Water moccasins are commonly found in swamps.
A water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a venomous snake considered to be very aggressive and native to the southern United States. As its name implies, the water moccasin lives near water and can swim very well. This classification of snake has a variety of common names such as viper, cottonmouth, and swamp moccasin. In an effort to ward off intruders, a water moccasin will use its curled-up body to stand up and display its large fangs. The strength of this swimmer is so great that it can even swim across oceans to inhabit islands.
Water moccasins are venomous snakes found near water, especially in the southern United States.
Although they are perfectly capable of swimming in the ocean, water moccasins prefer slow-moving waters such as small lakes, swamps, bogs, and streams. This type of environment allows easy access to the snakes’ main food sources: fish, frogs, and small rodents. The water moccasin may even enjoy a meal made with another snake, given the right size and situation. The average size of a water moccasin is about 31 inches (80 cm) long, but the snake can grow up to 71 inches (180 cm) long. The water moccasin is very streamlined, with a head that protrudes just past the mouth, and strong, heavy construction throughout.
The water moccasin is usually black in color, except for the markings on the head, but there are some that are brown, gray, fawn, or olive green. The main color of the snake is further defined by staggered bands of color over the body in dark brown, almost black colors. The underside of the snake is usually a light color, such as yellow, white, or light brown with dark spots. As the snake ages, the bands fade, leaving a nearly solid dark color of olive brown, black, or grayish brown.
When the water moccasin is young, it will have well-defined markings and a yellow-tipped tail. The markings may even be chestnut or reddish brown. Similar in appearance to the copperhead, the juvenile water moccasin has distinctive broad stripes running the length of the head, from the eyes. The copperhead snake has a dark line dividing the head from the body. The two snakes can be easily confused without paying much attention to detail.