Moccasins, also called cottonmouths, are aggressive venomous snakes that can be found along streams and lakes in the southeastern United States.
The moccasin snake is a viper in the same family as the rattlesnake and serpent. A water moccasin is the only venomous water snake in North America and one of the deadliest. It is usually found near streams and ponds and is considered semi-aquatic. The scientific name for the moccasin snake is Agkistrodon piscivorus.
Moccasin snakes show the same dark coloration as other water snakes, but have the vertical pupils typical of vipers, while nonvenomous water snakes have round pupils. Water moccasins have very wide bodies compared to other snakes, with adults reaching a length of four to six feet (122 to 183 cm). The moccasin snake has a triangular head that is normally held at a 45-degree angle. Adult snakes are often patterned with diamonds or bands in beige or greenish tones, and are dull in color compared to juvenile moccasins. A distinct gap can be seen between the snake’s eyes and nostrils.
Although most moccasins have brown scales, colors can range from purple to reddish.
The female moccasin snake is mature enough to have children when she is about three years old. She does not lay eggs like non-venomous snakes, but instead gives birth to one to sixteen live snakes between 15 and 30 cm in length. The female will then have offspring every two years. Young moccasin snakes are brighter in color than adults and resemble copperheads with yellowish or lime green tails.
Moccasin snakes usually inhabit swamps.
Moccasin snakes have a varied diet, eating birds, lizards, mammals, crocodiles, and turtles. They also eat fish, frogs, and other snakes. The moccasin snake can be seen perched on rocks, logs, and tree branches that loom over watercourses, silently waiting for prey to appear. They also inhabit ditches, swamps, canals, and streams. Moccasin snakes do not announce that they are about to strike, unlike their cousin the rattlesnake.
Moccasin snakes eat frogs.
Another name for the moccasin snake is cottonmouth, because when the snake is startled or feels threatened, it raises its head and opens its mouth, revealing a snow-white interior. It is one of the most aggressive snakes and instead of getting out of a threatening situation, it will often make its way to the person or animal and attack. The moccasin snake has curved, hollow fangs that swing forward and fill with venom when the snake opens its mouth to attack. Unlike other snakes that attack and retreat, the moccasin snake will latch on to its prey. If left untreated, your bite can be fatal.