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Northern Cottonmouth

Northern Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

Dangerous Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest, Wetland
Activity: Nocturnal (Active at night)

A large, venomous, semiaquatic snake found in moist habitats in close proximity to water. These snakes sport a large, spade-shaped head and are typically brown, black, or olive in color. Dark crossbands run down the length of the snake and are visibly lighter in the center. Their eyes are vertically elliptical or slit-shaped. The mouth is bright white inside, which gives them their common name.

Diet

Carnivores, eating primarily mammals and fish

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class: Reptilia
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Order: Squamata
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Family: Viperidae
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Genus: Agkistrodon
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Species: Agkistrodon piscivorus

Scientific Name

Agkistrodon piscivorus
Breeding Season
April-May

Behavior

Cottonmouths are solitary and do not wander far from sources of water. Cottonmouths are aggressive snakes and bite when disturbed or provoked. They first give warning signs by shaking their tail back and forth, making a rustling noise, elevating their heads off the ground a few inches, and coiling up while exposing their open white mouth. As a defense mechanism or in a situation when they are threatened they will emit a foul-smelling musk as well.

Ecological Role

Cottonmouths are important predators of shrews, other small mammals, snakes, fish, amphibians, and turtles. Young cottonmouths are also prey to larger predators.

Safety Warning

This species can be dangerous to humans. Exercise caution and maintain a safe distance if encountered.

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)

Habitat Types

Forest
Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Found in the United States ranging from as far north as the James River in Virginia to the western edge of Missouri, and as far south as the Florida Keys and the western part of Texas. They are found in parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and all of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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