Water Moccasin

Agkistrodon piscivorus

Geographical Locale

• Found mainly in the southeastern states, including very southern Virginia to Florida and east to eastern Texas

Appearance

• Roughly 2 ft. 8" long.
• Large body.
• The back is dark olive or black, the belly is paler.
• Body has crossbands with a distinct border extending all the way around and across the stomach.
• Triangular head with slit-shaped pupils and fangs.
• Has a white lining in its mouth, hence often called ‘Cotton Mouth’.

Venom

• •Hemotoxic, destroying tissue, degenerating organs and causing disrupted blood clotting.

The Bite

• Extremely painful.
• Not usually aggressive, will not attack unless feel threatened.

Lifecycle

• Breed in Spring and Fall.
• Gestation period can be 3-4 months
• Produce a litter of up to 12 young.
• The young are born live.
• Hibernate over Winter along hillsides above streams.

Habits

• Location - Water Moccasins are semi-aquatic. Spend most of their time close to permanent water sources.
• Visibility - Primarily active at night, but they bask in the sun during the day, often on branches overhanging the water.
• Feeding - fish, frogs, lizards, birds, small mammals, and other snakes.