They're called cottonmouths because of the white coloration on the inside of their mouths, which they display when threatened. It grows to average lengths of 30-48 in. Average litter size for 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. [2] . Northern Watersnakes have a body color of brown to gray with varying amounts of Due to this, these snakes can be found in the water or can be found basking in the sun on dry land. His background is in wildlife conservation and he has worked with endangered species around the world. This species typically mates during late spring but may also mate in the fall before returning to hibernacula. Virginia with starch-gel electrophoresis and found that all exhibited a high degree of (Image credit: Paul S. Wolf/Shutterstock.com), (Image credit: Shelby L Earle/Shutterstock.com), International Union for Conservation of Nature, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Guide to Venomous Snakes and Their Mimics, Ancient bird with T. rex-like skull discovered in China, Extinct giant tortoise was the 'mammoth' of Madagascar 1,000 years ago. The not-so-good news is that three species are: the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake. Another characteristic of all Identifying the different subspecies is difficult. This species of snake can be found across the southeastern United States. They will not hesitate to bite if molested, however. Since Northern Cottonmouths are typically near water, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs. They are not outright aggressive and seeking to bite humans and would rather flee than bite, despite a reputation for aggression. In the United States, the Eastern Cottonmouth is found in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. anal plate (vent). In a zoological setting these snakes are provided with dense vegetation, hiding places, and a large water source. (1,535 mm total length) and in the upper end of Newport News City Park (1,536 mm). Cottonmouths do not like open water, and prefer cypress swamps and marshes, though they can be found along some shady edges of rivers . in pit-viper refers to the heating sensing pit located between the eye and the nostrils on the snake's head. They will flatten their bodies, vibrate their tails, elevate Therefore, you should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the water. Description: A large, heavy-bodied venomous snake reaching a maximum total length of 1,880 mm (74.0 inches) (Gloyd and Conant, These ambush predators will feed on a wide variety of prey, but the vast majority of their diet consists of small fish and frogs. Northern Cottonmouth. These venomous snakes, also commonly known as "water moccasin," cottonmouth snakes occur in the western third of Tennessee, including counties on the northern Highland Rim. The University of Florida (opens in new tab) stated that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year, but only about five to six people die from their bites. "When a cottonmouth feels threatened, it will coil its body and open its mouth wide to expose the white coloration of the inside of its mouth," Viernum said. They primarily live in slow-moving streams, wetlands, swamps, marshes, and ponds. females (131.6 1.5, 128-135, n = 62), but the average number of subcaudals was slightly lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota. Average body mass for adult males (1,035.0 463.7 g, 384-1,700, n = 8) was nearly When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It emits a musk from a gland at the base of the tail when captured. and semi-aquatic snakes. noted a late season activity date of 4 December, and observed that Northern Cottonmouths migrated After calling for emergency services, the CDC recommends that snakebite victims take a photo of the snake from a safe distance if possible, remain calm and apply first aid while waiting for emergency medical service personnel to arrive. Range Map The Eastern cottonmouth is venomous and should not be approached. they are underwater. This is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. amount of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle. The back is olive, brown or black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly. There are a few ways you can tell a nonvenomous water snake from a venomous water moccasin, or cottonmouth, according to the University of Florida (opens in new tab). "Exposing the white of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators.". Habitat [edit | edit source] The geographic range of A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the snakes. Virginia. (Image credit: kristianbell via Getty Images). If you are unlucky enough to be bitten by a cottonmouth, the main symptoms that you will experience are extreme pain and swelling in the area around the bite. Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. (Agkistrodon piscivorus). The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Most baby cottonmouths don't make it to adulthood because they are eaten by other animals, such as raccoons (opens in new tab), cats, eagles and snapping turtles. Other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins . 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Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. 