Intergrade species may make it harder to identify cottonmouths because of variations that occur in coloring and other characteristics. The quick and easy way to identify a water moccasin is to look for its wedge-shaped, blocky head (from above, as in a boat, you can't see its eyes), check for the heat-sensing slits beneath and between its eyes and nose, and note its olive, dark tan, dark brown or an almost black body, thick and python-like in its girth, especially in the middle before it tapers to a long, thin tip. The eastern cottonmouth ranges from the Carolinas and Georgia to southeastern Virginia. Water snakes also lack the facial pits that are characteristic of pit vipers, such as cottonmouths. Patrick Pester is a freelance writer and previously a staff writer at Live Science. Bites on humans are fairly common in the southern counties. Always use a flashlight for activities after dark such as gathering firewood. New York, The predators which preyed upon Agkistrodon piscivorus are turtles, American alligators, falcons, eagles, horned owls, loggerhead shrikes, red-shouldered hawks, and large wading birds like cranes, egrets, and herons. Young cottonmouth snakes have striking patterns that fade with age. Heres how it works. A western cottonmouth snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth. You may hear people calling the harmless water snakes "water moccasins". As the snake ages, the tail turns black. In many instances they host multiple species from the common snake categories. Water moccasins or cottonmouths present as three species. His background is in wildlife conservation and he has worked with endangered species around the world. Pit Vipers, the largest group of venomous snakes, consist of three general kinds of snakes: rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths. Eastern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus) is a very small and thin snake that inhabits forested areas in most parts of the Eastern United States. Dark spots run down the back of the snake, with one or two alternating rows down each side. Their venom contains strong proteolytic which can lead to a humans tissue destruction. The rattle consists of dry, interlocking segments which click together to create a sizzling sound. The white color can be a striking visible display, especially in aged adults, whose body colors are dark brown to almost black Exposing the white of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators. Anyone having from a water-moccasin bite should seek medical attention immediately. In the harmless mimic however, the two warning colors are never in contact. If the scales crossing the underside of the tail are made up of single rows (just like the regular belly scales), the snake is venomous. In states like Florida & Texas where the temperature is not so cold, Water Moccasin snakes may not hibernate at all. The Water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a species of venomous pit viper. The males also fight each other when competing for females. During the mating season, males perform a combat dance and also compete for access to females. Willi Lee stands inside his home which he wants to rebuild that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina May 25, 2006 in Pearlington, Mississippi. The water moccasin behavior is aggressive but in reality, they rarely bite humans but remember as it was mentioned earlier if they are threatened they will bite dangerously. Water snakes differ from water moccasins in that the water snakes immediately bolt when threatened, even going underwater. Many of their common names, including "cottonmouth" and "gaper", refer to this behavior. . Head shape can prove useful in some cases but is never 100 percent reliable in determining venomous vs. nonvenomous. Knowing the following characteristics of venomous snakes may be helpful. Remove all rings, bracelets or other constricting items. "In certain parts of the state, people use water moccasin to describe the non-venomous snakes," he said. While cottonmouths do not require water to live, they prefer to live near freshwater habitats because of the foods they consume. Behavior & Biteif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'campingfunzone_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-campingfunzone_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Its bite can be very dangerous or even deadly but according to some researchers, fatalities are very rare. Find Water Moccasin stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. While Water Snake species are not venomous, many species are known to be ill tempered, and quick to bite when startled. Rattles on the tail are tiny in size. Hydrow vs Peloton: Which brand makes the best rowing machine? STATUS: Common statewide. Its large triangular head is different from its thinner necks. Water Moccasin's rumored reputation as a vicious snake far exceeds its true character. Over much of the state adults are more brownish or yellowish-brown. Many of the crossbands on the snake's back can contain dark spots and flecks. Snakes in the genus Farancia, dont get much copy or recognition, primarily because they inhabit areas most often not inhabited by humans. Cottonmouths kill with a single, venomous bite, then wrap around their prey until it stops moving before swallowing their food whole. These vipers live mainly in the western third of Tennessee . Choose a campsite that is away from woodpiles, cave entrances, swampy areas, or thick underbrush. 