SCIENTIFIC NAME:  Agkistrodon piscivorous

The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is a venomous nocturnal snake. It’s dangerous when annoyed and will stand its ground and gape at intruders, repeatedly exposing the light colored “cotton” lining of its mouth. This is how the snake gets its name. Cottonmouths can be aggressive and unlike their copperhead cousins, they will often stand their ground and use strong venom against an attacker. At times it will choose to swim away from danger. The cottonmouth is in a group of snakes known as pit vipers. Rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths are the three types of pit vipers in the U.S. The pit in the name refers to two heat sensitive pits located between the snake’s eyes and nostrils. These pits can sense the heat of an animal 10 feet away and can detect changes in temperature. The cottonmouth color scheme is generally dark above, with an olive, brown, or black color and a lighter/darker cross banding pattern on its sides. The cottonmouth has a heavy body with keeled scales. Non-venomous water snakes are often mistaken for cottonmouths. It’s unlike other water snakes in that it will swim with its head out of the water. It will bask during the day and is most active at night.