Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: A. piscivorus
Southeastern United States, ranging from coastal Virginia down through Florida and west to East Texas and parts of Oklahoma, predominantly inhabiting lowland swamps, rivers, and floodplains.
Look up Cottonmouth in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: A. piscivorus
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local populations face threats from habitat destruction, wetland draining, and intentional persecution.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied snake with a distinct blocky, triangular head wider than the neck. The visible portion shows dark crossbands or blotches over a lighter brown or olive background. Scales are heavily keeled, giving a rough texture.
Size & Dimensions
The visible segment suggests an adult specimen. Typical total length ranges from 60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 inches), with exceptional individuals exceeding 150 cm.
Habitat
Aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats including slow-moving streams, rivers, swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, and the edges of lakes and ponds. Prefers areas with abundant cover such as fallen logs, dense vegetation, or rocky outcroppings.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivore feeding on fish, amphibians, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other snakes. Primarily an ambush predator that often hunts near the water's edge.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. Females typically produce litters ranging from 1 to 20 offspring, usually born in late summer or early autumn.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with various harmless water snakes of the genus Nerodia. Cottonmouths can be distinguished by their blocky, wider head shape, vertical pupils, a distinct facial stripe running through the eye, and the tendency to coil and display the interior of the mouth when threatened.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local populations face threats from habitat destruction, wetland draining, and intentional persecution.
Cultural Significance
Plays a vital role in aquatic and wetland ecosystems as both a predator and prey item. Often subject to folklore and exaggeration regarding its temperament and behavior in southern North American culture.
Notable Features
Famous for its defensive display of pulling its head back and opening its mouth wide to reveal a stark white interior lining, which gives the species its common name.