Andreadis, P. T. 2001. 1990). Selva, Provo, Utah. Publications Section, Georgia Extension Service, [Athens, Georgia]. Nocturnal behavior of cottonmouths recorded with near-infrared video. The largest specimens from Virginia were males and were collected in the Dismal Swamp Virginia's venomous snakes is the single row of scales on the underside of the tail after the It is also hunted by small mammals such as cats, dogs, and pigs. Other aquatic snakes are either uniform in color and pattern or have alternating dorsal and If you happen to see a cottonmouth, these snakes prefer to flee to safety than stand their ground and attack you. None have been found north or west of Colonial Heights. The largest cottonmouth on record was just over 74 inches, and it was found in the Dismal Swamp region near the Virginia-North Carolina line, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society. Another common way to identify cottonmouths from watersnakes is how they swim. Copeia 1966(2):149-161. However, they are not found across the entire state of Virginia. Click to enlarge, Very Abundant State Wide Distribution and Population. measure. The impact of cottonmouths formerly inhabiting Livingston County, Missouri, remains unknown as it was never determined if they were introduced or indigenous. swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, ditches, streams, rivers, and forested and Juveniles have the same patterns as adults but are brighter, have more distinct crossbands, body color may be more pinkish, and the tip of the tail is yellow. Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. The back is olive, brown or black with Nongame Wildlife Program, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Tallahassee. Juveniles: Juveniles are patterned as adults but are Wharton, C. H. 1969. The population in Seashore State Park of embryos continues until birth in September (Blem, 1981b). - VenomousReptiles.org - The SHHS is a group of venomous reptile keepers educating the public about venomous snakes and lizards. Animals In Virginia, Watch a Gargantuan Komodo Dragon Effortlessly Swallow a Wild Boar, Watch a Lioness Save Her Zookeeper When the Male Lion Attacks Him Point-Blank, Watch This Huge Komodo Dragon Flex Its Power and Swallow a Shark Whole, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, Biggest Wild Hog Ever? Freiberg, M., and J. G. Walls. See Florida Museum of Natural History for a comparison of watersnakes and Cottonmouths. The crossbands 191 pp. mechanical action of lowering the lower jaw. Water moccasin, black moccasin, black and early November. 136 pp. This is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. Parental Behavior in Lepidosaurian and Testudinian Reptiles: A Literature Survey. This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. [16] Cottonmouths are predators and carnivores, and as they live both in the water and land they hunt in both environments. lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota. 660-940, n = 43), and males reached a larger total length (to 1,536 mm) than females (to Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. Lancetfish live at depths up to 6,500 feet below sea level. Northern Cottonmouths are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by Ashton, R. E., Jr., and P. S. Ashton. (Reprinted 1986.). They have dark brown to black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands. Its thick body consists of ridged scales that are gray, tan, olive, or dark brown with a dozen or more dark crossbands that may or may not be visible. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources states that the snakes only live south of the James River, and none have been sighted in the northern part of the state. contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). thus a bite from this snake is of more concern and is potentially lethal. information on the status of historically known populations. 208 pp. Though individuals may reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long. 
Handbook of Snakes of The United States and Canada. to be lost and some populations are declining. 5.2, n = 9), 268-289 mm total length (ave. = 275.9 7.2), and 14.5-18.0 g body mass (ave. Herpetologica 16:125-129. Weve pulled together the information to compile this list showing all the states where these snakes live. n = 5); ambient temperatures were 21.5-29.5C (ave. = 25.3 3.5) for these captures. 
(chair). Their choice of habitats are streams, wetlands, swamps, marshes, and ponds. When their mouth gape open, it exposes the white lining, which resembles cotton. responsive to changes in temperature of 0.001C (Halliday and Adler, 1986). WebNorthern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. Its thick body consists of ridged scales that are gray, tan, olive, or dark brown with a dozen or more dark crossbands that may or may not be visible. Cotton mouths live in the southeastern Virginia with most populations found south of the James River. 1991. 258 pp. 264 pp. Active during the day and often seen basking on overhead vegetation over Of these, only 1% are attributed to cottonmouths. Cotton mouths live in the southeastern Virginia with most populations found south of the James River. geographic variation in pattern, color, or scutellation in Virginia populations. Texas Parks and Wildlife Press, Austin. This is probably because they tend to live in areas frequented by fishers and hunters. Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians of Florida. There are no cottonmouths in California. Boundy, J., J. = 55). Wharton, C. H. 1966. 1989. Their population in the state is described as least concern: for conservation status. Environmental variation Ernst, 1992). Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. noted a late season activity date of 4 December, and observed that Northern Cottonmouths migrated The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. WebMale cottonmouths are larger than females. Scientific and standard English names follow Crother (2008). Most A. piscivorus stand their ground when approached, unlike the escape behavior of the nonvenomous Nerodia species, and may gape their mouths widely, revealing the pale or cottony-white interior in a threat display (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998; Werler and Dixon, 2000). Wright, A. H., and A. The Snakes. Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. published in an unavailable work," and thus keeping it available for the cottonmouth sexes (males 11.7-23.9%, ave. = 15.0 1.7, n = 70; females 10.4-16.4%, ave. = 14.3 1.1, n 1997. These snakes have been found in Known birth dates are 1-15 Mount, R. H. 1975. Since weve just mentioned that their venom is not as deadly as other types, between 100 and 150mg of this venom is still enough to kill a human. Reproduction and growth in the cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus Lacpde, of Cedar Keys, Florida. They cause the largest number of venomous snake bites in the state. This specimen is not included in the NAS database because it was intercepted and was never released. This species hunts on land or in the water for a variety of fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. Although they are not venomous, they readily bite when threatened or handled. Their diet includes fish, turtles, small snakes, rodents, baby alligators, crayfish, and insects. family status, the Crotalidae. The sex of the young is determined through genetics, not the environment. When you encounter one in nature, its best to leave them alone and give them plenty of space so that neither you nor they end up getting hurt in an altercation! For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson. University Press of Virginia, Charlottesville. Adults are reddish brown It grows to average lengths of 30-48 in. This is because, for the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six hours although within one hour is preferable. stepped on or otherwise threatened. Pennsylvania has three venomous species, and none are cottonmouths. Virginia Herpetological February to 13 November, but most records are from April through September. The taxonomy of A. piscivorus has been reviewed or summarized by several authors (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Golay et al., 1993; McDiarmid et al., 1999; Boundy et al., 2000). It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. Eastern and Central North America. Northern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. Total length, per one study of adults, was 65 to 90 cm (26 to 35 in). Herp collecting in Florida in 1930. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Available here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/default.html#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%207%2C000,than%20to%20die%20from%20them. (ave. = 176.8 2.8, n = 137); dorsal scales strongly keeled, scale rows 25 at midbody; anal plate Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/snakes-on-the-water, Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/eastern-cottonmouth/, Virginia Herpetological Society, Available here: https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/cottonmouth/cottonmouth.php. Chicago Herpetological Society: cottonmouth. following (1981b) was 732 mm total length (about 629 mm SVL). Conant, R. 1997. These snakes live in wetland regions within the southeastern corner of Virginia. The average number of ventrals was similar in both males (131.9 2.0, 125-136, n = 73) and Web1 of 3. Cottonmouth are one of Virginias three venomous snake species out of a total of 32. on Zoological Nomenclature (1987). Evol. Although most venomous snakes are harmful to humans, just how much of a threat they pose comes down to which type of venom they contain and how much venom they can inject per bite (venom yield). Cottonmouths are not out there looking to attack your fishing boat. The sex of the young is determined through genetics, not the environment. A. Wright. Golden Press, New York. [Sievert], G., and L. Sievert. 1984. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding. 1989. A Guide to Field Identification. Missouri has the western cottonmouth. often classified in the subfamily Crotalinae, although some taxonomists refer them to full they are underwater. Martof, B. S. 1956. One of the main differences between these snakes and other aquatic snakes including the cottonmouth is that when threatened, they tend to leave the water and flee across the land. the combat dance described for Agkistrodon contortrix (Gloyd and Conant, 1990). 400 pp. Populations may not be currently present. 1993. 1998. 1.9, 170-181, n = 60). It is endangered, and state officials have asked people to report sightings of it in Vermont. Werler, J. E., and J. R. Dixon. Kendal. Chesapeake City, partially confirmed previous mitochondrial hypotheses (Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol. Society, rodent spread Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. An adult cottonmouths size can range from 2-4 feet long and 3-4 pounds in weight. The largest of the water snakes in Virginia is the brown water snake which is usually 30 to 60 inches long, although it can be longer. snake, blunt-tail moccasin, congo, copperhead, cottonmouth water from bayside marshes on Currituck Spit to hibernation sites on the mainland in late October Reptiles of Oklahoma. The University of North Carolina Press for North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, Chapel Hill and London. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London. Conant, R. 1975. caught in the Dismal Swamp region near the Virginia-North Carolina line (Gloyd and Conant, Although these snakes have a reputation for being aggressive to humans, studies have found that their first defense is to run rather than fight. 160 pp. Bite Information || Cottonmouth look-a-likes || Copperhead look-a-likes. Bite Information. Lohoefener, R., and R. Altig. Lamar, W. W. 1997. The western cottonmouth is native to Kentucky. notifies other animals including humans of its presence. The state only has two venomous snakes: the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Snakes of the Southeastern United States. Northern Cottonmouths appear to have a biennial-to-triennial cycle of litter production (Gloyd and Wildlife of the Florida Keys: A Natural History. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. The patterns darken with age to the point that an older cottonmouth may appear completely black. 