Cottonmouth, Cottonmouth Moccasin or Water Moccasin
The Cottonmouth (which used to be called Cottonmouth Moccasin or Water Moccasin) is a venomous semi-aquatic snake. It is one of the five species of pit viper that inhabits Louisiana. It is also the only semi-aquatic viper in the world. The name, Cottonmouth, comes from the way the inside of the mouth is white and looks like cotton. When cornered, they open their mouth to display the "cotton" as a defense mechanism, but they would rather just be left alone.
Agkistrodon piscivorus
The Cottonmouth (also called Cottonmouth Moccasin and Water Moccasin) is a member of the Viper family. It is a heavy bodied, dark brown or black snake with a pattern of broad dark cross bands, which usually grow darker with age. The belly is brown and is heavily blotched with black. There is a deep pit in the side of the head between the eye and the nostril and a broad dark line from the eye to the angle of the jaw. Juveniles have a sulfur yellow tip on their tails with bright, clear patterned markings that look more like it's relative, the Copperhead.
When cornered or threatened, the cottonmouth will open its mouth to show the white, cotton-like lining.
Cottonmouths are found all over the state of Louisiana in every permanent or temporary aquatic habitat. Their primary prey is fish that are small enough to be eaten whole, but they also eat frogs, non-poisonous snakes, birds, squirrels and other rodents.
Female Cottonmouths ovulate during May and give birth during August.
The photo below shows two of the five species of the family Viperidae in Louisiana.
C. Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix
D. Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus

reference: Dundee, Harold A. and Douglas A. Rossman, The Amphibians and Reptiles of Louisiana
The Cottonmouth is the only semi-aquatic viper in the world.
Cottonmouth Water Moccasin Facts from Wiki
Agkistrodon piscivorus is a venomous snake, a species of pit viper, found in the eastern United States. Adults are large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. This is the world's only semi-aquatic viper, usually found in or near water, particularly in slow-moving and shallow lakes and streams. The snake is a strong swimmer and will even enter the sea, successfully colonizing islands off both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The common names for the species include variants on water, swamp or black 'moccasin', 'viper', 'cottonmouth' and 'rattler'.Wright AH, Wright AA. 1957. Handbook of Snakes. Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1105 pp. ISBN 0-8014-0463-0. Many of the common names refer to the threat display, where this species will often stand its ground and gape at an intruder, exposing the white lining of its mouth.
The diet consists mainly of fish and frogs, but is otherwise highly varied and, uniquely, has even been reported to include carrion. The specific name is derived from the Latin words piscis and voro, which mean "fish" and "to eat".Campbell JA, Lamar WW. 2004. The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca and London. 870 pp. 1500 plates. ISBN 0-8014-4141-2. Three subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Cottonmouth Coiled and Ready
Venomous Snakes of the Southeast
Rio Saves the Day
This Cottonmouth was silently making its way to a little beach by the Tchefuncte River, where Al and I and our two dogs, Rio and Chance were peacefully sitting, enjoying the beautiful day. We would have never know the snake was there if it had not been for Rio. All of a sudden he got up and gave a quick bark, while he did a fake lunge and withdraw move at the snake. The snake promptly turned around and slid back into the water. While Rio continued to patrol the little beach I got this shot of the Cottonmouth.
Cottonmouths
Juvenile Cottonmouth
Because of their bright color, juvenile Cottonmouth snakes are often confused with Copperheads. One distinguishing feature is the yellow tip of the tail. This snake will darken as it ages and it will loose the yellow tip.
Snakes of the Southeast
Coachwhips, cottonmouths, and more.Fifty-two kinds of snakes can be found in the Southeast, almost half of all species native to North America. Filled with more than 300 color photographs and written by two of the region+s most renowned herpetologists, this is the most comprehensive educational guide to the snakes of the Southeast.At the heart of the guide are its heavily illustrated, fact-filled descriptions of each species and its habitat. Also included is a wealth of general information about the importance of snake conservation and the biology, diversity, and life cycles of snakes. Useful information about the interactions of humans and snakes is also covered: species that are likely to be found near houses, snakes as pets, what to do in case of a snake bite, and more.Clearly written, cleanly designed, and fun to use, the guide will promote a better understanding of the habitat needs of, and environmental challenges to, this fascinating group of animals.
