Cottonmouth

Welcome to this week’s Wildlife of the Week!

Our species this week is the Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

Next on our Wildlife of the Week is the Cottonmouth, also often referred to as the Water Moccasin. It is a large aquatic venomous snake. Its name refers to its threat display. When confronted the snake will often stand its ground, coil up, raise its head and open its mouth, revealing the white lining of the mouth. If that doesn’t work it may release a foul-smelling musk, or vibrate its tail to mimic a rattlesnake.

The snakes are native to the southeastern United States and they can be found as far north as southern Indiana and Illinois. They are thick bodied snakes and are usually about 30-48 inches in length but the record is 74 inches. There can be a wide variation in their color ranging from almost black to brown, gray, tan and olive and marked by 10-17 darker colored crossbands. While they may range over a good distance while hunting and foraging and can be found in habitat far from water, they prefer creeks, streams, marshes, swamps, ponds and lakes. Many people dislike or fear the Cottonmouth but they are an important part of our ecosystem. Their diet consists of small mammals, especially rodents, fish, lizards, frogs, and other snakes and they keep populations of these species under control. They will hunt by either ambushing or actively foraging for prey.

They are secretive and for that reason they are not commonly seen on the refuge. The Cottonmouth pictured was encountered off of Bean Place Road. If you spot one remember to always keep your distance and do not approach!

(Photos by Tom Ress)