Cottonmouth Snake Habitat Facts

Cottonmouth snakes are named for the white interior of their open mouths

Cottonmouth snakes require a warm habitat that includes brackish, slow-moving water like ponds, ditches, lakes, swamps, and quiet rivers. They are native to the southeastern U.S. from Virginia to Florida, and as far west as east Texas.

Geography

Cottonmouth snakes are native to the southeastern United States. They are common in the southern states of Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana, and eastern Texas, and are usually found near warm bodies of still water.

Types

Cottonmouth snakes are often called Water Moccasins or Moccasins. Two subspecies are native to the U.S.; the Eastern cottonmouth and the Florida cottonmouth. The Florida cottonmouth is confined to the deep South.

Misconceptions

Cottonmouth snakes are poisonous pit vipers that have large triangular heads and white mouths with distinctive fangs. They are swimmers, hunting at night and sunning themselves on rocks and tree branches by day. They make a dramatic open-mouthed display when threatened but will not bite unless agitated.

Identification

Cottonmouth snakes grow to be 30 to 48 inches long and have distinct brown banded markings on their backs while they are young that slowly fade with age. Their bellies are olive gray and their snouts are paler that the rest of their heads, with dark lines beside each nostril.

Warning

Cottonmouth snakes have a reputation for being very aggressive, but usually they will not bite unless they are stepped on or picked up. Their venom prevents blood from clotting in the bitten area and does not affect the nervous system. If a cottonmouth is encountered in the wild, leave it alone and move on.

References

• Cottonmouth Snakes
• Cottonmouth Snake
• Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

Resources

• Cottonmouth Fact Sheet