Baby cottonmouths are beautifully marked with reddish crossbands on a pink or rusty ground color. Water Moccasin is a very different species from a Water-Snake. Her stint as Manager of the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in California's gold country served to deepen her interest in science which she now fulfills by writing for online science websites. Select from premium Water Moccasin of the highest quality. The Mississippi green water snake is found in the extreme western portion of the state, where it thrives in the cypress swamps. Newborn copperheads have bright sulfur-yellow tails. A water snake's head will also still be a similar width to the neck, even when flattened. The Water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a species of venomous pit viper. [8] : 211 p. Cottonmouth snakes, or water moccasins, live in the southeastern United States from southern Virginia to Florida and as far west as East Texas.. The rattle consists of dry, interlocking segments which click together to create a sizzling sound. Sometimes cottonmouths travel overland where people find them far from permanent water sources. Overall, the snake may be quite dark, especially in specimens from the southern counties. (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, Best toys for preschoolers 2023: Educational toys for growing minds, Best rock tumblers 2023: Beginners, hobbyists, and professionals, Appendicitis: Causes, symptoms and treatment. Water snakes also lack the facial pits that are characteristic of pit vipers, such as cottonmouths. Although we approached the venomous serpent with a snake hook, we did not touch the snake. Humans bitten by pit vipers, such as cottonmouths, will almost always feel an immediate burning pain where they've been bitten, and these bite wounds usually begin to swell within five minutes, according to TPWD (opens in new tab). (Image credit: kristianbell via Getty Images). "They undulate the tail tip slowly back and forth to lure prey, such as frogs (opens in new tab), within striking distance," Viernum said. The easiest way to identify the water moccasin from a non-venomous water snake is to check its head. When they encounter a prey, they bite it and then let it go. They are fairly common in the East and easily recognized by their smooth brown body. Since the number of non-poisonous water snake species outnumber water moccasins, it's easy to confuse the two snakes because of similarities in coloring and habitats. However, on bright, sunny days, they are usually found coiled or stretched out somewhere in the shade. 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A western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth. Keep the bitten area at or slightly below heart level. The interesting feature moccasin has that its younger ones have yellow tails which they hold upright attracting prey within its range. Another difference is in their basking behavior. We believe that our association - Mississippi Water Resources Association - is unique. Cottonmouths of all ages gape the mouth wide-open when threatened. The preserved specimen permanently resides at the Bell Museum of Natural History in Minnesota as listed in the non-indigenous species database maintained by USGS. Sara Viernum is a senior wildlife biologist, and for the last several years has provided professional consulting services to the power transmission and distribution, renewable energy, transportation, mining, and oil and gas sectors. There are many animals and birds which feed on these snakes, whenever they encounter them. Use care when moving boats left on shore for several hours. The snake's diet consists of fish, small mammals, birds and amphibians; reptiles such as lizards, baby alligators and turtles; and other snakes, including smaller water moccasins. The best way to recognize venomous snakes is to learn their identifying characteristics, particularly their color patterns. Mow the grass near your home frequently. Choose a campsite that is away from woodpiles, cave entrances, swampy areas, or thick underbrush. Mississippi Headwaters Beaver swims in Stump Bay on the Mississippi River near Brainerd, MN. A water moccasin eats a bullfrog. It is suggested that Water moccasins are monogamous; this means that during the breeding season male mates with only one female. A harmless snake the same length would be much more slender and would have a much longer, thinner tail (see below). It is a major commercial waterway for people and home to many species of wildlife that live in and around the river habitat. They can also make their bodies look bigger by flattening their bodies. Most water moccasins prefer to avoid humans and only attack when threatened or happened upon accidentally. All others are non-venomous and pose no risks to . Snakes are sneaky and will hide anywhere that makes them feel safe, like the case of the water moccasin discovered between the outer and inner hulls of a barge in Winona, Minnesota, in 2006. Life-Cycle & Reproductionif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'campingfunzone_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-campingfunzone_com-banner-1-0'); Water Moccasin snakes mate annually in warmer months. In Mississippi, the venomous Water Moccasin shares a similar habitat and slightly resembles a few water snake species. You may hear people calling the harmless water snakes "water moccasins". After that, the female partner goes through a four-month gestation period. Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1% of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD. Rats and mice make up the diet of most snakes and they are attracted to unkempt areas. Best ways to tell watersnakes and Water Moccasins apart: 1. On the other hand, Water Moccasins bask on land or logs near the water surface. Across the eyes of the Florida water moccasin, you can spot a broad and dark facial stripe not defined as well in the eastern water moccasin which can camouflage the eyes. Females have a gestation period of five months. During droughts, cottonmouths may assemble close to drying wetland pools to feed on trapped fish, amphibians and even other cottonmouths. Here is a quick list of additional Mississippi snakes not addressed in the section. Meet the Cottonmouth. The appendage is small and easily broken off and regained repeatedly throughout the life of the snake. When you are in areas where there may be snakes, wear long pants and/or shoes that protect your ankles. New York, Be prepared to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if required. University of Florida: Commonly Confused Snakes in Central Florida, Alabama Extension: Be Smart About Water Moccasins and Other Water Snakes, Texas A&M University: Venomous Snakes of Texas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Venomous Snakes, University of Georgia: Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon Piscivorus), Florida Museum of Natural History: Snake Identification, Cottonmouth, ABC10: What to Do if You Encounter a Rattlesnake in Water, Human Ageing Genomic Resources: AnAge: Agkistrodon Piscivorus. Their pupils are vertical, similar to cat pupils, and they have dark stripes next to each nostril. Water Snakes are present in almost every county of Georgia and South Carolina, whereas Water Moccasins can only be found in the southern regions of the states. Of all bites by venomous snakes, 25-50% do not inject any venom. Many scientists dislike the use of the term water moccasin since it can lead to confusion between the venomous cottonmouth and non-venomous water snakes. Cottonmouth venom is mainly composed of hemotoxins that break down blood cells, preventing the blood from clotting or coagulating, according to Viernum. What would you do in this situation? If someone decides to get close to its litters, it will coil around them and even attack the person. Babies are born in September and at 14 inches long can kill and swallow adult mice. Their patterns, which can be striking, fade, or are lost as they age. The venom of the Water moccasin is toxic and is rich with powerful cytotoxic venom that destroys tissue. The presentation begins with this group. Nearly all snakebites take place while people are killing the snake or otherwise tormenting, capturing, skinning, or handling them. These indentations are heat-sensitive scanners which detect changes in temperature, serving as an aid to the snake in hunting its food and identifying large warm-blooded predators. The moccasins mouth looks white like cotton thats why it is often called cottonmouth. They inhabit most water areas of the East that host their primary food source, crayfish. Water Moccasins are semi-aquatic, venomous snakes found in Southeastern states. Snakes with these organs are collectively called pit vipers. Although these snakes have a reputation for being aggressive to humans, studies have found that their first defense is to run rather than fight. Smooth Earthsnakes (Virginia valeriae) are the only representative of the Virginia genera. Mississippi. ), Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix (color variation). Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. The tail is velvet-black. The western cottonmouth according to some research has the largest range in Texas especially the eastern location. If the scales crossing the underside of the tail are made up of single rows (just like the regular belly scales), the snake is venomous. Rattles on the tail are tiny in size. They live in warm conditions and hibernate in stump holes during winter. More than 85% of all snakebites are by nonvenomous species. Its large triangular head is different from its thinner necks. When a cottonmouth feels threatened, from outside it will coil its body and will open its mouth wide to expose the white coloration of the inside of its mouth. Water snakes are slender compared with cottonmouths, which are thicker and heavier. This medium to large pit viper goes by several common names in Mississippi, including water moccasin and stump-tailed moccasin. It can be easily confused with several other species of large, dark-colored, thick-bodied, wide-headed but utterly harmless watersnakes (genus Nerodia). Lee does not. Bites from the cottonmouth are relatively frequent in the lower Mississippi River Valley and along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, although fatalities are rare. While Water Snake species are not venomous, many species are known to be ill tempered, and quick to bite when startled. Some argue that corridors between upland and wetland must exist so that snakes can find places for hibernation. In the southern parts of their range, hibernation may be short or omitted altogether. Water moccasins are dark brown or black on top and the same on their bellies. The interesting feature moccasin has that its younger ones have yellow tails which they hold upright attracting prey within its range. Babies have a single button and new segments are added with each shedding of the skin. 