-
Step 1
Notice the snake's coloring. Young water moccasins are a pale reddish brown and have dark brown bands. Adult snakes are a dull olive or brown, while older snakes are an unmarked olive or black. Water moccasins of all ages have a white or yellowish belly.
-
Step 2
Look at the length. Most water moccasins are 3 to 4 feet long, although some have been known to reach a length of 6 feet. Because of this variance in length, other visual signifiers are more accurate in helping identify a water moccasin.
-
Step 3
Keep location in mind. If you notice the snake in the water, there is a reasonable chance that it is a water moccasin. While there are non-poisonous water snakes in the South, it is better not to take any chances. Water moccasins also like to relax on branches that hang out over water to watch for prey.
-
Step 4
Watch the snake at rest. Cottonmouth water moccasins get their name from a tendency to relax with head thrown back and mouth open to expose the white interior.
-
Step 5
Observe the snake's reaction, but only if it is not reacting to you. Water moccasins are an aggressive species of snake. They watch for potential prey and then attack. As such, watch the snake's attack method if you have a reasonable vantage point. Much like its resting stance, the water moccasin erects its head and exposes its white mouth when startled or reacting to prey.
Comments
jujudy said
on 7/20/2009 Thank you for the article. I recently had a snake that I am quite certain was a water moccasin in my fish pond. I have emptied the pond. The snake got the adult fish. Now I have 10 baby fish in a bucket. Don't know what to do. Don't want to attract another snake. I'm going to click on an ad I see here: www.stopsnakes.com. Hopefully there's a way to keep these things away. 5*s for your article.