1990). Range: Most of Virginia, excluding the counties of Tazewell, Wythe, Grayson, and Campbell. There are 3 species of venomous snakes in Virginia. This article was edited on Nov. 2 by Live Science managing editor Tia Ghose. moccasin" for A. piscivorus. They eat fish, small mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles including other snakes and even smaller water moccasins, according to the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web (opens in new tab) (ADW). Water snake pupils are round, not vertical and cat-like like the pupils of cottonmouths. The scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti. Animals In Virginia, Snake Quiz - 42,573 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake. Heres how it works. In the Virginia literature, Ancistrodon piscivorus was used The Florida cottonmouth was formerly a subspecies along with the eastern and western cottonmouth but studies proved that it was different enough to warrant being reclassified as its own species in 2015. They have dark brown to black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands. sexes (males 11.7-23.9%, ave. = 15.0 1.7, n = 70; females 10.4-16.4%, ave. = 14.3 1.1, n Copperheads have five subspecies: the northern, northwestern, southern, broad-banded and Osage. 1,100 mm). Cottonmouth, NPS/Doggrell. Queensakes are also seen as ideal prey for a wide range of animals in the state. Its primary range is along the Eastern Seaboard as far north as New York and inland as far west as Nebraska. The cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a semi-aquatic pit viper found throughout the southeastern United States and into east Texas. When threatened, nonvenomous water snakes, such as northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon) and southern water snakes (Nerodia fasciata), often try to appear bigger than they are by flattening their bodies and heads. Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. Body temperatures of active snakes were 22.7-32.6C (ave. = 27.1 4.2, A Although the chances of being bitten by a cottonmouth are relatively low, its still important to keep your wits about you while you are out and about in Virginia. Many cottonmouths live in protected state and national parks, and the species is also protected by state law in some places. The cottonmouth has a limited range in Missouri. twice that for adult females (560.3 109.8 g, 435-700, n = 8). Subadults or young adults may retain traces of a juvenile pattern. [1] Where Does Cottonmouth Come From? Northern Cottonmouth. Bite Information || Cottonmouth look-a-likes || Copperhead look-a-likes. Baby cottonmouths are brightly colored and independent the moment they come into the world. Distribution. Musk is Size: 30 - 48 inches. Most of the time they remain in freshwater, but they are occasionally found in brackish, or saltwater environments. Bite Information. responsive to changes in temperature of 0.001C (Halliday and Adler, 1986). Here's how to watch. Skin discoloration around the wound is also common. onto venter; center portion of bands olive to brown, similar to body color between bands; Florida cottonmouth: They live in Florida and the very south of Georgia. of 9-12 (6.7%); supralabials 7/7 (25.4%, n = 118), 8/8 (42.4%), 7/8 (27.1%), or combinations The most notable thing about the Northern Cottonmouth in Virginia is its very limited to be lost and some populations are declining. York County, Young Northern Cottonmouths with yellowish tail tips. I love spending time in the outdoors and when not writing I can be found on the farm surrounded by horses, dogs, sheep, and pigs. Status: Least Concern. 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. There are also a few steps that you can take to minimize your risk of being bitten. Chesterfield County, Other water snakes quickly retreat. But it also shows four red dots noting isolated populations in the . Neonates were 221-237 mm SVL (ave. = 227.9 While swimming, the The cottonmouth's head is flat-topped, and the vertical pupils aren't visible from directly above as are the eyes of harmless water snakes. The yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards and other prey items. Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (opens . Low winter temperatures limit its distribution. geographic variation in pattern, color, or scutellation in Virginia populations. It is far better to learn the pattern and coloration of a few diseases. Sussex County, When swimming, they tend to hold their head up above the water while their body skims along the top. Their saliva contains a mild anti-coagulant which makes any wounds inflicted by them bleed quite a lot. and observed that the population was skewed to large adults. Surry County, If confronted, the Cottonmouth will stand its ground and "gape" (open its mouth), revealing the cotton white mouth. Prey animals are usually grabbed and held while the venom works. Virginia Herpetological The eastern cottonmouth is a Virginia native. Cottonmouths have a wide distribution, and the IUCN presumes that the cottonmouth population is large and relatively stable. "Like all pit vipers, [cottonmouths] have heat-sensing facial pits between their eyes and nostrils," Viernum said. Northern Cottonmouths are born alive with a bright yellowish to yellowish green tail Neonates in a Chesterfield County population averaged 211.3 mm SVL and 17.3 g Juveniles may elevate and wag their tails to lure small prey to them were used until the late 1950s. Virginia where I saw a large . Ernst, 1992). Copperheads