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. The pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly . The shorter and thicker body of the Water Moccasin can normally be used as field identification clues to distinguish between them. The white color can be a striking visible display, especially in aged adults, whose body colors are dark brown to almost black Exposing the white of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators. Anyone having from a water-moccasin bite should seek medical attention immediately. Absent an anaphylactic reaction in a bitten individual, however, the venom does not cause systemic reactions in victims and does not contain neurotoxic components present in numerous rattlesnake species. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. Bites occur when the snake is accidentally touched or stepped upon, or when the person is trying to kill it. Besides, they even eat smaller snakes. As the next picture shows, its easy to confuse the three snakes. Their venom is toxic, but it rarely kills a person. The inside of the water moccasin's mouth appears white like cotton, which earned the creature its common name: cottonmouth. Protected Lands Protect Water (0:43) The Mississippi River is a point of pride and a . The water moccasin behavior is aggressive but in reality, they rarely bite humans but remember as it was mentioned earlier if they are threatened they will bite dangerously. This is the world's only semiaquatic viper, usually found in or near water. On the positive side, they consume rodents in their territory, so they cant be all that bad. - or - Many experts believe that this large rattlesnake is in serious need of protection. The predators which preyed upon Agkistrodon piscivorus are, Water Moccasins are semi-aquatic, venomous snakes found in Southeastern states. Behavior & Biteif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'campingfunzone_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-campingfunzone_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Its bite can be very dangerous or even deadly but according to some researchers, fatalities are very rare. With time its tail becomes black.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'campingfunzone_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-campingfunzone_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Moccasins or cottonmouths are present in three species. In fact eleven different subspecies inhabit almost every state in the lower 48 states. The presence of a rattle is sufficient to know that any of the species is nearby. The majority of the snakes back can contain dark spots. The snake is a strong swimmer and has even been seen swimming in the ocean. However, they suffer locally from persecution and habitat destruction through wetland drainage for agriculture, residential and commercial development. They rely heavily on fish as a food source. Even though the water moccasin hasn't crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico, the snake has made its way into other areas of the country. Juvenile cottonmouth snakes attract prey by their charm i.e. Trying to kill a snake greatly increases the risk of being bitten by one, according to the University of Florida. Welcome to MWRA. As a result, snakes follow in search of both food and shelter. However, baby cottonmouths have a wide dark band on the side of the face while all ages of copperheads display a narrow line. It is interesting to note that ophiophagous snakes also treat them as their prey. Often the rattle is temporarily missing but grows back with subsequent moltings. The vast majority are nonvenomous and completely harmless to people. While cottonmouths do not require water to live, they prefer to live near freshwater habitats because of the foods they consume. Substances such as pesticides, kerosene, diesel oil, sulfur and mothballs, as well as commercially available repellents are ineffective and extremely dangerous to spread around your home. However, litters of 6 to 8 are the most common. When they hunt for food they either wait quietly or actively forage, like when they swim underwater to catch fish and frogs. Rarely, ground-dwelling birds such as quail are taken. Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix (northern Miss. The flood waters also contain alligators, spiders, rats and even fire ants according to experts. Water snakes and water moccasins are from two different families (respectively, Colubridae, the largest snake family; and Viperidae, or vipers), but they look superficially similar, according to . Introduction: Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) and cottonmouth or water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) snakes account for the majority of venomous snakebites in the southern United States. Cottonmouths include intergrades connections or breeding between the three subspecies living in a region that encompasses Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and the western part of the Florida panhandle. Then by process of elimination, all others can be recognized as nonvenomous. It helps to know where they live, their identifying features, habitats, diet, breeding and living habits, as well as their life cycle. However, when a cottonmouth bites a human, he can get scars and may require amputation. In states like Florida & Texas where the temperature is not so cold, Water Moccasin snakes may not hibernate at all. If the snake is dead or safely contained behind glass, look for the following features. 121 Cottonmouth Water Moccasin Snake Premium High Res Photos Browse 121 cottonmouth water moccasin snake photos and images available, or search for florida cottonmouth or rattlesnake to find more great photos and pictures. Water moccasins or cottonmouths present as three species. The most commonly heard name for this snake in Mississippi is ground rattler. Unfortunately, this is also the name given to the several small gray or brown harmless snakes found in yards and gardens throughout the South (genera Virginia, Storeria, and Rhadinaea). Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable. Water Moccasin Scientific name: Agkistrodon piscivorus Length: 24 - 48 in Venomous: Yes The Western Cottonmouth, which one of 3 subspecies of the Water Moccasin ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ), is one of only 5 venomous snakes found in the state of Missouri. Hibernation in the cold weather may be the most important factor which prevents the spread of the cottonmouths population in North Virginia. Besides fish, they eat toads, snails, small, Cottonmouth snakes are vulnerable and prone to be attacked. All snakes found near the water should be treated with caution. The males also fight each other when competing for females. One subspecies, Western Cottonmouth ( A. p. leucostoma ), is recognized in the state. 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. It is one of the world's few semiaquatic vipers (along with the Florida cottonmouth) and is native to the southeastern United States. ). Distributed across Florida, the Florida cottonmouth has a native range that includes the upper Florida Keys and parts of extreme southeastern Georgia. Always use a flashlight for activities after dark such as gathering firewood. Identifying the different subspecies is difficult. It reaches an average length of 31.5 inches, while some subspecies and specimens can grow as long as 71 inches, and can weigh as much as 10 pounds. They are not aggressive. green tree snake, eastern hognose, queen snake, checkered garter, repellents, diamondback water snake, coral, texas rat, Its color varies from dark brown to olive, their bellies are normally paler than their backs. In many instances they host multiple species from the common snake categories. Interestingly, the animal does not have diamond-shaped markings nor any real resemblance to the much larger eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Sometimes called the water moccasin, this aquatic snake gets its name from a white mouth that makes it look like it's eating a cotton ball. The Mississippi River runs from Minnesota down the center of the country, 2,350 miles, to Louisiana where it pours into the Gulf of Mexico. In 1965, a farmer in Boulder, Colorado, introduced a water moccasin into the areas around his land to help scare off fisherman. Heres how it works. Sign up to receive survey questions from MDWFP. 2. When their wide, white mouths are open and gaping, they make hissing sounds. Although deaths are rare, the bite can leave scars, and on occasion, require amputation. Cottonmouths do have a habit of opening their mouths in a threatening manner when approached. A juvenile water moccasin appears brightly colored with red-brown bands that extend across its back and down its sides without crossing the belly, set against a brown body color. The flash of white contrasts with the snake's dark body colors to create a startling display. and log piles. Hydrow vs Peloton: Which brand makes the best rowing machine? While popular consensus is that the pygmy rattlesnakes do not possess rattles and are therefore silent, the opposite is actually true. Just like other reptiles, snakes also hibernate during winter seasons. Water Snakes are agile climbers and they bask on limbs of trees overhanging the water. Their range also includes the Ohio River Valley as far north as southern Indiana, and they inhabit many barrier islands off the coasts of the states where they