Cottonmouths on Amazon
DO NOT Try This at Home!
You should never try to pick up a Cottonmouth.
Most of bites from Cottonmouths occur when someone is either trying to pick one up or when they are accidentally stepped upon. Having said that, let me say that my husband doesn't always listen to me and he has been handling snakes (both poisonous and non-poisonous) since he was quite young. He is an experienced snake handler and always takes the proper precautions when removing a poisonous snake from an inhabited area.
Because of the population explosion of song birds this year, this Cottonmouth was making its home around our bird feeders near the house and had already killed a young Cardinal and a young Blue Jay. So one morning, the opportunity to capture and move the snake presented itself. My husband released it a mile away in an unpopulated area by the Tchefuncte River.
Cottonmouth Up Close
Wild Guide: Venomous Snakes
A full-color guide to the natural history of venomous snakes. Information on dealing with venomous snakes in the wild. Includes 19 North American species accounts Feared and reviled by many, venomous snakes are woefully misunderstood. This illustrated guide clears up many of the misconceptions about the animals and offers a glimpse into their extraordinary lives. Covering everything from hunting, feeding, and locomotion to shedding, mating, and reproduction, the book also examines the difficulties that these snakes and humans have coexisting and gives advice on what to do should you encounter a venomous snake in the field. About the author: Cynthia Berger is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in magazines such as National Wildlife, Sports Afield, and Birder's World. She lives in State College, Pennsylvania.
Cottonmouth YouTube Video
Herping with Dylan
Chance the Cocker Spaniel is a Hero
Our maladjusted, rescued Cocker Spaniel is a hero. One morning, on our walk to the Tchefuncte River we were going about our business as usual. Rio and I had spied a photo op along Pruden Creek and were focused on finding the bird that we had just seen fly into the trees. Al was filling up the bird feeder and Chance was sniffing around about 3 feet behind us. All of a sudden I heard a scuffle and turned to see Chance whipping his head back and forth with a Cottonmouth hanging from his throat. I called for Al and stepped towards Chance. Just as I reached him, the snake flew off and hit the ground wiggling to get away. I was able to get a leash on Chance, but he was so enraged that he pulled me towards the Cottonmouth. Al herded the snake away from us and it escaped into a hole. When Chance settled down enough for me to look at his neck, I saw drops of watery blood.
Long ago, our vet told us that dogs don't react to snake bites as violently as humans. Usually a Benadryl tablet taken within an hour of the bite is sufficient treatment for dogs, unless the snake is very large or the bite is in the throat area. Since this bite was on the throat, Chance had to go to his least favorite place in the world, the Vet's office. He was surprisingly calm as Dr. Rusty shaved his neck and gave him injections and we were told to watch the wound for infection. If Chance hadn't scratched it so much, he would have been fine, but a hot spot developed that required more treatment. Eventually the wound healed and Chance is fine now. In fact, the ordeal seems to have tempered him a little and he seems to trust us a little more.
I certainly have a special feeling for him. Chance saved me from a painful and life-threatening bite and I will forever be in the little fellow's debt.
Cottonmouth Book
Cottonmouth Preparing to Shed
Chance found another Cottonmouth, but didn't stick his nose in its face this time.
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Cottonmouths on Zazzle
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Let's Strike up a Conversation!
aj2008 wrote...
I must admit I am glad we dont have that many poisonous snakes here in the UK. My son has had a few close encounters when he visits Malaysia & Thailand, but I would rather not know about it! Blessings!
AbbasAbedi wrote...
Excellent Lens. 5*
If you get a chance check out my Instant Stress Management lens.
Winter52 wrote...
My husband is fascinated with snakes... me they scare me silly. If I had come as close to this snake as you did, I think that I would have nightmares for a week. But I am going to bring what I now know about this snake during dinner tomorrow night. My husband will be impressed lol...
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Welcome to the Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
Lizzy
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Lensmaster naturegirl7, aka Yvonne and Al B., has been a member since April 22 2008, has rated 479 lenses, favorited 433, and has created 144 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "7-up Cake Recipes". See all my lenses
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