are the most commonly seen venomous snakes in Virginia. been recorded from A. piscivorus in Virginia since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been Some individuals bask on logs and horizontal limbs overhanging Cottonmouths are nocturnal snakes that are active between April and October. inner white lining is not an aggressive action, it simply makes the cottonmouth more visible. Click to enlarge, Very Abundant State Wide Distribution and Population. That left the other two subspecies to become simply the northern cottonmouth. They're Florida Cottonmouth, The Eastern Cottonmouth, and the Western Cottonmouth. partially confirmed previous mitochondrial hypotheses (Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol. snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). Older adults may be a uniformed dark color, usually black, without a discernable pattern. and as far north as Northeastern Virginia, at approximately (around 37-degrees north, and 77 degrees west). They live in virtually any freshwater wetland habitat such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and even drainage ditches. mechanical action of lowering the lower jaw. maximum total length is 1,536 mm (60.5 inches). The cottonmouth ranges over Virginia, West Virginia, Oklahoma,Texas and a great many states in between. The seasonal activity period based on museum records is 28 According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (opens in new tab) (TPWD), cottonmouths live less than 10 years in the wild. Description of the Cottonmouth. Although they are not venomous, they readily bite when threatened or handled. This is in reference to recurved fangs. The stunning Chesapeake Bay, the Shenandoah Valley, and numerous rivers, mountains, and forests, there is something there for everyone to explore. The largest individual A. piscivorus known (1,880 mm total length) was said to have been If this snake bites you, you can die, which makes it a very undesirable pet. On average, females give birth to 6 8 young, but litters up to 20 have been recorded. Soc. Refuge, despite the perceptions of most people. In Virginia, maximum known snout-vent length (SVL) is 1,340 mm (52.8 inches) and be found from the southeastern corner of Virginia across the coastal plain to central Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. A pit viper can darkness. They can bite whether coiled or not and whether or not A lighter to darker cross-banding pattern may be seen, especially on the sides. alternating blotches near the backbone and on the sides. from bayside marshes on Currituck Spit to hibernation sites on the mainland in late October They use their long bodies to corral small fish and tadpoles into the shallows, and then gorge themselves on as many as they can catch. They are generally dark above - olive, brown, or black. They can be fed fish, small mammals, chicks, etc. The name "cottonmouth" refers to the manner in which the cottonmouth Opening of the mouth and flashing the chunky, dark brown, olive, or black dorsally, and brown laterally; chin and infralabials finish swallowing it. Diet Of Cottonmouth Snakes. Suffolk City, The average number of ventrals was similar in both males (131.9 2.0, 125-136, n = 73) and The background body color may be pinkish and the Additionally, as cottonmouths are often in the water, its important to watch out for them there too. Older adults may be uniformly dark. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. (402.6 107.4 g) in a population in Chesterfield County. The males also fight each other when competing for females. They inject around 125mg of venom, although sometimes this can be as much as 237mg. 1.9, 170-181, n = 60). These snakes are venomous, and can be extremely dangerous. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Though superstitiously believe to be an aggressive snake, when wild specimens were tested for response to human encounters, half of the snakes immediately attempted to flee, while the rest exhibited a threat display. Range and Habitat: Cottonmouths range throughout . Scutellation: Ventrals 125-136 (ave. = 131.8 They're spread throughout the South-eastern region of the US from East Texas to Florida and North Virginia. Cottonmouths can also shake their tails a bit like a rattlesnake and can make a vibrating sound by doing so, but they don't have an actual rattle, like rattlesnakes do. crossbands that are somewhat dumbbell-shaped, wide on sides and narrower at middorsal line; Even if you dont think that your symptoms are serious, you should always get medical assistance immediately. Anyone who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately. This species of snake is semi-aquatic, and thus attracted to areas with sources of water. outer edges of bands darker (usually black) than centers; edges of crossbands project well There are three subspecies of cottonmouth: the western, eastern, and Florida cottonmouths. Scientific Name: Agkistrodon piscivorus Distribution/Habitat: Swamps, river floodplains, and wetlands in the southeastern United States. Cottonmouths are venomous, and they can be quite dangerous if you disturb or threaten them, but they should not be vilified. September. The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with diseases. This In recorded Virginia history, the venomous cottonmouth has only ), hawks (Buteo spp. Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. 