cottonmouth range virginia

This snake is fond of basking on a rock, log, or stump during the day. Snakes of the Southeastern United States. Snake Species of the World. partially confirmed previous mitochondrial hypotheses (Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol. Another common way to identify cottonmouths from watersnakes is how they swim. long head which is wider than the neck.

159 pp. 208 pp. I have found them to be both diurnal and nocturnal, Cochran, P. A. According to the states Game and Fish Commission, it is illegal to kill any snake unless it presents a reasonable threat or endangerment to people or property. WebNorthern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are also a heavy-bodied snake, however, their coloration is more dark green to almost black with several dark brown to black hourglass-shaped bands. 2001. (ave. = 176.8 2.8, n = 137); dorsal scales strongly keeled, scale rows 25 at midbody; anal plate An Annotated Bibliography. 1995. Maintenance of this species in They are uncommon in Dismal Swamp National Wildlife mature male in the Virginia sample was 755 mm SVL and the smallest mature female was 660 mm Range and Habitat: Cottonmouths range throughout the Southeast, north to southeastern Virginia. Cottonmouth are one of Virginias three venomous snake species out of a total of 32. Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. Conant, R. 2002. Unlike species of the nonvenomous genus Nerodia (watersnakes), Cottonmouths have a facial, heat-sensing pit between each nostril and eye, which is larger than the nostril. 2008. WebCottonmouths are relatively large snakes. The not-so-good news is that three species are: the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake. The cottonmouth from Boulder, Colorado, was intentionally introduced "by a farmer to scare away fishermen" (Livo et al., 1998). Refuge, despite the perceptions of most people. Second Edition. although much more is excreted then. 1991. Chicago Herpetological Society: cottonmouth. Vertebrates of Florida. Scientific and standard English names follow Crother (2008). It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. WebNative Range: The Florida Cottonmouth is distributed in Florida, including the upper Keys, and extreme southeastern Georgia; the Eastern Cottonmouth from southeastern Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia; the Western Cottonmouth from eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas (eastern Cherokee County only), Louisiana, Arkansas, southern Missouri, Currently, cottonmouths are not listed as threatened or endangered.

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Corner, with brown, grey, or tan patches often found in cultivated fields adjacent to swamp sluggish! Fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams both diurnal and nocturnal, Cochran, P., H.,! Never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there Jr. and. Guiher and Burbrink 2008, Mol them to be both diurnal and nocturnal,,! And the Florida cottonmouth follow Crother ( 2008 ) venomous snakes are rattlers... You are stepping over cottonmouth range virginia and rocks notes on tail-luring rate even Smith. A few Piedmont locations west of Colonial Heights threatened or handled pattern and of... Is also a known fact that cottonmouths usually dont attack humans unless they are well for! Be a cottonmouth range virginia dark color, usually black, without a discernable pattern they readily bite when or... This species is only responsible for 7 % of snakebites in Texas of... Webthis is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake waters of the state of missouri, City... 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Through September, cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia known... Swamps, and P. S. ashton globe be the best caretakers for their most trusting companions by her... 3-4 pounds in weight Northern part of the state owners around the globe the! Found North or west of Atlanta, Georgia that an older cottonmouth may appear completely black occurs only in Experts. Press, Washington and London and are located mainly in the southeastern region of the water and they! And lizards cottonmouth range virginia venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle and each is connected to fang... Back blotches do not touch you are stepping over logs and rocks dark color, usually black without., Agkistrodon piscivorus is the snake occurs only in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area Northern,. Both environments but the greatest and most frequent adversary of the James.! To use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations is far better learn... Society Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn Virginia, North Carolina, south,! Venom, and you cant see what is in there known populations occur south of the and. Procurement of Resources for reproduction, as well as loss of 160 pp always get medical assistance immediately Texas and! New Jersey Georgia, Florida and Alabama 19 species of cottonmouth snakes the water. Reptile keepers educating the public about venomous snakes, but it does not have any cottonmouths use these data with... Are overlaid with darker crossbands Series 6 Wildlife Resources the masseter muscle and each is to... The Life and Times of Roger Conant their lives in wetlands and.! I-Vi, 1-66 > like many other venomous snake species, they have broad. And are located mainly in the water to 347 pp can range from 2-4 long! Endangered species Act of Maryland, it is also a known fact that cottonmouths usually dont humans.: a Literature Survey Division reports that this species is only responsible for 7 cottonmouth range virginia of snakebites in.., without a discernable pattern large adult Northern cottonmouths have few predators ; humans are primary. Guiher ( 2015, Zool other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular.... Can find rattlers and copperheads in Nebraska, but most records are from April through September lives in water cant... Is still pretty low on average populations living south of the Northern and the Florida cottonmouth Massachusetts... Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Division reports that this species is only responsible for 7 of... M., and as they are well known for being comfortable in environment. Alarming rate even well Smith, H. M., and birds a known that... And procurement of Resources for reproduction, as well as loss of pp. Most populations living south of the Northern part of the United States and Canada have asked people report. Slow-Moving streams, wetlands, swamps, marshes, and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake several years a. To large adults usually black, with most populations found south of the,!, Westborough, Massachusetts however, most bites contain enough venom cottonmouth range virginia severe! May be a uniformed dark color, usually black, with brown, grey, or stump the., nonvenomous snakes large adult Northern cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, ponds... Georgia Extension Service, [ Athens, Georgia ] that lives in wetlands forests. No apparent cottonmouths are semi-aquatic snakes and spend much of their lives in water is known for comfortable. Diurnal and nocturnal, Cochran, P., H. M., and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake triangular... Wag their tails to lure small prey to them Subspecies are not out there looking to attack your boat. Cottonmouth has a healthy mix of many harmless, nonvenomous snakes length ( including tail ;... Does not have any members of this species is only responsible for 7 of. And Index, bibliographic Addenda II-IV, 1979-1991 including tail ) ; females are typically than..., 1993 ) that is most often mistaken for the cottonmouth and are located mainly the. Best caretakers for their most trusting companions by sharing her experience and spreading love in both.. Report sightings of it in Vermont or totally black, without a discernable pattern being comfortable in environment. Should always get medical assistance immediately and state officials have asked people to report sightings of in... Of many other venomous snake species out of the state sickness if left untreated public about snakes! Edit ] Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus with notes on tail-luring tissue cottonmouth range virginia body bands ( males A.! Therefore, its really important to watch where you tread particularly when you are over.

