What is the largest water moccasin ever recorded?

74 inchesThe longest cottonmouth on record was an eastern cottonmouth that measured 74 inches. The snake was reportedly caught in a swamp near the Virginia-North Carolina border.

How big around do water moccasins get?

They are large – typically 24 – 48 in (61 – 122 cm), occassionally larger, keeled-scaled, heavy-bodied snakes. Their coloration is highly variable: they can be beautifully marked with dark crossbands on a brown and yellow ground color or completely brown or black.

Can a water moccasin eliminate you?

If you have the misfortune to be bitten by a cottonmouth moccasin—or any snake for that matter—take it seriously. The cottonmouth moccasin’s venom is powerful and can eliminate you.

Is a water moccasin aggressive?

Cottonmouths have a reputation for being dangerous, but in reality, they rarely bite humans unless they are picked up or stepped on. They may stand their ground against potential predators, including humans, by using defensive behaviors.

What do you do if you get bitten by a water moccasin?

These dangerous snakes include the copperhead, rattlesnake, cottonmouth (water moccasin) and coral snake. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, call 911 immediately. It is important to get antivenom drugs into your system as quickly as possible.

How long do you have after a water moccasin bite?

Patients presenting after a cottonmouth bite should undergo observation for eight hours post-envenomation. If there are no physical or hematologic signs within eight hours, then the patient can be discharged home.

How far can a water moccasin strike?

Full-grown cottonmouths can approach six feet in length but many are smaller, usually three- to-four feet. The snake characteristically holds its head at an angle of 45 degrees and can detect movement for a distance of at least fifty feet.

Can water moccasins bite you underwater?

Besides sea-snakes, there are two common snakes that can live in or near water – the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and the water snake. Not only can snakes bite underwater, but water moccasins join a list of more than 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States making them even more of a threat.

What is the difference between a water moccasin and a cottonmouth?

Water moccasins have vertical, “cat-eye” pupils, and dark stripes extend out near each nostril. The snout is pale in comparison with the rest of the head. Cottonmouth snakes have triangular heads, thin necks, and “cat-eye” pupils.

Can a cottonmouth and copperhead mate?

Kissing Cousins. Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are members of the same genus, which means they are closely related species, and have even been known to mate and produce hybrid babies in captivity.

How can you tell how old a cottonmouth is?

As cottonmouths age, the tails turns more greenish, then finally black as the snake becomes an adult. Banding may be difficult to see in adult specimens as the snake’s body becomes dark brown or black as it progresses through adulthood.

Do water moccasins move fast on land?

Water moccasins move through the water and slither on land with speed and precision, but they can be a very dangerous and sometimes deadly reptile. As its name implies, the water moccasin is one of several snakes that are comfortable swimming through the water, but they are able to move around freely on land as well.

Will a pond attract snakes?

Why Are Snakes Attracted to Ponds? A combination of fresh water, shelter and possibly food (but not always fish!) may all attract snakes to ponds. Your pond provides fresh water, habitat, and food that may look appealing to a variety of snake species.

How can you tell a water moccasin?

The quick and easy way to identify a water moccasin is to look for its wedge-shaped, blocky head (from above, as in a boat, you can’t see its eyes), check for the heat-sensing slits beneath and between its eyes and nose, and note its olive, dark tan, dark brown or an almost black body, thick and python-like in its …

Where do water moccasins go in the winter?

In the winter season, the water moccasins or cottonmouth go to the north side, where they hibernate during this season. For hibernation, the water moccasins live in rocky wooded hillsides, burrows of crayfish, tortoises, or other such mammals, under rotting stumps and other covers along with juvenile cottonmouths.

What’s the difference between a water snake and a water moccasin?

Water Snakes, like this Northern Water Snake, have bands that are widest on top, whereas Water Moccasins have bands that are widest on the sides. A Northern Water Snake in a threat posture, with the head flared. A juvenile Water Moccasin swimming.

Why do cottonmouths stink?

The venom of the cottonmouth is powerful and can be lethal. … Besides gaping to warn a potential predator, cottonmouths whip their tails back and forth, raise their heads and coil up menacingly. They may spray a bad-smelling musk, much like a skunk.

What time of day are water moccasins most active?

When swimming, the cottonmouth holds its head above water with most of its body barely touching the surface. Cottonmouths are nocturnal, most active at night. The young wiggle their tails so that the tip appears to be a small worm.

Are water moccasins found in saltwater?

These snakes are usually associated with bodies of water, such as creeks, streams, marshes, swamps, and the shores of ponds and lakes. They are also found in brackish-water habitats and are sometimes seen swimming in saltwater. Water moccasins are not limited to aquatic habitats.

What state has the most cottonmouth snakes?

Cottonmouth snakes are residents of the United States alone. They are prevalent especially in the southeastern region of the nation. The geographic scope of these reptiles includes Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas and Mississippi.