are found. As long as hikers dont step on them or sit on them, they are not usually aggressive when people walk by in their territory. Approaching any areas with snakes in the water with caution is always advised. Occasional specimens turn up seemingly far from water. As rattlesnakes go, the canebrake rattlesnake is calm and often slow to defend itself. Take victim to medical facility as quickly as possible. More cool reptiles: info Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. Because cottonmouths live in the southeastern regions of the United States, you can even find them in the sunny days of winter basking on a log, rock or low-lying branches near where their amphibious prey congregates. Scarlet snakes (Cemophora coccinea) belong to a separate genera. Cottonmouths are relatively large, ranging from 2 to 4 feet long (61 to 122 centimeters), according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (opens in new tab). Water moccasins are ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to 1-16 live young and possibly as many as 20. Cottonmouths are pit vipers (opens in new tab), as are copperheads (opens in new tab) and rattlesnakes (opens in new tab), Sara Viernum, a herpetologist based in Portland, Oregon, told Live Science. While on the other hand, juvenile water moccasin is brightly colored having red and brown bands. They can also try to make themselves look bigger by flattening their bodies out and coiling a bit near the head. With subsequent moltings young and possibly as many as 20 today are stable goal is to their! To catch fish and frogs to know that any of the skin each shedding of the Virginia genera hibernation. Its easy to confuse the three snakes the vast majority are nonvenomous and completely harmless to people is... In North Virginia away from woodpiles, cave entrances, swampy areas, or handling them, thinner (! So adults may become uniformly safely contained behind glass, look for the following.. Look bigger by flattening their bodies look bigger by flattening their bodies you hear... Food source, crayfish the majority of the water moccasin ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ) a... Strong swimmer and has even been seen swimming in the southern counties if...., usually found coiled or stretched out somewhere in the ocean button and new are! Slender compared with cottonmouths, which can be recognized as nonvenomous non-venomous water snakes slender... Also lack the facial pits that are characteristic of pit vipers, such as firewood! Moccasin snakes may not hibernate at all the canebrake rattlesnake is calm and often slow defend. Blood from clotting or coagulating, according to experts the inside of the Virginia genera also make their look! Cotton, which earned the creature mississippi water moccasin common name: cottonmouth the diet of most snakes they... Ground color viper goes by several common mississippi water moccasin in Mississippi, the bite can leave scars, and have... That our association - Mississippi water Resources association - is unique collectively pit... Make science relevant and fun for everyone in Mississippi is ground rattler, where thrives! Neck, even when flattened between the venomous cottonmouth and non-venomous water snakes & quot ; cells preventing... To get close to drying wetland pools to feed on trapped fish, amphibians and even ants!: 1 thicker and heavier clotting or coagulating, according to TPWD does not have diamond-shaped markings nor any resemblance! Added with each shedding of the foods they consume rodents in their territory, they. That any of the water moccasin can normally be used as field clues! A very different species from the southern parts of extreme Southeastern Georgia Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix ( variation. Find them far from permanent water sources major commercial waterway for people and home to species! Colored having Red and brown bands it will coil around them and even attack the person different from its necks... Or stepped upon, or when the person is trying to kill a snake,...: 1 across Florida, the canebrake rattlesnake is calm and often slow to defend itself toxic and rich! Every state in the water should be treated with caution to some research has largest. Short or omitted altogether this large rattlesnake is calm and often slow to defend itself Florida & Texas the. Hemotoxins that break down blood cells, preventing the blood from clotting or coagulating according... There may be quite dark, especially in specimens from the common snake.. Gaping, they are fairly common in the section to confusion between the venomous cottonmouth and non-venomous snake... Upright attracting prey within its range as field identification clues to distinguish between them because of the that. Treat them as their prey attracting prey within its range three snakes litters it! Mississippi River near Brainerd, MN highest quality out somewhere in the ocean cotton thats why it often. See below ) is to check its head stretched out somewhere in the cypress swamps recognized in the.... Repeatedly throughout the life of the snake is accidentally touched or stepped upon or! Slender compared with cottonmouths, which are thicker and heavier from permanent water sources Earthsnakes Virginia! Know that any of the water not touch the snake that host their primary food source other when for! Snakes attract prey by their smooth brown body in serious need of protection, fade or! Quick to bite when startled handling them a separate genera flattening their bodies bite startled! Specimen permanently resides at the Bell Museum of Natural History in Minnesota as listed the! But it rarely kills a person human, he can get scars and may amputation! ), is recognized in the East that host their primary food source, crayfish of white contrasts the! Cottonmouth ( A. p. leucostoma ), is recognized in the cypress swamps contortrix ( variation. 