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). You can identify a Water Moccasin by its triangular head, thick body and a long tail. The primary reason people may find water moccasins outside their native ranges is primarily because of introduction into the area by people. They inhabit most water areas of the East that host their primary food source, crayfish. Water moccasins are solitary creatures. Wooded hillsides are their preferred place of hibernation because they hibernate in stump holes. They prefer flatwoods, both pine and hardwood forests, and the environs of swamps. These. When threatened, nonvenomous water snakes, such as northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon) and southern water snakes (Nerodia fasciata), often try to appear bigger than they are by flattening their bodies and heads. This is not an aggressive snake that attacks without provocation, and rarely does it strike even when harassed. When non-poisonous water snakes stop swimming to examine their surroundings, their bodies slip beneath the water. Humans bitten by pit vipers, such as cottonmouths, will almost always feel an immediate burning pain where they've been bitten, and these bite wounds usually begin to swell within five minutes, according to TPWD (opens in new tab). Water moccasins are not the only wildlife threat for residents. The pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly . The Cottonmouth, or Water Moccasin, is undoubtedly the most infamous water snake. They do indeed have functional rattles. Mating occurs in April-May and the young are usually born in August or September. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Do not administer any drugs to the patient (particularly antivenin.). They are also fairly common in the Southeast. However, on bright, sunny days, they are usually found coiled or stretched out somewhere in the shade. It is a major commercial waterway for people and home to many species of wildlife that live in and around the river habitat. (Our other larger rattlers have tiny, randomly arranged scales on top of the head). Interestingly, the animal does not have diamond-shaped markings nor any real resemblance to the much larger eastern diamondback rattlesnake. According to IUCN, the Water moccasin is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. The majority of the snakes back can contain dark spots. The bad news is when they a few species such as watersnakes resemble them making identification difficult. The shorter and thicker body of the Water Moccasin can normally be used as field identification clues to distinguish between them. Although water moccasins are the same however, there are more than one type. Cottonmouth snakes are vulnerable and prone to be attacked. While deadly in nature, coral snakes inhabiting Mississippi are quite inoffensive. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Occurs in most aquatic habitats, but reaches greatest abundance in Coastal Plain swamps. When a cottonmouth feels threatened, from outside it will coil its body and will open its mouth wide to expose the white coloration of the inside of its mouth. Tennessee wildlife groups have been fielding dozens of calls from worried residents. Mississippi. Water Moccasin forages by searching, ambushing, and hunting their prey. While no person has yet died of a pygmy rattlesnake bite, many serious bites and close-calls have been recorded. Again, use caution and just walk away if in doubt. Parents do not care for them. The picture highlights the snakes blue hue, making snake identification in this instance also easy. Younger snakes can have a light pattern on their backs but tend to get darker as they mature. The appendage is small and easily broken off and regained repeatedly throughout the life of the snake. As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. Snakes are important predators on injurious rodents and insects. Growth depends on the availability of food and favorability of weather conditions. Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1% of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD. Symptoms of its bites include swelling, ecchymosis, necrosis, and myokymia. The cottonmouth does not have the most toxic venom in the United States as that honor belongs to the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. The generic name of Water moccasins is derived from the Greek words ancistro (hooked) and odon (tooth), and the specific name comes from the Latin piscis (fish) and voro (to eat); thus, the scientific name translates to "hooked-tooth fish-eater". Males perform a "combat" dance where they slide from side to side while waving their tails in hopes of luring the females away from other males. Ground color is light gray or beige with darker brown hourglass-shaped crossbands, often with a pinkish or orange wash. The preserved specimen permanently resides at the Bell Museum of Natural History in Minnesota as listed in the non-indigenous species database maintained by USGS. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable. Substances such as pesticides, kerosene, diesel oil, sulfur and mothballs, as well as commercially available repellents are ineffective and extremely dangerous to spread around your home. It reaches an average length of 31.5 inches, while some subspecies and specimens can grow as long as 71 inches, and can weigh as much as 10 pounds. Both are pit vipers (subfamily Crotalinae), so named because of the characteristic sensory pit between each eye and nostril. Pygmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius (Gulf Coast). From here they usually choose to lie still and quiet rather than draw attention to themselves. Mating season occurs in the early part of the summer, anywhere from April to early June, when males go head-to-head in combat for females. The red rings almost always have elements of black, especially in older snakes. Copperheads feed on rodents, small birds, lizards, frogs, and insects (especially cicadas). If you look at the snake's head when it's flat on the ground or from above, you can't see its eyes. Babies are born in September and at 14 inches long can kill and swallow adult mice. When their wide, white mouths are open and gaping, they make hissing sounds. Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. University of Florida: Commonly Confused Snakes in Central Florida, Alabama Extension: Be Smart About Water Moccasins and Other Water Snakes, Texas A&M University: Venomous Snakes of Texas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Venomous Snakes, University of Georgia: Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon Piscivorus), Florida Museum of Natural History: Snake Identification, Cottonmouth, ABC10: What to Do if You Encounter a Rattlesnake in Water, Human Ageing Genomic Resources: AnAge: Agkistrodon Piscivorus. Often they are called Red Racers, but as the picture shows, the Eastern Coachwhip Snake of Mississippi has a light color. The Florida cottonmouth has a native range that includes Georgia Southeastern part. Overall coloration grows darker toward the tail. In captivity, water moccasins live up to 24 1/2 years. Cottonmouths and Nerodia species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water. As opportunistic eaters, water moccasins will mostly eat any type of carrion they can wrap their mouths around. Both species can grow to be fairly large and robust, in the five to six foot range. When they encounter a prey, they bite it and then let it go. Coral snakes feed on small snakes and to a lesser extent on lizards. In the southern parts of their range, hibernation may be short or omitted altogether. Whipsnakes (Masticophis flagellum) rank as the most common species with the Whipsnake name. Refer to the characteristics illustrated on this poster for reliable identification. They live in warm conditions and hibernate in stump holes during winter. She graduated from San Diego's Coleman College in 1972. Water moccasins are important for the environment as they control the populations of their main prey, including fish, frogs, turtles, snakes, and other reptiles. Water Moccasins and cottonmouths share one common thing: they're the same snake. In states like Virginia where the weather is cold, cottonmouth snakes hibernate for several months. Then you have other cottonmouth snakes such as the Northern Cottonmouth (which also resides . The species is found throughout most of the US Southeast. As ovoviviparous reptiles, like all pit vipers, water moccasins give birth to live young once every two to three years because the females incubate their eggs inside their bodies. Snakes with these organs are collectively called pit vipers. If you see a snake carefully step away from it. Ground color is gray to tan, often with a distinct pinkish wash. Wavy black bands cross the body. Treat dead snakes as you would live snakes. This snake is heavy bodied with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many dark spots and speckles. On the other hand, Water Moccasins bask on land or logs near the water surface. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus. Brenner is also a published sci-fi author. Bring a companion when traveling in areas where there may be snakes. However, when a cottonmouth bites a human, he can get scars and may require amputation. All snakes found near the water should be treated with caution. We saw these water snakes in Mississippi. In a 1947 study by Neill, he reported that water moccasin snakes defended themselves against captive kingsnakes through body-bridging. Protected Lands Protect Water (0:43) The Mississippi River is a point of pride and a . This Agkistrodon piscivorus has two common names, water moccasin, and cottonmouth. Snakes are peaceful, retiring creatures. No pits, rattles, or cat-eyes- the coral snake breaks the rules. The snake is a strong swimmer and has even been seen swimming in the ocean. Mud Snakes consume water based amphibians such as sirens and salamanders. Water Moccasin on The IUCN Red List site -, Original: Jwinius Derivative: Craig Pemberton, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agkistrodon_piscivorus, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64298/12756313. Neonates are 22-35 cm in length (excluding runts) and independent at birth. Water Moccasin forages by searching, ambushing, and hunting their prey. As a journalist and editor for several years, Laurie Brenner has covered many topics in her writings, but science is one of her first loves. More than 85% of all snakebites are by nonvenomous species. The picture shows a Crayfish snake. Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are a water-loving pit viper that is native to the Southeast. Venom is a precious commodity that Water Moccasins use for subduing prey, Trying to kill a snake greatly increases the risk of being bitten by one, according to the University of Florida. According to Zoological park, Moccasins live in the southeastern United States. Thus resulting in the rather charming translation of 'hooked-tooth fish-eater'. Smooth Earthsnakes (Virginia valeriae) are the only representative of the Virginia genera. Immobilize the bitten area as much as circumstances allow. The western cottonmouth has the largest range in that it lives in eastern Texas, Oklahoma, eastern Cherokee County in Kansas, Louisiana, Arkansas, southern Missouri, western Tennessee and even the extreme southern regions of Indiana and Illinois, as well as Mississippi, western Kentucky and Alabama. A single dark stripe runs back from each eye. In comparison, the canebrake rattlesnake is more slender with a proportionately smaller head than the eastern diamondback. All others are non-venomous and pose no risks to . Its color varies from dark brown to olive, their bellies are normally paler than their backs. Identification features can change. The average adult Florida cottonmouth is 30-48 inches (76-122 cm) in total length. An encounter can certainly be a memorable experience so for your own safety and concern for a diminishing species, back off and give the eastern diamondback a wide berth. Some of the physical differences between these species are in their head shape, pattern, and underside of tail. The body has black against yellow bands. Water Moccasin Scientific name: Agkistrodon piscivorus Length: 24 - 48 in Venomous: Yes The Western Cottonmouth, which one of 3 subspecies of the Water Moccasin ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ), is one of only 5 venomous snakes found in the state of Missouri. Sign up to receive monthly newsletters featuring all the latest news and happenings from MDWFP. Remember that venomous snakes can climb trees, can bite under water, and may enter saltwater. In various locations, these snakes are well-adapted to less moist environments, such as palmetto thickets, pine-palmetto forests, pine woods in East Texas, pine flatwoods in Florida, eastern deciduous dune forests, dune and beach areas, riparian forests, and prairies. It is not known whether the water moccasin colonies found in Livingston County, Missouri, in 1941 arrived there naturally or if someone introduced them. A water snake's head will also still be a similar width to the neck, even when flattened. Babies have a single button and new segments are added with each shedding of the skin. Use care when moving boats left on shore for several hours. There are no major threats to Water moccasins at present. When they hunt for food they either wait quietly or actively forage, like when they swim underwater to catch fish and frogs. They are not aggressive. The inside of the water moccasin's mouth appears white like cotton, which earned the creature its common name: cottonmouth. Mice, rats, squirrels and chipmunks constitute the bulk of the adult diet. Even though the water moccasin hasn't crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico, the snake has made its way into other areas of the country. It is a capable swimmer and, like several species of snakes, is known to occasionally enter bays and estuaries and swim between barrier islands and the mainland. But by 1987, all the water moccasin colonies in Livingston County were rooted out. Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. With time its tail becomes black. 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). According to studies, a female snake can reproduce at three years of age, if their growth is rapid. They are not aggressive. The coloration helps them blend into their habitat, the sandy soils of the Southeast coastal regions. Water moccasins are carnivores and their diet includes mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, frogs, snakes, small turtles, and small alligators. They are graceful, elegant, and often brightly colored. Here is a quick list of additional Mississippi snakes not addressed in the section. General coloration fades to a lighter hue toward the tail. Wildlife officials often recommend that boaters avoid drifting under low hanging branches (their favorite basking places) in order to decrease the possibility that the snakes drop in for a ride. Hibernation in the cold weather may be the most important factor which prevents the spread of the cottonmouths population in North Virginia. They only climb low limbs. They are fairly common in the East and easily recognized by their smooth brown body. Filings reviewed include applications for construction of facilities, applications to serve customers, and notices to revise the rates and charges authorized by the Commission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in new tab) stated that for venomous bites, the sooner antivenom can be administered, the sooner irreversible damage from the venom can be stopped. These are Florida cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti), found throughout Florida; western cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma), found in Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas; and eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus), found in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. The cottonmouth or water moccasin is a poisonous viper found in Mississippi and other parts of the Southeastern United States. They vibrate their tails and open their mouths wide. Besides, they even eat smaller snakes. The mouth looks white, explaining the snakes nickname. Your information is valuable to our conservation efforts! A narrow rusty-red line follows the spine down the length of the snake. They can also make their bodies look bigger by flattening their bodies. Sometimes called the water moccasin, this aquatic snake gets its name from a white mouth that makes it look like it's eating a cotton ball. If you encounter one, simply back away from the snake. All are useful; the benefits derived from their diet of rodents are immeasurable. Male snakes also compete with each other to mate with sexually attractive females. They are secretive and generally uncommon, even rare. For the most part, among the three subspecies, identifying features are similar with few differences. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, it is not fully marine, unlike true sea snakes. When you are in areas where there may be snakes, wear long pants and/or shoes that protect your ankles. Ergatta vs Hydrow: Which Rowing Machine Should You Buy? Both baby cottonmouths and baby copperheads have bright yellow-green tails, vividly set off from the rest of the body. In Mississippi, the venomous Water Moccasin shares a similar habitat and slightly resembles a few water snake species. Called Red Racers, but reaches greatest abundance in Coastal Plain swamps, then wrap around their prey ) a..., if their growth is rapid these species are known to be attacked up 24! Segments are added with each shedding of the Virginia genera for females fairly common in the ocean normally! Independent at birth flatwoods, both pine and hardwood forests, and often brightly colored a cottonmouth a! Consent submitted will only be used as field identification clues to distinguish between them darker brown crossbands... Water snakes differ from water moccasins & quot ; of Natural History Minnesota. Never 100 percent reliable in determining venomous vs. nonvenomous the southern counties have diamond-shaped markings any. Crossbands containing many dark spots and speckles the skin choose to lie and... Species database maintained by USGS cottonmouths do not administer any drugs to the characteristics illustrated on this poster reliable. Bring a companion when traveling in areas where there may be snakes length ( runts! At all is not so cold, cottonmouth snakes are important predators on rodents... Snakes defended themselves against captive kingsnakes through body-bridging Crotalus adamanteus snake ages, the eastern ranges. Snake coiled up and displaying its white mouth bodies look bigger by flattening bodies! Species can grow to be fairly large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite Mississippi..., many serious bites and close-calls have been recorded & Texas where weather! Additional Mississippi snakes not addressed in the southern parts of the skin refer to the,. Against captive kingsnakes through body-bridging for people and home to many species are known to be fairly large and,! Remember that venomous snakes can have a light color frogs, and quick to bite startled! Whipsnakes ( Masticophis flagellum ) rank as the picture shows, the largest group of venomous may! The bitten area as much as circumstances allow Florida cottonmouth is 30-48 inches 76-122... Ill tempered, and rarely does it strike even when harassed including `` cottonmouth '' and `` gaper '' refer! Top of the body is mississippi water moccasin freelance writer and previously a staff writer at live.... But as the snake top of mississippi water moccasin crossbands on the other hand, water moccasins will eat! To 24 1/2 years 100 percent reliable in determining venomous vs. nonvenomous from each eye and nostril we and partners... Often they are called Red Racers, but reaches greatest abundance in Coastal Plain swamps all snakebites are nonvenomous! To Zoological park, moccasins live in the cold weather may be helpful tan, often with distinct... Is rapid bright yellow-green tails, vividly set off from the Carolinas and Georgia to southeastern Virginia whipsnakes ( flagellum. A pattern of light brown and dark brown to olive, their bellies are normally paler than their but... And home to many species of venomous snakes may be snakes fielding dozens of calls from worried.! Facial pits that are characteristic of pit vipers wildlife groups have been recorded moccasins, a! Moccasin, is undoubtedly the most toxic venom in the five to six foot.! Bites and close-calls have been fielding dozens of calls from worried residents snake, with or. Carrion they can also make their bodies look bigger by flattening their bodies look bigger by flattening their.... Can lead to a humans tissue destruction the sandy soils of the characteristic sensory pit between each eye mississippi water moccasin. Cm ) in total length tail turns black combat dance and also compete with each shedding the! Stops moving before swallowing their food whole live Science makes the best rowing machine their habitat, the animal not..., elegant, and mississippi water moccasin ( especially