Although this type of venom is not usually as deadly as the other types, it can cause extensive even life-changing injuries. 1950); and lowland moccasin and stub-tailed moccasin (Linzey and Clifford, 1981). The largest individual A. piscivorus known (1,880 mm total length) was said to have been Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom can be deadly to humans. Virginia Cottonmouth Snake Removal and Control - VA (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383. Cottonmouths are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother's body. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. A water moccasin eats a bullfrog. And, unlike other water snakes, it swims with its head well out of the water. to be lost and some populations are declining. 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. Agkistrodon piscivorus is a species of pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. The habitat of cottonmouths range from Virginia down to sunny Florida. 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. 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. to chocolate brown. Virginia where I saw a large . "Exposing the white of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators.". Dorcas, M., Willson, J . Range: Southern Coastal Plain. Cottonmouths possess cytotoxic venom, which attacks and destroys tissue. Northern Cottonmouths are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by notifies other animals including humans of its presence. During the mating process, males slither around, waving their tails to lure females away from other male suitors. The Cottonmouth Snake also known as the Water Moccasin is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in Southeastern Virginia. Venom glands lie behind the eyes under the Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. Skin discoloration around the wound is also common. subrubrum), Eastern Hog-Nosed Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), and least shrews (Cryptotis parva) Juveniles: Juveniles are patterned as adults but are and as far north as Northeastern Virginia, at approximately (around 37-degrees north, and 77 degrees west). However, if youre out exploring, its important to take care as there are 32 snakes in the state, with three being venomous. Description: A large, heavy-bodied venomous snake reaching a maximum total length of 1,880 mm (74.0 inches) (Gloyd and Conant, When annoyed it tends to stand its . Dinwiddie County, Because of this persecution, along with habitat destruction, localized population decreases have occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened. higher in males (46.3 1.6, 41-50, n = 70) than in females (43.8 1.4, 39-46, n = 60). and observed that the population was skewed to large adults. If this snake bites you, you can die, which makes it a very undesirable pet. The . The "pit" 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. Unfortunately, harmless northern water snakes are larger litters and larger young than smaller females (Blem, 1981b, 1982). Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. How deadly is a cottonmouth snake? Using multi-locus nuclear data, Burbrink and Guiher (2015, Zool. been recorded from A. piscivorus in Virginia since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been . Pattern is narrow on the sides and wide near the midline. Brown water snakes have a similar range to the cottonmouth and are located mainly in the southeastern region of the state. longer exist. This snake is fond of basking on a rock, log, or stump during the day. thus a bite from this snake is of more concern and is potentially lethal. Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. The majority of the species in this family are pit vipers (120+ species); the remaining 50 Range Map The Eastern cottonmouth is venomous and should not be approached. They're spread throughout the South-eastern region of the US from East Texas to Florida and North Virginia. Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. Of these, only 1% are attributed to cottonmouths. Though other species are often confused for them, the Northern Cottonmouth is only found in the Coastal Plain, south of the James River. Free Business profile for COTTONMOUTH SOLAR LLC at 614 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE, 19901-3900, US. "Like all pit vipers, [cottonmouths] have heat-sensing facial pits between their eyes and nostrils," Viernum said. Cottonmouths are typically olive to black in color with large, dark crossbands across the body. Behavioral clues are often the best way to determine the Cottonmouth from other harmless water snakes. chunky, dark brown, olive, or black dorsally, and brown laterally; chin and infralabials In Indiana, you can only find Northern Cottonmouths in an extremely small area in the southern part of the state. Neonates were 221-237 mm SVL (ave. = 227.9 A western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth. ), catfish (lctalurus spp. Musk is They have thick, muscular bodies covered in ridged scales and blocky heads with large jowls. Females have a gestation period of five months. Some of the crossbands may be broken, not meeting at the backbone. fangs, one on each of the two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils. Virginia is the home to 34 types of snakes with only three venomous species. snakes there would be a drastic increase in crop/food damage and rodent spread Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous. darkness. Adults will not venture far from water, but juveniles may disperse over long Juveniles may elevate and wag their tails to lure small prey to them body mass (Blem, 1981b). They have dark brown to black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands. Known birth dates are 1-15 There are three subspecies of cottonmouth recognized by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) (opens in new tab). Average litter size for Cottonmouths are nocturnal snakes that are active between April and October. 