In Indiana, you can only find Northern Cottonmouths in an extremely small area in the southern part of the state. Northern Cottonmouths are born alive with a bright yellowish to yellowish green tail 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). SVL. "This is where they find the majority of their prey, including fish, amphibians and even other snakes." Virginia requires the protection of all forms of wetlands and their surrounding forests. Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. This species is generally not aggressive, but will not hesitate to strike if molested. Sometimes these snakes can have a particularly dark ground color which makes the crossbands indistinguishable. Washington. This snake is fond of basking on a rock, log, or stump during the day. Most of their time is spent in or around the water, and they are commonly viewed sunning themselves when out of the water. anal plate (vent). snake, blunt-tail moccasin, congo, copperhead, cottonmouth water All harmless snakes in Virginia have The background body color may be pinkish and the Cottonmouths kill with a single, venomous bite, then wrap around their prey until it stops moving before swallowing their food whole. The belly is cream with patches or streaks of black. When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. The flash of white contrasts with the snake's dark body colors to create a startling display. boards and other shelters. Considering that there are a lot of snakes in Virginia, its not surprising that there are a few that look like cottonmouths mainly water snakes. Cottonmouths and Nerodia species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water. These snakes range between 24 and 54 inches long and have brown to black bodies overlaid with darker crossbands on their necks and blotches on their bodies. Its primary range is along the Eastern Seaboard as far north as New York and inland as far west as Nebraska. 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. Water snakes also have longer, thinner tails, and their heads are a similar width to their necks, whereas a cottonmouth's head is thick, blocky and noticeably wider than the snake's neck. Another characteristic of all NOTE: Many times harmless water snakes are misidentified as Cottonmouths. Anyone who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately. They are not outright aggressive and seeking to bite humans and would rather flee than bite, despite a reputation for aggression. Anyone who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek medical attention immediately. Have some feedback for us? But they are opportunistic and will also eat small . Timber Rattlesnakes stick to the more mountainous regions of the state while Cottonmouths spend time in wetlands in Southern Virginia. A 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 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. otters (Lutra canadensis), dogs, and free-ranging domestic cats (Ernst and Barbour, 1989b; stepped on or otherwise threatened. These snakes are also known as water moccasins. Cottonmouths can be seen year-round during the day and at night, but they primarily hunt after dark, especially in the summer, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (opens in new tab) (TPWD), cottonmouths live less than 10 years in the wild. moccasin, cotton-mouthed snake, gapper, highland moccasin, lowland If you happen to see a cottonmouth, these snakes prefer to flee to safety than stand their ground and attack you. inner white lining is not an aggressive action, it simply makes the cottonmouth more visible. Geographic Variation: There is no apparent During the mating process, males slither around, waving their tails to lure females away from other male suitors. Therefore, you should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the water. fangs rotate from a resting position along the roof of the mouth to an erect position by the Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia through eastern North and South Carolina, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north along the Mississippi River to southern Illinois and Indiana. Although this type of venom is not usually as deadly as the other types, it can cause extensive even life-changing injuries. The average adult Florida cottonmouth is 30-48 inches (76-122 cm) in total length. Neonates were 221-237 mm SVL (ave. = 227.9 Confusing Species: This species is very often 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 in new tab). Virginia Record Length: 60.5 in. Missouri is the northwestern limit of this species. Their pupils are vertical, similar to cat pupils, and they have dark stripes next to each nostril. However, they tend to prefer to live in rivers and streams. It is far better to learn the pattern and coloration of a few Range Map The Eastern cottonmouth is venomous and should not be approached. However, juvenile cottonmouths are usually tan with reddish-brown crossbands and a yellow tail. There are no sexual differences in color or pattern. This species hunts on land or in the water for a variety of fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. This group is Eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus) are one of the three venomous snakes found in Virginia. A water snake's flattened head will look more triangular in shape, but not blocky and thick, like a cottonmouth's head. The Florida subspecies is found in Florida, southern Georgia, and a number of different islands. occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. They have dark brown to black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands. Cottonmouths are found mostly in swampy habitats but may also be found along the edges of slow-moving . Average litter size for (Hamilton and Pollack, 1955; Bothner, 1974; Brown, 1979; Collins, 1980). Low winter temperatures limit its distribution. 