What is a Water Moccasin?

A water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a venomous snake that is considered to be highly aggressive and is indigenous to the southern United States. As the name implies, the water moccasin lives near water, and it can swim extremely well. This classification of snake has a variety of common names, such as viper, cottonmouth and swamp moccasin. In an effort to frighten off intruders, a water moccasins will use its coiled body to lift itself to a standing position and will display its large fangs. The strength of this swimmer is so great that it can even swim through oceans to inhabit islands.

Though they are perfectly capable of swimming in an ocean, water moccasins prefer slow-moving waters such as small lakes, marshes, swamps and streams. This type of environment allows easy access to the snake’s main food sources: fish, frogs and small rodents. The water moccasin can even indulge in a meal made of another snake, given the right size and situation. The average size of a water moccasin is about 31 inches (80 cm) long, but the snake can grow to as much as 71 inches (180 cm) long. The water moccasin is very aerodynamic with a head that pushes out slightly past its mouth and a strong, heavy build throughout its body.

The water moccasin typically is black, with the exception of markings on its head, but there are some that are brown, gray, tan or olive. The main color of the snake is further defined by bands of color staggering over the body in dark brown, close-to-black colors. The underside of the snake typically is a light color such as yellow, white or light tan with dark spots. As the snake grows older the bands fade, leaving a near solid, dark color of olive-brown, black or gray-brown.

When the water moccasin is young, it will have well-defined markings and a yellowish-tipped tail. The markings might even be a tan or red brown color. Similar in appearance to the copperhead snake, the juvenile water moccasin has the distinction of broad stripes that run along the side of the head from the eyes. The copperhead snake has a dark line dividing the head from the body. The two snakes can be easily confused without close attention to the details.

A Water Moccasin, also known as a cottonmouth, is a venomous snake found primarily in the southeastern United States. It's a semi-aquatic viper that thrives in freshwater environments like swamps, rivers, and ponds. Recognizable by its thick, muscular body and blocky head, it can grow up to 4 feet long and exhibits a distinctive defensive behavior by displaying its white, cotton-like mouth when threatened.

Water Moccasins can be identified by their distinctive physical features: a heavy, thick body, a flat, wedge-shaped head wider than the neck, and dark bands across their body. Juveniles have bright tail tips used to lure prey. Adults have a more uniform dark coloration. Their eyes have vertical pupils, similar to those of a cat, and they often display a white, cottony mouth when agitated.

Yes, the Water Moccasin's venom is dangerous to humans. It contains hemotoxins that can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage. However, fatalities are rare due to the availability of antivenom and prompt medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of snake bites in the United States are not fatal if treated quickly.

Water Moccasins are native to the southeastern United States, inhabiting areas from Virginia to Florida and west to eastern Texas. They prefer aquatic environments such as marshes, swamps, streams, and the edges of lakes and ponds. They are often found basking on branches or stones near water or swimming with their bodies floating on the water's surface.

Water Moccasins are carnivorous and have a varied diet. They primarily feed on fish and amphibians, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even other snakes. They are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey to come close before striking with precision. Their venom quickly immobilizes the prey, which is then swallowed whole.

If you encounter a Water Moccasin in the wild, it's crucial to remain calm and avoid startling the snake. Do not attempt to touch or handle it. Slowly back away to a safe distance, giving the snake plenty of space to retreat. If you are bitten, seek immediate medical attention, as prompt treatment is essential for mitigating the effects of the venom.