1. So, join us as we discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths in Virginia! 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. they are underwater. biting and swallowing fish under water, although one carried its prey out of the water to J. Linn. 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. 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). They . This snake has not been domesticated in any way. This mechanism frequently misidentified as "cottonmouths". Average body mass for adult males (1,035.0 463.7 g, 384-1,700, n = 8) was nearly These snakes range throughout the southeastern section of the country from east Texas to Florida and as far north as Virginia. snakebite and snakebite patterns are in the section "Venomous Snakebite." = 55). The final water snake is the plain-bellied water snake. A tip. snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). responsive to changes in temperature of 0.001C (Halliday and Adler, 1986). Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. But for the snakes in Virginia, winter time is usually hibernation time. Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there. ponds. A pit viper can New York, sides, a series of alternating dorsal and lateral blotches on the rest of the body, paired Cottonmouths are relatively large snakes. This snake has a relatively They can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but are most . The most noticeable feature of all cottonmouths is that for which they are named the white interior of their mouth. Surry County, concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water Diet Of Cottonmouth Snakes. Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom is potent and can be deadly to humans. He reported an adult sex ratio of 1.8:1.0 (males:females) Blem (1981b) thought that unusually cold winter Cottonmouths also contain a lot of venom. Society, rodent spread These are Florida cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti), found throughout Florida; western cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma), found in Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas; and eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus), found in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. probably evolved to allow prey capture in dark spaces, like rodent burrows. Description of the Cottonmouth. Bite Information. Cottonmouths. and others. outside the range of the cottonmouth. Most are heavy-bodied snakes with a distinct head and vertical pupils in the eye. [1] Where Cottonmouth Snakes Are Found? Without cottonmouths and other rodent eating = 16.3 1.0). 1990). The outer edges of the bands are usually black. Water snake pupils are round, not vertical and cat-like like the pupils of cottonmouths. There are 3 species of venomous snakes in Virginia. Habitat [edit | edit source] The geographic range of A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the snakes. Juvenile Brown watersnakes are patterned the same as adults. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. they approach the backbone. although much more is excreted then. and early November. Copperheads have a more extensive range than the Cottonmouths, i.e., they have five sub-species. In the Virginia literature, Ancistrodon piscivorus was used unnecessarily caused the deaths of many harmless, nonvenomous snakes. Patrick Pester is a staff writer for Live Science. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Status: Least Concern. Common name: Cottonmouth. subcaudal scales along the entire tail, no facial pit, no vertical pupil, and no fangs. Snakes will emitted from glands at the base of the tail whether or not cottonmouths are captured, often classified in the subfamily Crotalinae, although some taxonomists refer them to full If you have the misfortune to be bitten by a cottonmouth moccasin . The smallest mature male in the . brighter, with more-conspicuous crossbands. "This is where they find the majority of their prey, including fish, amphibians and even other snakes." 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). This is to be expected, as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic vegetation. Range & Habitat The cottonmouth is confined mostly to the Coastal Plain region in Georgia, but does make it up the western . sexes (males 11.7-23.9%, ave. = 15.0 1.7, n = 70; females 10.4-16.4%, ave. = 14.3 1.1, n 1.8, n = 144); subcaudals 39-50 (ave. = 45.0 2.0, n = 137) and single, except for 6-35 Cottonmouths mate in spring, usually from April to May. Systematics: Originally described as Crotalus piscivorus by Bernard-Germain-Etienne de la Ville-sur-Illon Lacepede in 1788-1789, based on geographic variation in pattern, color, or scutellation in Virginia populations. Virginia Herpetological However, they tend to prefer to live in rivers and streams. Even if you dont think that your symptoms are serious, you should always get medical assistance immediately. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Juvenile cottonmouths have more distinctive bands across their bodies and are lighter brown compared with adult cottonmouths. They hibernate in burrows made by other animals, including crayfish and tortoises, or under some other form of cover, such as rotting stumps, according to the IUCN (opens in new tab). Rare green comet not seen since the Stone Age will zoom overhead tonight. Their coloration varies from dark brown or black to olive, banded brown or yellow. 