What Are the Favorite Habitats of Water Moccasins?
Also known as cottonmouths for the bright white color of their open mouths, water moccasins are semi-aquatic venomous snakes that grow to an average length of 24 to 48 inches. Adult water moccasins have bands of dark brown, olive, black and orange, while young snakes of this species have light brown bands and bright yellow tails. Although water moccasins only attack when agitated or threatened, it is best to avoid the usual habitats of these snakes to prevent serious or fatal bites.
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Habitat
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Water moccasins, as their name suggests, spend most of their time in wetland areas near freshwater sources. Common habitats of this snake species include streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes and water-filled roadside ditches. Water moccasins may also frequent temporary water holes located long distances from permanent freshwater sources. It is not uncommon to find water moccasins in open fields and wooded areas away from bodies of water.
Distribution
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Water moccasins are most common to the southeastern United States, from eastern Texas east to Florida and north to southern Virginia and Kentucky. Though uncommon, water moccasins may occasionally appear in areas farther north and west, such as parts of northeastern Kentucky, Illinois and Oklahoma. Bordering regions may notice more water moccasins as they travel seeking aquatic habitats during periods of drought.
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Feeding Habits
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These snakes forage in the water and on land both during the day and at night. Water moccasins reserve nighttime foraging for summer months when high temperatures limit these snakes to cool, shaded areas during daylight. These snakes feed on aquatic life such as fish, salamanders, frogs, small turtles and other aquatic snakes, as well as small land mammals, birds and insects. Water moccasins may also gather around the edges of waterways or in drying pools of water to capture trapped or injured aquatic prey.
Considerations
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Water moccasins can bite and strike both on land and underwater, making them dangerous when encountered in either location. Fortunately these snakes reserve their venom for prey and usually do not bite humans or large animals such as pets, horses and cattle unless they feel threatened. Water moccasins may raise their bodies and then open and expose their white mouths as a defensive warning to humans and animals, but seldom bite unless stepped on or picked up.
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