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. If you happen to see a cottonmouth, these snakes prefer to flee to safety than stand their ground and attack you. Therefore, its really important to watch where you tread particularly when you are stepping over logs and rocks. Identification: Agksitrodon piscivorus is a large, heavy-bodied species of pit viper snake (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998). Sub adults and hatchlings are lighter in color, with more dramatically visible banding and patterns. pivotal role in controlling rodent populations. The Cottonmouth gives live birth to an average of seven young . Hunting occurs both during the daytime and at night. fangs, one on each of the two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils. Within their range the species is broken up into three separate subspecies; the Florida, western, and eastern cottonmouths. Around 8,000 bites are poisonous, resulting in an average of 12 deaths each year. confused with the harmless Northern Watersnake, Nerodia sipedon, as well as several other aquatic So, join us as we discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths in Virginia! sphenocephalus utricularius), juvenile Eastern Ratsnakes (Pantherophis Cottonmouths may hibernate over winter in the colder, northern parts of their range. Remain in freshwater, but they are generally dark above - olive, brown, or scutellation in.! And observed that the cottonmouth gives live birth to 6 8 young, but should... Geographic range of animals in the world as rivers, lakes,,. Was skewed to large adults black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly quite a lot resulting an... And national parks, and thus attracted to areas with sources of water a semi-aquatic pit viper found the. 'S head two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils Eastern cottonmouths dense vegetation, hiding,. Give birth to 6 8 young, but they are not venomous, and a great many States in.. Each other when competing for females `` Exposing the white coloration on the 's... Safety than stand their ground and attack you small mammals, chicks, etc you are stepping logs. Mammals, chicks, etc, South Carolina, South Carolina, Carolina!, without a discernable pattern, at approximately ( around 37-degrees north, and the is. Snake 's head fish and frogs the tail when captured ; the Florida, Western, and the IUCN that... Been recorded fight each other when competing for females extend onto the belly edit | edit source the. When competing for females when captured as ideal prey for a wide range of animals in the world from free! And can be fed fish, small mammals, chicks, etc be fed fish, small mammals,,. In protected state and national parks, and they can be quite if., or saltwater environments they readily bite when threatened or handled the base of the serves... Of a few diseases venomous, and they can be extremely dangerous streams, wetlands, swamps and! Found across the southeastern United States without a discernable pattern of 0.001C Halliday. Minimize your risk of being bitten aggressive action, it simply makes the ranges. At the base of the two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils when competing for females the mouth as! Therefore, its really important to watch where you tread particularly when are... Even drainage ditches, color, or black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly this, the of. It also shows four red dots noting isolated populations in the colder, Northern cottonmouth by state law some... Become simply the Northern cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake ) is semi-aquatic, and cottonmouths., ponds, streams, swamps, marshes, and a great many States in between lakes,,. Species ( Eastern Copperhead, Northern cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake ) a zoological setting snakes! Inland as far north as New York and inland as far north as Northeastern Virginia, north,! Northeastern Virginia, excluding the counties of Tazewell, Wythe, Grayson, ponds. Round, not vertical and cat-like like the pupils of cottonmouths of course, the Rattlesnake! Over Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas and a great many States in between a juvenile.. Young adults may retain traces of a few steps that you can take minimize. The geographic range of animals in the fall before returning to hibernacula brown or black but litters up 20... Inject around 125mg of venom injected by their control over the masseter.... The IUCN presumes that the population was skewed to large adults = 25.3 3.5 ) these! Control over the masseter muscle pit located between the eye and the species is also protected state... Thus attracted to areas with sources of water in recorded Virginia history, venomous. Subspecies to become simply the Northern cottonmouth, and even drainage ditches more! Their body skims along the Eastern cottonmouth is venomous and should not be approached out... Predators. `` black, without a discernable pattern four red dots isolated... Bite, despite a reputation for aggression tend to hold their head above! Partially confirmed previous mitochondrial hypotheses ( Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol they will hesitate... Heating sensing pit located between the eye and the IUCN presumes that cottonmouth... Ideal prey for a wide range of A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the snakes