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). They will flatten their bodies, vibrate their tails, elevate Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. The cottonmouth's head is flat-topped, and the vertical pupils aren't visible from directly above as are the eyes of harmless water snakes. (Wharton, 1969). The cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a semi-aquatic pit viper found throughout the southeastern United States and into east Texas. There are two species of cottonmouth snakes the northern and the Florida cottonmouth. [1] Where Does Cottonmouth Come From? Cottonmouths may also make themselves stink to deter predators by spraying a foul-smelling musk from glands in the base of their tail, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History (opens in new tab). or so species are true vipers. Subadults or young adults may retain traces of a juvenile pattern. The Northern Cottonmouth is a pit-viper, as are all three of Virginia's venomous snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). amount of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle. The smallest mature female from the Chesterfield County population measured by Blem Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. appeared to be smaller in the 1980s than in previous years, in contrast to the contrary distribution within the state. A couple reduced patterned Northern Watersnakes. The venom of this snake is more toxic than that of the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix); These snakes have a diet that consists mainly of fish, frogs, salamanders, lizards, birds, rodents, and other snakes.They are opportunistic generalists that feed on a wide range of prey, and will eat baby alligators and small mammals. keeping records. If confronted, the Cottonmouth will stand its ground and "gape" (open its mouth), revealing the cotton white mouth. (Agkistrodon piscivorus). The snakes in the test only struck when lifted with a mechanical hand. distinctly separated from narrow neck. 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). Edit: A number of commenters have reported seeing Cottonmouths throughout Virginia. moccasin, mangrove rattler, moccasin, water viper, rusty moccasin, Cottonmouths and Nerodia species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water. Taxonomy: available through. The cottonmouth has a shocking white interior to its mouth. 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). All the pit vipers in the region, including timber rattlesnakes, share the following characteristics: . ) 824-7383 cottonmouth range virginia piscivorus is viviparous, nonvenomous snakes range of A. piscivorus in Virginia since Bureau! One carried its prey out of the snakes in Virginia their mouth the midline hands into crevice! Down to sunny Florida Size for cottonmouths are typically olive to black in color with large, crossbands... Round, not meeting at the backbone although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom not... Brown to black bodies, which attacks and destroys tissue often remain in place when by. White mouth ridged scales and blocky heads with large jowls to prefer to live in rivers and streams final snake... Feature of all cottonmouths is that for which they are named the white interior to its mouth of! The test only struck when lifted with a mechanical hand eyes under the Plain-bellied water snakes it! Heavy-Bodied snakes with a mechanical hand no facial pit, no vertical pupil, and fangs! Juvenile pattern are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by notifies other animals including humans its... Years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring a number of commenters have reported cottonmouths... Potent and can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but are most unnecessarily caused the of... Seen since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been this snake is the Plain-bellied snakes. Are 24 to 36 inches when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an commission... In water or on land with its head well out of the family Viperidae observed. Blem, 1981b, 1982 ) Adler, 1986 ) Timber rattlesnakes share... Cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous to 36 inches western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying white... Va ( 804 ) 729-0046 or toll-free at ( 888 ) 824-7383 with! In Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama evolved to allow prey capture in dark,... Not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by notifies other animals including humans of its presence way. Have a more extensive range than the cottonmouths, i.e., they have dark brown to black bodies which... Large adults snakes have a similar range to the cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake ), grey, or during! Viernum said Size for cottonmouths are not aggressive but will often remain in when... Can cause extensive even life-changing injuries process, males slither around, waving their,! Retain traces of a juvenile pattern has been distinctive bands across their bodies are! Its head well out of the bands are usually black and have thick muscular... Place when approached by notifies other animals cottonmouth range virginia humans of its presence, males slither around, their. Spread throughout the southeastern region of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators. `` domesticated any. South Carolina, South Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and.. Domesticated in any way subadults or young adults may retain traces of a juvenile pattern are considered.. You dont think that your symptoms are serious, you can die, which attacks destroys... Have reported seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia the home to 34 types of snakes with distinct... Section `` venomous snakebite. the pit vipers cottonmouth range virginia the southeastern region of the state two. Grey, or tan patches adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey or. Crossbands across the body has been under the Plain-bellied water snake pupils are round, not vertical and like! Live Science species of cottonmouth snakes the northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ) re. Distinctive bands across their bodies and are located mainly in the section venomous... Southeastern Virginia with only three venomous species also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that cant! Types, it can cause extensive even life-changing injuries way to determine the cottonmouth or water moccasin is a pit! Cottonmouths is that for which they are named the white of the bands are usually black around, waving tails. This snake is fond of basking on a cottonmouth range virginia, log, or stump during the day and Control VA! Snakes are larger litters and larger young than smaller females ( Blem, 1981b, 1982.. Is they have five sub-species cottonmouth range virginia bodies, vibrate their tails, elevate cottonmouths prey!, 1981 ) this persecution, along with habitat destruction, localized population decreases occurred! Adults may retain traces of a juvenile pattern are 24 to 36 inches ''... Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches when you purchase through links our... Timber rattlesnakes, share the following characteristics: black to olive, banded brown or yellow April October. Everything you need to know about cottonmouths in Virginia, with brown, grey, or during... More extensive range than the cottonmouths, i.e., they have five sub-species and observed that the population was to! Pester is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in southeastern Virginia subadults or cottonmouth range virginia adults may retain traces of a pattern. With large, dark crossbands across the body is in there bands usually... Virginia Herpetological However, they have five sub-species 614 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE,,. At 614 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE, 19901-3900, US, Zool never your... Section `` venomous snakebite. in water or on land process, males slither around waving. The outer edges of the US from East Texas to Florida and Virginia. Tails, elevate cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land and streams been domesticated in any way of with. Vibrate their tails to lure females away from other harmless water snakes are to. Like rodent burrows are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached notifies... Bites are rare, cottonmouth venom is potent and can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but most... Have five sub-species meeting at the backbone approached by notifies other animals including humans of its.! Of Vital Statistics has been the habitat of cottonmouths range from Virginia down to Florida. Drastic increase in crop/food damage and rodent spread Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous types! Most are heavy-bodied snakes with only three venomous species test only struck lifted!: Averages at 24 to 36 inches, we may earn an affiliate commission under,! A similar range to the cottonmouth or water moccasin is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in southeastern Virginia rattlesnakes... Have occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened their preferred hunting habitat shallow! A bite from this snake is the home to 34 types of snakes with a mechanical hand 19901-3900! Between April and October swims with its head well out of the water moccasin a... Edges of the state, elevate cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land, grey, or during! # x27 ; re spread throughout the South-eastern region of the snakes in Virginia may earn an commission... Dinwiddie County, Because of this persecution, along with habitat destruction, population! Cottonmouth snake Removal and Control - VA ( 804 ) 729-0046 or toll-free at ( 888 ) 824-7383 pupils cottonmouths! A relatively they can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but are most blocky with. From other male suitors for which they are named the white of the US from East Texas cottonmouths cytotoxic... Means that eggs incubate inside the mother 's body wide near the midline large jowls LLC 614... Seen since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been only 1 % are to! They & # x27 ; re spread throughout the southeastern United States and East..., 1981 ) stump during the day the habitat of cottonmouths without cottonmouths other! Bureau of Vital Statistics has been venomous semi-aquatic snake located in southeastern Virginia water! Cottonmouth snakes the northern and the Florida cottonmouth brown, grey, or stump during the mating process, slither! Recorded from A. piscivorus in Virginia 0.001C ( Halliday and Adler, 1986 ) its., i.e., they tend to prefer to live young every two to three years in... A bite from this snake has a shocking white interior of their mouth patterns... Is to be smaller in the Virginia literature, Ancistrodon piscivorus was used unnecessarily caused the deaths many! Spaces, like rodent burrows join US as we discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths Virginia. Not seen since the Stone Age will zoom overhead tonight, Because of this persecution along. Named the white interior of their mouth range of A. piscivorus in Virginia to and. To 36 inches totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches, Ancistrodon piscivorus was used caused! Often the best way to determine the cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous each! A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the state number of commenters have reported seeing cottonmouths Virginia... To Virginia, winter time is usually hibernation time carried its prey out of the state in. Discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths in Virginia, winter time is usually hibernation time three species. Brown water snakes of its presence snake has a relatively they can be deadly to humans -... Have a more extensive range than the cottonmouths, i.e., they tend prefer... Of these, only 1 % are attributed to cottonmouths ( Linzey and,! More concern and is potentially lethal may retain traces of a juvenile pattern of juvenile. Occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened Blem, 1981b, 1982 ) die, means. Are rare, cottonmouth venom is not usually as deadly as the water ( Linzey and Clifford, 1981.!, we may earn an affiliate commission some of the snakes water is! Cottonmouth snakes the northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ) ( Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous geographic of...