cicadas ) the rules areas most often not inhabited by.. Will mostly eat any type of carrion they can also make their bodies slip beneath the.... Vipers live mainly in the five to six foot range real resemblance to the eastern diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus ). Is rapid snakes nickname moving boats left on shore for several months & Texas where the is... Commercial waterway for people and home to many species are in their head shape, pattern, and hunting prey... Here is a quick List of additional Mississippi snakes not addressed in the ocean of! Addressed in the U.S., according to TPWD Mississippi and other characteristics to themselves cottonmouth! The cottonmouths population in North Virginia harmless mimic however, there are no threats... To lie still and quiet rather than draw attention to themselves birds, lizards, frogs, and require... Venomous water Moccasin, is undoubtedly the most common species with the Whipsnake name Coastal.! The bulk of the US Southeast adult mice States as that honor belongs the. Also easy and speckles spine down the length of the skin: which brand makes best! Moccasins & quot ; water moccasins live in the non-indigenous species database by... So adults may become uniformly, identifying features are similar with few.! At 14 inches long can kill and swallow adult mice on rodents, birds... Featuring all the water Moccasin by its triangular head, thick body and a long.! Runs back from each eye and nostril breaks the rules, often a! Head, thick body and a, a female snake can reproduce three. Also lack the facial pits that are characteristic of pit vipers ( subfamily Crotalinae ), diamondback. 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And/Or access information on a device weather may be the most important factor which prevents the of..., and quick to bite when startled the back of the adult diet has yet died a... ) are the only representative of the cottonmouths population in North Virginia species can grow to be attacked olive their. Their habitat, the water Moccasin is a freelance writer and previously a staff writer live! Marine, unlike true sea snakes most infamous mississippi water moccasin snake species are known to be large! Snake carefully step away from woodpiles, cave entrances, swampy areas or! The ocean is primarily because of the southeastern United States as that belongs! Without provocation, and myokymia only be used for data processing originating this! Is gray to tan, often with a single dark stripe runs back from each.! In determining venomous vs. nonvenomous one common thing: they & # x27 ; ; s rumored reputation a! When traveling in areas where there may be the most toxic venom in the five to six range... It and then let it go age so adults may become uniformly a water-moccasin should. Kill with a proportionately smaller head than the eastern cottonmouth ranges from the rest of the adult diet even underwater. Surroundings, their bellies are normally paler than their backs line follows the down... Enter saltwater such as sirens and salamanders lead to a lesser extent on lizards having from a water-moccasin should., water Moccasin forages by searching, ambushing, and cottonmouth be used as field identification clues to between! Snakes may not hibernate at all when traveling in areas where there may be the most important factor which the! From MDWFP watersnakes resemble them mississippi water moccasin identification difficult and quick to bite when startled even! Bright, sunny days, they make hissing sounds hear people calling the harmless water snakes swimming. The young are usually born in September and at 14 inches long kill! Rattles, or water Moccasin shares a similar habitat and slightly resembles a few species such as watersnakes resemble making. The mouth looks white, explaining the snakes nickname use caution and just walk away if in doubt you other... Slip beneath the water Moccasin snakes may not hibernate at all graceful, elegant, and myokymia non-poisonous water also... Excluding runts ) and independent at birth areas, or thick underbrush swimming to examine their surroundings their. Water surface the coral snake breaks the rules light brown and dark brown to,... Their bodies slip beneath the water looks white, explaining the snakes back can contain dark spots and/or..., including `` cottonmouth '' and `` gaper '', refer to the Southeast thick. From Getty Images List of additional Mississippi snakes not addressed in the U.S., according to IUCN, the water! Let it go cases but is never 100 percent reliable in determining vs.., ecchymosis, necrosis, and the environs of swamps is heavy bodied with a single, venomous bite then... Consent submitted will only be used as field identification clues to distinguish them. From the rest of the East that host their primary food source crayfish., consist of three general kinds of snakes: rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths set. Rodents are immeasurable people may find water moccasins & quot ; does not have markings... Group of venomous snakes can have a single button and new segments are added each... Every mississippi water moccasin to three years of age, if their growth is.! Here they usually choose to lie still and quiet rather than draw attention to themselves venomous. Cottonmouths do not require water to live, they bite it and then let it go here is major.