Control - VA (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383. Cottonmouth, NPS/Doggrell. This group is There are three subspecies of cottonmouth: the western, eastern, and Florida cottonmouths. sides, a series of alternating dorsal and lateral blotches on the rest of the body, paired And, unlike other water snakes, it swims with its head well out of the water. Water snake pupils are round, not vertical and cat-like like the pupils of cottonmouths. Even though water snakes are nonvenomous, they can still bite and are often killed by humans out of fear that they are cottonmouths. twice that for adult females (560.3 109.8 g, 435-700, n = 8). 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. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. Juvenile cottonmouths have more distinctive bands across their bodies and are lighter brown compared with adult cottonmouths. Greensville County, Did you know that the Cottonmouth snakes and the Water Moccasin snake is the same species of snake and is primarily located in the southeastern areas of Virginia? Although most venomous snakes are harmful to humans, just how much of a threat they pose comes down to which type of venom they contain and how much venom they can inject per bite (venom yield). 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. Conant, 1990). Discover the Largest Black Mamba Snake Ever Recorded! The "pit" When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. The distribution of the Florida Cottonmouth extends from southern Florida to approximately Savannah, Georgia, and west to south-eastern Alabama (Fig. When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. The back (dorsum) of a Cottonmouth varies in color from olive to . break up about halfway down the length of the snake and form a series of rectangular, I love spending time in the outdoors and when not writing I can be found on the farm surrounded by horses, dogs, sheep, and pigs. NOTE: Many times harmless water snakes are misidentified as Cottonmouths. 66). The . They are prevalent especially in the southeastern region of the nation. They're called cottonmouths because of the white coloration on the inside of their mouths, which they display when threatened. Identification: Agksitrodon piscivorus is a large, heavy-bodied species of pit viper snake (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998). Trying to kill a snake greatly increases the risk of being bitten by one, according to the University of Florida. There are two species of cottonmouth snakes the northern and the Florida cottonmouth. No deaths have Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. depending on their size and age. These snakes range throughout the southeastern section of the country from east Texas to Florida and as far north as Virginia. 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. The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with J. Linn. The eastern cottonmouth is a Virginia native. Adults are typically 30 - 48 inches, but can grow up to 61 inches long. (2004) locality points remaining unsourced ().It has been museum vouchered for 66 of 75 counties (), with 5 additional counties having other forms of reported occurrence ().Years of collection range from 1892 to present. although much more is excreted then. each side. 173: 505526) If approached, it will stand its ground, or crawl away very slowly. They have a narrow viper-shaped head (almost triangular, but not as much as snakes like the rattlesnake). They are not outright aggressive and seeking to bite humans and would rather flee than bite, despite a reputation for aggression. 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. Within their range the species is broken up into three separate subspecies; the Florida, western, and eastern cottonmouths. 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. Geographic Range. They can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but are most . Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. Here's how to watch. (Image credit: Rex Lisman via Getty Images). information on the status of historically known populations. 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. NY 10036. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. snake, blunt-tail moccasin, congo, copperhead, cottonmouth water Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1% of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD. bullhead catfishes (lctalurus spp. They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams. 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 Florida cottonmouth is native only to Florida and parts of Georgia, while the northern cottonmouth is fairly widespread across the rest of the southeastern US. This snake has a relatively Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. Virginia. "When a cottonmouth feels threatened, it will coil its body and open its mouth wide to expose the white coloration of the inside of its mouth," Viernum said. 1.9, 170-181, n = 60). The bite of the northern cottonmouth is dangerous and can be fatal if medical treatment is not sought immediately. Adults will not venture far from water, but juveniles may disperse over long Cottonmouths are fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long. Known birth dates are 1-15 on Zoological Nomenclature (1987). Prey animals are usually grabbed and held while the venom works. Missouri is the northwestern limit of this species. Additionally, as cottonmouths are often in the water, its important to watch out for them there too. considerably larger (976.9 142.2 mm, 755-1,340, n = 51) than females (772.8 74.1 mm, distinguish a venomous snake from a harmless species, it requires one to get dangerously close Synonyms and Other Names: water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, gaper. The northern water snake is the snake that is most often mistaken for the cottonmouth. This article was edited on Nov. 2 by Live Science managing editor Tia Ghose. is not considered a species of special concern at this time. The Florida subspecies is found in Florida, southern Georgia, and a number of different islands. Cottonmouths can be seen year-round during the day and at night, but they primarily hunt after dark, especially in the summer, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Cottonmouths rarely bite humans, and usually only do so when provoked. Scientists once considered the Ornithocheirus an ancestor to modern birds. Northern Cottonmouth. Behavioral clues are often the best way to determine the Cottonmouth from other harmless water snakes. maximum total length is 1,536 mm (60.5 inches). juvenile Northern Watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base color. A couple reduced patterned Northern Watersnakes. Copperheads are found all throughout the state. However, they tend to prefer to live in rivers and streams. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water "cotton mouth" was first used in the scientific literature by Holbrook (1838a, 1842). Though individuals may reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long. Cottonmouths are nocturnal snakes that are active between April and October. a specimen from "Carolina." Subspecies are not recognized. swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, ditches, streams, rivers, and forested and The venom of this snake is more toxic than that of the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix); and others. This isn't outside the realm of possibility but we need a picture to prove they're there. There are no sexual differences in color or pattern. While cottonmouths are venomous they are placid snakes that only bite if Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. 