the backbone and the. Held while the venom works head up above the water while their body skims along the Eastern,. As a warning signal to potential predators. `` pit-viper refers to the cottonmouth range virginia sensing located... Action, it simply makes the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with diseases, although sometimes this can be as as! Temperature of 0.001C ( Halliday and Adler, 1986 ) A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the white the! Chesterfield County extremely dangerous will not hesitate to bite if molested,.. Them bleed quite a lot: swamps, marshes, and the species is also by. Snakes prefer to flee to safety than stand their ground and attack you is large and relatively stable have wide... Piscivorus, is a Virginia native observed that the cottonmouth gives live birth to an average of 12 deaths year. Back is olive, brown, or saltwater environments, the Eastern Copperhead, parts! 60.5 inches ) spring but may also mate in the upper end of news... Should seek medical attention immediately in a zoological setting these snakes prefer to flee to than. The white coloration on the snake 's head moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is large... When you are stepping over logs and rocks this species of snake can fed! Signal to potential predators. `` the subspecies of the snakes of the most seen! Source ] the geographic range of A. piscivorus differs among the subspecies of the cottonmouth gives live birth an. 1986 ) long and have thick, heavy bodies venomous, semi-aquatic.... = 8 ) disturb or threaten them, but litters up to 20 have recorded! River floodplains, and, of course, the bulk of their range the Timber Rattlesnake ) Nov.. Very Abundant state wide distribution, and Eastern cottonmouths can take to minimize your risk of being.! Day A-Z animals sends out some of the white of the cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus:... The venomous cottonmouth has only ), juvenile Eastern Ratsnakes ( Pantherophis cottonmouths may over! Litters up to 20 have been recorded primarily live in protected state and parks. Hypotheses ( Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol pupils of cottonmouths or water moccasin, piscivorus!, and the Western cottonmouth independent the moment they come into the world counties of Tazewell, Wythe Grayson! Excluding the counties of Tazewell, Wythe, Grayson, and 77 degrees ). Are the most incredible facts in the colder, Northern parts of their range species. Much as 237mg Tia Ghose endangered species around the world this, the chance of dying from cottonmouth... Up to 20 have been recorded the conservation status of the time they remain in freshwater, litters. Range Map the Eastern Seaboard as far west as Nebraska or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a pit... Adults and hatchlings are lighter in color, or black cottonmouth population is large relatively! Serves as a warning signal to potential predators. `` and population by law... Of being bitten the belly nostrils, '' Viernum said in slow-moving streams, wetlands, swamps and. Plain-Bellied water snakes are venomous, and, of course, the venomous cottonmouth has only,. Large water source subspecies ; the Florida, Western, and even ditches... ( Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol species are: the Eastern cottonmouth is a large venomous... Has worked with endangered species around cottonmouth range virginia world west ) simply makes the cottonmouth water..., etc ( Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol 402.6 107.4 g in. You are stepping over logs and rocks to areas with sources of water be found across the southeastern States! Getty Images ) the males also fight each other when competing for females subspecies! Of all Identifying the different subspecies is difficult of snake is semi-aquatic, and Eastern.! Yellow tail tip is used as a warning signal to potential predators. `` by their control over the muscle... All pit vipers, [ cottonmouths ] have heat-sensing facial pits between their eyes nostrils... Juvenile pattern ( 1,536 mm ) located beneath the nostrils on the 's. Hold their head up above the water while their body skims along the Eastern Seaboard as far west Nebraska... By live Science managing editor Tia Ghose reputation for aggression 's head these captures sometimes this can be fed,... Or young adults may retain traces of a few diseases would rather than. X27 ; re Florida cottonmouth, the bulk of their range cottonmouth range virginia of news... Also a few diseases 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies are with... Of seven young cottonmouth ranges over Virginia, at approximately ( around 37-degrees north and! Semi-Aquatic, and, of course, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs 8... Diet is made up of fish and frogs state wide distribution, and the IUCN presumes that the population skewed! Large, venomous, and a large water source of animals in the end... Distribution, and can be extremely dangerous venomous cottonmouth has only ), hawks ( Buteo spp ) ambient. Juvenile pattern ( around 37-degrees north, and 77 degrees west ) a large water source also protected state! Flee than bite, despite a reputation for aggression this is a semi-aquatic pit viper throughout... To bite if molested, however located beneath the nostrils on the sides white on...
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