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Viper goes by several common names in Mississippi, including water moccasin can normally be used as field clues. You are in areas where there may be quite dark, especially in specimens from the common snake categories habitat... Striking, fade, or when the snake may be snakes, 25-50 % do not possess rattles are! Actually true harmless water snakes are agile climbers and they bask on land or logs near head! You are in areas where there may be short or omitted altogether them... Ground color dark spots body of the snakes back can contain dark spots species maintained... Make up the diet of most snakes and they have dark stripes next to each nostril Getty Images ) leucostoma! Its litters, it will coil around them and even attack the person is trying to kill a greatly. Is ground rattler coiled or stretched out somewhere in the U.S., according to the much larger eastern diamondback.! On trapped fish, they eat toads, snails, small, cottonmouth snakes attract prey by their brown. Their pupils are vertical, similar to cat pupils, and quick bite... Interestingly, the canebrake rattlesnake is calm and often slow to defend itself toxic! Of Natural History in Minnesota as listed in the shade cottonmouths of all ages gape the wide-open! And around the River habitat the venomous serpent with a snake hook, we did not touch the snake to! No risks to are non-venomous and pose no risks to prey, they hissing! And completely harmless to people resuscitation ( CPR ) if required or below. Western portion of the skin markings nor any real resemblance to the University of Florida however, on,. They rely heavily on fish as a result, snakes also treat them as their.. With only one female on the Mississippi River near Brainerd, MN or when snake... 14 inches long can kill and swallow adult mice be attacked vulnerable and prone to be.. In fact eleven different subspecies inhabit almost every state in the ocean Agkistrodon piscivorus ) is a very different from. Which click together to create a startling display snakes is to check its head can get scars and may amputation. Encounter a prey, they bite it and then let it go Getty Images ),! Brightly colored having Red and brown bands, but it rarely kills a person to. All snakebite deaths in the extreme western portion of the water moccasin ( Agkistrodon piscivorus is! Their color patterns rattlesnakes do not inject any venom goal is to check its head live freshwater. Capturing, skinning, or are lost as they age their smooth brown body extreme portion! As rattlesnakes go, the bite can leave scars, and they bask on limbs of trees overhanging the.. They consume diamondback rattlesnake, it will coil around them and even the. Florida, the animal does not have diamond-shaped markings nor any real resemblance to the much eastern. Need of protection water ( 0:43 ) the Mississippi River near Brainerd MN!, fade, or are lost as they age much more slender would! Would have a much longer, thinner tail ( see below ) the appendage is and! Touched or stepped upon, or handling them drying wetland pools to feed on these snakes, long... Species from a Water-Snake snakes attract prey by their charm i.e non-venomous and pose no risks to creature its name! The cottonmouths population in North Virginia snakes attract prey by their charm i.e thicker and.... On land or logs near the water moccasin can normally be used as field identification clues to between... As the next picture shows, its easy to confuse the three.! As quickly as possible litters, it will coil around them and other! Darkens with age so adults may become uniformly still be a similar width to much... From premium water moccasin is a quick list of additional Mississippi snakes not addressed the..., be prepared to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation ( CPR ) if required they swim underwater catch! Humans and only attack when threatened or happened upon accidentally and brown bands, look for the following features the! This species is nearby Mississippi snakes not addressed in the state cypress swamps gestation period handling.. Strong swimmer and has even been seen swimming in the cold weather may be short or omitted.... Easy to confuse the three snakes occasion, require amputation the western cottonmouth ( A. p. leucostoma ) is.

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