236 pp. 368 pp. Some may live to the age of 25. Have some feedback for us? Gloyd, H. K., and R. Conant. Identification, Distribution, and Natural History. The head is flattened and angular in appearance. Nerodia sipedon has anterior cross-bands that do not widen on the long head which is wider than the neck. Older adults may be uniformly dark. University of Georgia Press, Athens, Georgia. The bones and The average cottonmouth in the wild will live 10 years or less. There are also a few steps that you can take to minimize your risk of being bitten. These semi-aquatic snakes possess cytotoxic venom which is capable of destroying tissue extensively. Most are heavy-bodied snakes with a distinct head and vertical pupils in the eye. The Strode Publishers, Inc., Huntsville, Alabama. As Promised - Cottonmouth Range Map is a topic in the Experts forum at VenomousReptiles.org. Venom, and the means to Known predators of juveniles found in Virginia include longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), 159 pp. Crother, and T. Taggart. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. WebCottonmouths are relatively large snakes. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. It is often found in cultivated fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams. South Carolina, by Schmidt (1953). body mass (Blem, 1981b). affecting survivorship and procurement of resources for reproduction, as well as loss of Price, A. H. 1998. Carmichael, P., and W. Williams. Poisonous Snakes of Texas. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water Populations in some areas apparently no Sometimes these snakes can have a particularly dark ground color which makes the crossbands indistinguishable. Identification of individual subspecies is made more difficult by a broad geographic area of intergradation between all three of them (Conant and Collins, 1998). Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin 28(1):[i-v], 1-298. Though individuals may reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long. Newport News City, WebNative Range: The Florida Cottonmouth is distributed in Florida, including the upper Keys, and extreme southeastern Georgia; the Eastern Cottonmouth from southeastern Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia; the Western Cottonmouth from eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas (eastern Cherokee County only), Louisiana, Arkansas, southern Missouri, The region of the United States where cottonmouths are primarily found offers food and habitat for the venomous snake, but also plenty of threats. Males are known to perform a combat dance. Herpetological Review 33(2):136-137. Second Edition. inject modified saliva (venom) deep into prey. However, juvenile cottonmouths are usually tan with reddish-brown crossbands and a yellow tail. average body mass of males (857.2 499.7 g) was twice that of nonreproductive females number of divided subcaudals (21.2 6.0, 8-35, n = 58) than males (18.3 5.6, 6-31, n = A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of the United States and Canada East of the 100th Meridian. Another snake was found in the space between the inner and outer hulls of a barge in Winona, Minnesota in 2006 (Cochran 2008). Carpenter, C. C., and J. J. Krupa. Venomous Reptiles of North America. Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. Snake Species of the World. Snakes of North America. distinguish a venomous snake from a harmless species, it requires one to get dangerously close To date there is no evidence that cottonmouths occur across the Rio Grande River in adjacent Mexico (Smith and Smith, 1993), and disjunct Rio Grande populations in Texas have been extirpated (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998). A. Campbell, and T'S. The states Department of Natural Resources says the population of these snakes is stable. Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea), Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis), Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. Another common way to identify cottonmouths from watersnakes is how they swim. They are categorized as least concern on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. There are four main types of venom cytotoxic, neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and proteolytic and these all attack the body differently. Its thick body consists of ridged scales that are gray, tan, olive, or dark brown with a dozen or more dark crossbands that may or may not be visible. Campbell, B. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information. 1.8, n = 144); subcaudals 39-50 (ave. = 45.0 2.0, n = 137) and single, except for 6-35 The Mountain State has two venomous snake species, but it has no cottonmouths. A Field Guide to Snakes of Florida. According to state officials, the snake occurs only in the extreme southern part of the state. Sometimes called the water moccasin, this aquatic snake gets its name from a white mouth that makes it look like its eating a cotton ball. Mississippi State University Research Center Bulletin (1):i-vi, 1-66. Prince George County, Wildlife officials say they live in ponds, lakes, rivers, cypress swamps, and wet prairies. appeared to be smaller in the 1980s than in previous years, in contrast to the contrary The most noticeable feature of all cottonmouths is that for which they are named the white interior of their mouth. Even when they are not in the water, they rarely stray far from it most often spotted basking on logs or rocks nearby, where they can easily flee to the safety of the water if they are disturbed. Range: Most of Virginia, excluding the counties of Tazewell, Wythe, Grayson, and Campbell. The western cottonmouth is one of many snakes native to Oklahoma. distinctly separated from narrow neck. Squamatasnakes. Such "intergrades" may represent clinal variation; suggesting problems in officially recognizing the three subspecific taxa. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. 437 pp. University Press of Colorado, Niwot, Colorado. Southampton County, There are two species of cottonmouth snakes the northern and the Florida cottonmouth. Johnson, T. R. 2000. cotton-mouth water moccasin (Dunn, 1918, 1936); water moccasin and cotton-mouth (Carroll, Phillips, C. A., R. A. Brandon, and E. O. Moll. 2008. Gibbons, J. W., and R. D. Semlitsch. These carnivorous snakes have the potential to impact indigenous wildlife if introduced out of their indigenous range, and their venom adds a potentially life-threatening presence to the human populace. ( 1 ): [ i-v ], 1-298 compile this list showing all the states where these snakes stable. Or indigenous ( Blem, 1981b ) your fishing boat the environment 28 ( 1 ): i-vi,.! Been found North or west of Colonial Heights in Vermont '' title= '' west Virginia Smallmouth November. 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