What is the other common name for a Cottonmouth?

Also known as the water moccasin, the cottonmouth derives its common name from the white color of the inside of its mouth, which is revealed when the snake gapes to defend itself. Two species of the genus Agkistrodon occur in the United States, the cottonmouth and the copperhead (A. contortrix).

1. What are other names for the cottonmouth snake?
2. What is a water moccasin nickname?
3. Are Copperheads the same as cottonmouth?
4. What's the difference between a cottonmouth and a water moccasin?
5. Are Copperheads water moccasins?
6. Why is the snake called cottonmouth?
7. What color is a water snake?
8. Will a cottonmouth chase you?
9. Is a cottonmouth a pit viper?
10. Which is worse cottonmouth or copperhead?
11. Are cottonmouths more aggressive than Copperheads?
12. Which snake bite kills fastest?
13. Why are water moccasins called water moccasins?
14. Where are Copperheads found?

What are other names for the cottonmouth snake?

Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) - Venomous. Description: Cottonmouths are venomous semi-aquatic snakes often referred to as “water moccasins.” They have large, triangular heads with a dark line through the eye, elliptical pupils, and large jowls due to the venom glands.

What is a water moccasin nickname?

Common names include variants on cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, and simply viper. Many of the common names refer to the threat display, in which this species will often stand its ground and gape at an intruder, exposing the white lining of its mouth.

Are Copperheads the same as cottonmouth?

Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are members of the same genus, which means they are closely related species, and have even been known to mate and produce hybrid babies in captivity.

What's the difference between a cottonmouth and a water moccasin?

Water moccasins have vertical, “cat-eye” pupils, and dark stripes extend out near each nostril. The snout is pale in comparison with the rest of the head. Cottonmouth snakes have triangular heads, thin necks, and “cat-eye” pupils.

Are Copperheads water moccasins?

Water moccasins (cottonmouths), radiated rat snakes, Australian copperheads and sharp-nosed pit vipers are all sometimes called copperheads, but these are different species from the North American copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Copperheads are pit vipers, like rattlesnakes and water moccasins.

Why is the snake called cottonmouth?

The cottonmouth snake, Agkistrodon piscivorus gets its name because when it opens its mouth the interior is white like cotton. It's also called the water moccasin or water viper. It is a highly venomous snake and can be aggressive, so it needs to be removed by a professional when found inside the home.

What color is a water snake?

Water snake characteristics

The markings and coloration of water snakes vary somewhat from species to species, but for the most part they are brown, gray, olive green or reddish with dark splotches or bands on their backs. Sometimes they look solid brown or black when wet.

Will a cottonmouth chase you?

If you see a cottonmouth in the wild, be calm and realize that you are much larger than it, and it perceives you as a potential predator that has invaded its space. Cottonmouths are not out to get you, are not aggressive, will not chase you, and ultimately would like to be left alone.

Is a cottonmouth a pit viper?

The cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a semi-aquatic pit viper found throughout the southeastern United States and into east Texas. Cottonmouth snakes are part of the Crotalinae family of pit vipers which includes rattlesnakes and copperheads.

Which is worse cottonmouth or copperhead?

The cottonmouth (also known as the water moccasin) bite is much more dangerous and harmful to humans than the bite of the closely related copperhead, but rarely leads to death. ... In addition to being larger, the cottonmouth has a slightly more powerful venom, but is still rarely lethal to humans.

Are cottonmouths more aggressive than Copperheads?

Copperhead bites usually don't kill people but can prove fatal to smaller mammals such as dogs. Unlike cottonmouths, copperheads strike out at once if they perceive a threat. ... Water moccasins are less aggressive, usually attacking only if provoked.

Which snake bite kills fastest?

The black mamba, for example, injects up to 12 times the lethal dose for humans in each bite and may bite as many as 12 times in a single attack. This mamba has the fastest-acting venom of any snake, but humans are much larger than its usual prey so it still takes 20 minutes for you to die.

Why are water moccasins called water moccasins?

They're called cottonmouths because of the white coloration on the inside of their mouths, which they display when threatened. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land.

Where are Copperheads found?

It is found in northern Georgia and Alabama, north to Massachusetts and west to Illinois. Copperheads live in a range of habitats, from terrestrial to semiaquatic, including rocky, forested hillsides and wetlands.