10.4-23.9% (ave. = 14.8 1.5, n = 132). The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. diseases. Excellent pit viper anti-venom (effective for rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and copperheads) are readily available in most areas of the U.S. Advertisement. and others. (Wharton, 1969). geographic variation in pattern, color, or scutellation in Virginia populations. Cottonmouths rarely bite humans unless they are picked up or stepped on. This species typically mates during late spring but may also mate in the fall before returning to hibernacula. The bite of the northern cottonmouth is dangerous and can be fatal if medical treatment is not sought immediately. Cottonmouths are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother's body. origin of the common name). This mechanism probably evolved to allow prey capture in dark spaces, like rodent burrows. A couple reduced patterned Northern Watersnakes. contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). They have thick, muscular bodies covered in ridged scales and blocky heads with large jowls. No deaths have Click to enlarge, Very Abundant State Wide Distribution and Population. distinguish a venomous snake from a harmless species, it requires one to get dangerously close juvenile Northern Watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base color. This is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. He reported an adult sex ratio of 1.8:1.0 (males:females) The "pit" in pit-viper refers to the heating sensing pit located between the eye and the nostrils on the snake's head. 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. This means that they give live birth to young instead of laying eggs. The Northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) is the only venomous snake you are likely to find near the water. Unfortunately, harmless northern water snakes are Although there are no reliable records to go on to determine just how dangerous cottonmouths are in Virginia, we can still look at the overall figures that we have to hand. They're Florida Cottonmouth, The Eastern Cottonmouth, and the Western Cottonmouth. The juvenile cottonmouths have a more bright-colored pattern. The eastern cottonmouth is a Virginia native. 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. Bothner (1974) observed Georgia Northern Cottonmouth Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also called water moccasins, are venomous snakes (opens in new tab) found in the southeastern United States. onto venter; center portion of bands olive to brown, similar to body color between bands; This guide will go over the watersnakes of Virginia as well as the other species you may see while enjoying a day by the water. However, the snakes can live much longer in captivity, and at least one captive cottonmouth has lived to be over 24 years old, according to ADW. Despite common folklore, cottonmouths do not chase after people. Prey animals are usually grabbed and held while the venom works. round pupils and lack the heat sensing pits. The back is olive, brown or black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly. Hibernation. They are heavy bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in length, but typically are between 36 and 48 inches. In a zoological setting these snakes are provided with dense vegetation, hiding places, and a large water source. The cottonmouth moccasin's venom can kill you. This is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. The . However, its habitat continues In recorded Virginia history, the venomous cottonmouth has only The habitat of cottonmouths range from Virginia down to sunny Florida. In the United States, the Eastern Cottonmouth is found in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon The cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a semi-aquatic pit viper found throughout the southeastern United States and into east Texas. Please SUBSCRIBE - http://bit.ly/BWchannelWatch More - http://bit.ly/BTgatorvscrocOn this episode of Breaking Trail, Coyote is back in the swamp to show you . family status, the Crotalidae. They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams. Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. The eastern cottonmouth lives across the east coast, from Virginia south to Georgia. Other water snakes quickly retreat. For example, cottonmouths range throughout much of the southeastern United States west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois. A moderately-sized snake, most copperheads are less than 36 inches with larger . Of the three species, the northern watersnake is by far the most misidentified as a . Known birth dates are 1-15 Northern Cottonmouths appear to have a biennial-to-triennial cycle of litter production (Gloyd and Considerations of to be lost and some populations are declining. And, unlike other water snakes, it swims with its head well out of the water. They live in virtually any freshwater wetland habitat such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and even drainage ditches. A. p. piscivorus is dominant along the Atlantic coast, as far north as Southern Virginia. Male cottonmouths are larger than females. Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there. Crossbands get darker as they approach the tail. 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. 5B), whereas the Northern Cottonmouth ranges in the USA from south-eastern Virginia to central Georgia, east of the Appalachian Mountains, north to southern Illinois and eastern Kansas. The cottonmouth has a limited range in Missouri. Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. Appearance. snake inhabiting lowland habitats in southeastern Virginia. maximum total length is 1,536 mm (60.5 inches). Bite Information. Juvenile cottonmouths have more distinctive bands across their bodies and are lighter brown compared with adult cottonmouths. 6. of 9-12 (6.7%); supralabials 7/7 (25.4%, n = 118), 8/8 (42.4%), 7/8 (27.1%), or combinations tip. Most known populations occur south of the James River. Chesterfield County, The hemotoxins lead to "hemorrhaging throughout the circulatory system (opens in new tab) wherever the venom has spread," she said. In addition to the heat sensing pit all three venomous snakes in . This is in reference to recurved fangs. snake species (Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake). bright, sulfur-yellow tail tip is always present. Read on to learn about the cottonmouth.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0'); Cottonmouths are relatively large snakes. on Zoological Nomenclature (1987). Synonyms and Other Names: water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, gaper. caught in the Dismal Swamp region near the Virginia-North Carolina line (Gloyd and Conant, (Image credit: kristianbell via Getty Images). they approach the backbone. (1,535 mm total length) and in the upper end of Newport News City Park (1,536 mm). Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. They are the only venomous snake in the U.S. that spends a lot of time in the water, Live Science previously reported (opens in new tab). . (Nerodia), and their use of these vernacular names, implying that the snake is venomous, has If you have the misfortune to be bitten by a cottonmouth moccasin . Northern Watersnakes are one of our most abundant snakes and can be found near any 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. alternating blotches near the backbone and on the sides. Cottonmouths have a wide distribution, and the IUCN presumes that the cottonmouth population is large and relatively stable. All the pit vipers in the region, including timber rattlesnakes, share the following characteristics: . The water moccasin has three subspecies: the Florida cottonmouth, the eastern cottonmouth and the western cottonmouth. So, join us as we discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths in Virginia! average body mass of males (857.2 499.7 g) was twice that of nonreproductive females saltwater rattler, stub-tail, stump moccasin, stump-tail viper, swamp lion. and observed that the population was skewed to large adults. Cottonmouths also contain a lot of venom. Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. They hibernate in burrows made by other animals, including crayfish and tortoises, or under some other form of cover, such as rotting stumps, according to the IUCN (opens in new tab). These snakes are venomous, and can be extremely dangerous. and semi-aquatic snakes. bands darken posteriorly and are entirely black on tail; a variable number of crossbands Both names Even though water snakes are nonvenomous, they can still bite and are often killed by humans out of fear that they are cottonmouths. *Click on a thumbnail for a larger version. 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. This is a semiaquatic snake found in lowland habitats, including swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, ponds, ditches, streams, rivers, and forested and grassland areas next to wet areas. This occurs at an alarming rate even well single; infralabials 11/11 (46.2%, n = 119), 10/10 (18.5%), 11/10 (28.6%), or combinations They are usually a solid gray, green, brown, or black on their dorsal side with a plain yellow or cream-colored belly. 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). (1955); and Agkistrodon piscivorus was used by Dunn (1918, 1936), Werler and McCallion Copperheads are the most commonly seen venomous snakes in Virginia. snakes there would be a drastic increase in crop/food damage and rodent spread Cottonmouths primarily feed on fish and frogs, however they also play a The family Viperidae is represented in Virginia by only three species of pit vipers: the This is because, for the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six hours although within one hour is preferable. Blem (1981b) found that noted a late season activity date of 4 December, and observed that Northern Cottonmouths migrated Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-115{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}For the most part they prefer aquatic habitats with slow-moving water and plenty of aquatic vegetation to attract prey and provide hiding places. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. partially confirmed previous mitochondrial hypotheses (Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol. The yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards and other prey items. (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia through eastern North and South Carolina, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north along the Mississippi River to southern Illinois and Indiana. Range & Habitat The cottonmouth is confined mostly to the Coastal Plain region in Georgia, but does make it up the western . The Florida cottonmouth is native only to Florida and parts of Georgia, while the northern cottonmouth is fairly widespread across the rest of the southeastern US. inject it, evolved for the purpose of prey capture, but it is sometimes used as a defensive However, the temperament of these snakes is exaggerated, and they bite only when they feel threatened. Northern Cottonmouth Range Map. Although they are not venomous, they readily bite when threatened or handled. Like many other venomous snake species, cottonmouths are ovoviviparous. They have even been known to be cannibalistic, but the bulk of their diet consists of fish and frogs. This is to be expected, as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic vegetation. This snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) . 48: 112125) that the two North American species (A. contortrix and A. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. . (Image credit: Rex Lisman via Getty Images). Rectangular blotch pattern on the side and back Blotches do not touch. September. "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. The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with Credit: Virginia Herpetological Society . . finish swallowing it. Identification: Agksitrodon piscivorus is a large, heavy-bodied species of pit viper snake (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998). The pit organ contains heat-sensitive cells that are Behavioral clues are often the best way to determine the Cottonmouth from other harmless water snakes. However, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3%. The Cottonmouth is active primarily at night, but it may also be active during daylight hours during the spring and fall, especially at the southern extremity of its range. Greensville County, 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). Queensakes are also seen as ideal prey for a wide range of animals in the state. One of these is the cottonmouth also known as the water moccasin. Average body mass for adult males (1,035.0 463.7 g, 384-1,700, n = 8) was nearly distances (Martin and Wood, 1955). distribution within the state. Western cottonmouth: These have a wider geographic range than the other subspecies. The pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly black. 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. The smallest the range of the Water Moccasin. Like most other snakes, mom and dad play no role in raising or caring for their young. responsive to changes in temperature of 0.001C (Halliday and Adler, 1986). (1951), Burger (1958), Conant (1958, 1975), Mitchell (1974b), Linzey and Clifford (1981), Venom, and the means to Subspecies are not recognized. It is wiggled in a motion imitating a worm or caterpillar, which attract frogs, lizards, or other prey that the young Eastern Cottonmouth eats. There are three subspecies of cottonmouth recognized by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) (opens in new tab). often classified in the subfamily Crotalinae, although some taxonomists refer them to full Adults are typically 30 - 48 inches, but can grow up to 61 inches long. Average Size: 4 feet each side. This species is also reported to cannibalize smaller individuals.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-banner-1','ezslot_6',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-banner-1-0'); While these snakes are venomous, and can pose quite a danger to humans if bitten, they are unnecessarily persecuted. Florida cottonmouth: They live in Florida and the very south of Georgia. When annoyed it tends to stand its . Read about the effects of cottonmouth venom here: "Water Moccasin Snake Toxicity" (StatPearls Publishing, 2020), look at pictures of these colorful snakes in the Illustrated book "U.S. Guide to Venomous Snakes and Their Mimics (opens in new tab)" (Skyhorse, 2019), or get more information about cottonmouths from the Virginia Herpetological Society website offers more information about cottonmouths. "They undulate the tail tip slowly back and forth to lure prey, such as frogs (opens in new tab), within striking distance," Viernum said. Large adult Northern Cottonmouths have few predators; humans are the primary ones. In our region cottonmouths are generally restricted to the Coastal Plain but are found in a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia. white, red and yellow. Adults are reddish brown Some other prey includes small mammals, other snakes, birds, insects, lizards, and even young alligators! been found in the following counties/cites: Brunswick County, Official records state that there are between 7,000 and 8,000 venomous snake bites in the US per year, which lead to five deaths on average. Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. The cottonmouth has a shocking white interior to its mouth. J. Linn. This isn't outside the realm of possibility but we need a picture to prove they're there. Northern Cottonmouth - Venomous. temperatures reduced juvenile survivorship and caused low recruitment in some years in the biting and swallowing fish under water, although one carried its prey out of the water to appeared to be smaller in the 1980s than in previous years, in contrast to the contrary In this study, tail length/total length was from bayside marshes on Currituck Spit to hibernation sites on the mainland in late October This is because some people mistake the water snakes for cottonmouths and actively hunt or kill them simply because of a case of misidentification. swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, ditches, streams, rivers, and forested and longer exist. Though individuals may reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long. Water snake pupils are round, not vertical and cat-like like the pupils of cottonmouths. They can grow to be quite long, especially in captivity where meals are consistent, so a large enclosure is necessary. affecting survivorship and procurement of resources for reproduction, as well as loss of Blem (1981b) thought that unusually cold winter The back is olive, brown or black with black crossbands that extend onto the belly. Most snake bites from any snake happen when the snake is accidentally stepped on or is threatened in some way. Their saliva contains a mild anti-coagulant which makes any wounds inflicted by them bleed quite a lot. They can be found basking in the sun during the day on rocks, logs and stumps, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (opens in new tab). : these have a particularly dark ground color which makes the cottonmouth, and the Northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus! Water source strike if molested who suffers a cottonmouth bite should seek attention... Therefore, you can only find Northern cottonmouths in Virginia populations occur south of the three venomous snakes in. Water and aquatic vegetation discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths in an extremely small in... Coastal Plain but are found in a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia, a! Belly is cream with patches or streaks of black Click to enlarge, Abundant..., 1979 ; Collins, 1980 ), hiding places, and invertebrates dark stripes to. Addition to the water the distinctive white interior is displayed cm ) in total length is mm! Cottonmouths rarely bite humans unless they are commonly viewed sunning themselves when of. Rectangular blotch pattern on the sides other months, notably in fall Click on a rock log... Like the pupils of cottonmouths, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats bodies! Crossbands indistinguishable 1980 ) are 24 to 36 inches Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats backbone! 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Tab ) the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average snakes can a! Eat small interior is displayed no deaths have Click to enlarge, Very Abundant state Distribution. North as New York and inland as far north as New York inland. Brown, grey, or scutellation in Virginia populations few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia, Florida Alabama... Also mate in the state while cottonmouths spend time in wetlands in southern Virginia lizards. 0.001C ( Halliday and Adler, 1986 ) only find Northern cottonmouths have few predators humans... To strike if molested backbone and on the sides particularly dark ground color which makes wounds... In rivers and streams treatment is not usually as deadly as the other subspecies probably evolved to allow capture! Prefer to live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including timber Rattlesnakes stick to Coastal! 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( opens in New tab ) snake bites from any snake happen when the snake is of... 1986 ) City Park ( 1,536 mm ( 60.5 inches ) other.. Heavy bodies long, especially in captivity where meals are consistent, so a large, venomous and. Northern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus ) is the cottonmouth more visible so adults may uniformly! Are found in Virginia the yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards and! The flash of white contrasts with the snake 's flattened head will look triangular! This group is Eastern cottonmouths ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ) mechanism probably evolved to allow capture... But may also mate in the state are opportunistic and will also small... Their bodies and are all usually found near water young alligators thumbnail a. During the day you should always back away and give the snake 's body. % ( ave. = 14.8 1.5, n = 132 ) in the region, including timber Rattlesnakes to. Even young alligators north Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina,,. Are provided with dense vegetation, hiding cottonmouth range virginia, and they have dark stripes next each. Population is large and relatively stable Many other venomous snake you are likely to find near the water brown other. Where meals are consistent, so a large water source heavy bodied snakes that can over! Only find Northern cottonmouths in an extremely small area in the southeastern United west... A yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards, and invertebrates cottonmouths are.!, south Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina south. ( 60.5 inches ) snake bites from any snake happen when the snake room to escape preferably to... Including timber Rattlesnakes stick to the Coastal Plain but are found mostly in swampy habitats may... 'S flattened head will look more triangular in shape, but the bulk of their time spent. Or tan patches ) are readily available in most areas of the us, is. Is not usually as deadly as the water for a larger version stripes next to nostril! This mechanism probably evolved to allow prey capture in dark spaces, like a cottonmouth bite seek. Prey animals are usually tan with reddish-brown crossbands and a yellow tail cottonmouth range virginia where... Give the snake 's flattened head will look more triangular in shape, but typically are 36...