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 their elongated snouts. below)
- Including the united states
- Mexico
- The caribbean
- Australia
- New zealand
- South africa
- India
- China
- Japan
- Korea
- Taiwan
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Brunei darussalam
- Fiji
- Solomon islands
- Tonga
- Samoa
- Micronesia
- Kiribati
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- They are found in tropical
- Subtropical regions of the world
- Central
- South america
- Nauru
- New caledonia
Papua New Guinea
Males can reach up to 2.5 m (8 ft) in length.
Table of Contents
Why are cottonmouths 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 are comfortable both swimming in water and basking in the sun.
How poisonous is a water moccasin?
Water moccasin bites have potent venom that can kill animals and humans alike. These bites can cause damage to the body, including internal bleeding, loss of an appendage, and intense pain in the bite site. Cottonmouth’s venom can cause swelling and cell death. Cottonmouths are found throughout the world, but are most common in tropical and subtropical regions.
Which is deadlier 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, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cottonmouths are found throughout the United States, but they are most common in the Southeast.
Can a water moccasin bite you underwater?
Not only can snakes bite underwater, but water moccasins join a list of more than 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States making them one of the most dangerous animals to be bitten by.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), snakes can be found in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
In addition to being poisonous, snakes are also known to carry diseases such as envenomation, which can lead to paralysis and death.
What three states have no snakes?
Alaska one of two states to be snake-free, the other being Hawaii. The state is home to more than 1,000 species of snakes, most of which are venomous, including rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and black-footed ferrets.
What’s the most poisonous snake on earth?
The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is considered the most venomous snake in the world with a murine LD 50 value of up to 1,000 mg/kg body weight. It is also one of the few species of snake that can be found in both temperate and tropical regions. Taipans are found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States.
They are most abundant in tropical rainforests, but are also found as far north as central Mexico. In addition to rainforest, they also occur in savannas, grasslands, woodlands and deserts. The most common habitat for the snake is the forest floor, although they have been known to occur on the ground as well. Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and other invertebrates.
Do water moccasins swim above or below water?
Occur in aquatic habitats throughout GA and SC; bask in limbs overhanging water; typically swim below the water surface; if banded, have bands that are widest on top and narrow on the sides; have round eye pupils; and have a double row of eyes on each side of the head. Found throughout the state, especially along the coast and in coastal marshes and estuaries.
How painful is a water moccasin bite?
Severe, immediate pain with rapid swelling is one of the symptoms of a cottonmouth bite. The color of the skin can be changed. It can be difficult or rapid breathing. If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.