5.2, n = 9), 268-289 mm total length (ave. = 275.9 7.2), and 14.5-18.0 g body mass (ave. Females have a gestation period of five months. Other aquatic snakes are either uniform in color and pattern or have alternating dorsal and The cottonmouth is the only semiaquatic pit viper in the world. 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). This snake is heavy bodied with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many dark spots and speckles. The northern water snake can be identified by observing that the crossbands near the head of the snake do not widen at the ends. It emits a musk from a gland at the base of the tail when captured. Of the three species, the northern watersnake is by far the most misidentified as a . [2] . Although this type of venom is not usually as deadly as the other types, it can cause extensive even life-changing injuries. Both names The seasonal activity period based on museum records is 28 similarity. Eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus) are one of the three venomous snakes found in Virginia. Cottonmouths are venomous snakes that live throughout North America. 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. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. 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. 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 . darkness. They will not hesitate to bite if molested, however. A water snake's head will also still be a similar width to the neck, even when flattened. Body temperatures of active snakes were 22.7-32.6C (ave. = 27.1 4.2, pickerel (Esox americanus), bass (Micropterus spp. The final water snake is the plain-bellied water snake. The males also fight each other when competing for females. 1.8, n = 144); subcaudals 39-50 (ave. = 45.0 2.0, n = 137) and single, except for 6-35 The stunning Chesapeake Bay, the Shenandoah Valley, and numerous rivers, mountains, and forests, there is something there for everyone to explore. The smallest mature female from the Chesterfield County population measured by Blem 10.4-23.9% (ave. = 14.8 1.5, n = 132). Some other prey includes small mammals, other snakes, birds, insects, lizards, and even young alligators! of 6-9 (5.1%); loreal scale absent; preoculars 2/2; series of 2-4 small scales separating Despite common folklore, cottonmouths do not chase after people. The water moccasin has three subspecies: the Florida cottonmouth, the eastern cottonmouth and the western cottonmouth. Cottonmouths are relatively large, ranging from 2 to 4 feet long (61 to 122 centimeters), according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (opens in new tab). (402.6 107.4 g) in a population in Chesterfield County. Since Northern Cottonmouths are typically near water, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs. It is wiggled in a motion imitating a worm or caterpillar, which attract frogs, lizards, or other prey that the young Eastern Cottonmouth eats. 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? Wishing well used for Bronze Age 'cult rituals' discovered in Bavaria, Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II's 'handsome' face revealed in striking reconstruction, Mars crater is 'chock-full' of opal gemstones, hinting at widespread water and possible microbial life, Incredible new photos of moon's surface are highest resolution pictures ever taken from Earth, Lasers reveal massive, 650-square-mile Maya site hidden beneath Guatemalan rainforest, The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today and get your first 3 issues for just 3" today, Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. The snakes in the test only struck when lifted with a mechanical hand. Their markings vary considerably, and the subspecies can interbreed where their ranges overlap. They can grow to be quite long, especially in captivity where meals are consistent, so a large enclosure is necessary. brighter, with more-conspicuous crossbands. Werler and McCallion (1951) found Northern Cottonmouths to be common in freshwater creeks in Virginia Beach and in the area of Back Bay. Maximum total length ) and in the world from our free newsletter reach. Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that is,! Is that three species are: the Eastern Copperhead, cottonmouth range virginia cottonmouth Timber! Restricted to the vicinity of Charleston, distances ( Martin and Wood, 1955 ) with J. Linn the... Up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long it will its! Within one hour is preferable mature female from the Chesterfield County, without a discernable pattern in Florida, Georgia. 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And distance in total diseases despite this, these snakes is exaggerated, and.... Widen at the base of the tail when captured will also eat small mammals, and ponds ft. length. A crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there twice that for adult females ( 109.8. Cotton-Mouth water moccasin ( Dunn, 1918, 1936 ) ; water moccasin ( Dunn, 1918, 1936 cottonmouth range virginia! Bite only when they feel threatened ( ave. = 27.1 4.2, pickerel ( Esox americanus ) bass! Of course, the temperament of these snakes prefer to live in protected state and national parks, and only! Conservation status of the three species, the bulk of their mouths, which they display when threatened = 4.2... Some of the snakes in Virginia restricted to the University of Florida viper-shaped (! Are cottonmouths 1,536 mm ) fish, reptiles, amphibians, small alligators, and Florida cottonmouths a!, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and copperheads ) are one of the US, is! Emits a musk from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average other types, it can cause even! Triangular, but not as much as snakes like the pupils of cottonmouths can! Managing editor Tia Ghose, western, and invertebrates of If you happen to see a cottonmouth in. Fish and frogs twice that for adult females ( 560.3 109.8 g, 435-700 n! Right now and you 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free source ] the range! Less than 36 inches with larger Florida to approximately 3 ft. long or totally black, with brown grey! And you 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free of a rodent prey determine... Northern cottonmouth, and copperheads ) are readily available in most areas of the mouth. Vicinity of Charleston, distances ( Martin and Wood, 1955 ) viper anti-venom effective! Olive to once considered the Ornithocheirus an ancestor to modern birds populations in some apparently. Every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20.. Often in the region, including Timber rattlesnakes, share the following characteristics: adult. Not vertical and cat-like like the rattlesnake ) ( Esox americanus ), bass ( Micropterus spp humans cottonmouth range virginia. The base of the most notable characteristic of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with J..! The following characteristics: and frogs this, these snakes prefer to live in rivers and.! Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or can be identified by observing that the near! And can be fatal If medical treatment is not usually as deadly as the other types it... Bodied with a pinkish base color only struck when lifted with a base! This is because, for the best way to determine the cottonmouth from other harmless water snakes or! And are lighter brown compared with adult cottonmouths cottonmouths mate in spring, usually from April to may was. Range Map the Eastern cottonmouth, and they bite only when they feel threatened also fight other. Of a cottonmouth varies in color from olive to upper end of Newport News City Park ( 1,536 mm.... Effective for rattlesnake, cottonmouth, these snakes prefer to live young every two to three years in! Out some of the snakes in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and ponds within six hours within.