How to Identify a Cottonmouth Moccasin

When traveling in the southern states it is important to be able to identify the venomous snakes, and to differentiate between them and common water snakes. The Cottonmouth Moccasin is a dangerous snake and can be found throughout Florida, Alabama and Texas in particular.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for markings on a snake if you encounter one. The young Cottonmouth has brightly colored reddish-brown patterns and a yellow tail. The colors fade as they mature leaving many of them with no markings at all on their dark brown scales. Some adults have greenish or tan diamond- or band-like patterns.
2. Notice the long, triangular-shaped head on a Cottonmouth Moccasin. They have a thick head that is distinctly wider than the neck and the eyes cannot be seen from the top of the head. In addition, look at the angle of it's head. These moccasin's generally hold their heads at a 45 degree angle.
3. Note the vertical catlike pupils the Cottonmouth has, much unlike the round ones of the common water snake. These are hidden by over-hanging brows and a black band across the face to camouflage the eyes.
4. Look closely and you will see a "pit" between the eyes and nostrils of the snake which detect warm-blooded prey. Cottonmouth Moccasins fall in the pit-viper group of snakes, so named because of this distinctive pit.
5. Note the length of the snake. Mature Cottonmouths usually reach four to 6 feet in length.
6. Stay still if you encounter a Cottonmouth Moccasin. Their aggressive stance can identify them because they coil up and open their mouths wide, showing the puffy, white interior that gives the snake its name.

Tips & Warnings

• Cottonmouth Moccasins are found around swamps and waterways since their food supply generally lives there. They have been known to climb trees and enter the water at times, but prefer to live around the edges of the water.
• Cottonmouth Moccasins are not naturally aggressive. It is recommended that you stay still or move away very slowly because they would rather not attack and are likely to leave you alone if they do not feel threatened.
• Bites from Cottonmouth Moccasins are extremely dangerous and you must seek treatment immediately from either a doctor or someone who knows how to treat the bite.