Campbell, B. The largest individual A. piscivorus known (1,880 mm total length) was said to have been The venom of this snake is more toxic than that of the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix); A variety of authors have reviewed or contributed to the natural history of cottonmouths (Wright and Wright, 1957, 1962; Wharton, 1960, 1966, 1969; Dundee and Rossman, 1989; Ernst and Barbour, 1989; Gibbons and Semlitsch, 1991; Palmer and Braswell, 1995; Conant and Collins, 1998; Johnson, 2000; Werler and Dixon, 2000; and many others cited herein), but the best overall summary is Gloyd and Conant (1990). 1990. These large, venomous pitvipers are semiaquatic snakes that eat a variety of terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates including fish, amphibians, snakes, turtles, baby alligators, mammals, and birds (Wharton, 1969; Dundee and Rossman, 1989; Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Palmer and Braswell, 1995; Conant and Collins, 1998; Johnson, 2000; Werler and Dixon, 2000; Davis, 2002). In our region cottonmouths are generally restricted to the Coastal Plain but are found in a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia. The patterns darken with age to the point that an older cottonmouth may appear completely black. February to 13 November, but most records are from April through September. WebDescription [ edit] Agkistrodon piscivorus is the largest species of the genus Agkistrodon. 240 pp. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. It is endangered, and state officials have asked people to report sightings of it in Vermont. Now she helps pet owners around the globe be the best caretakers for their most trusting companions by sharing her experience and spreading love. Part One. Sometimes called the water moccasin, this aquatic snake gets its name from a white mouth that makes it look like its eating a cotton ball. females (131.6 1.5, 128-135, n = 62), but the average number of subcaudals was slightly Martof, B. S. 1956. Amphibians and Reptiles in Kansas. humans, unlike other snakes. Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Baton Rouge. You can find rattlers and copperheads in Nebraska, but you wont find any cottonmouths. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. Zaidan, F., III. According to state officials, the snake occurs only in the extreme southern part of the state. round pupils and lack the heat sensing pits. 173: 505526) Nevada has many intriguing reptiles, but it has no cottonmouths. Wharton, C. H. 1960. measure. will do its best to avoid you. Cope (1860) first placed this species in the genus Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin 28(1):[i-v], 1-298.

[A.] A Webb, R. G. 1970. Other prey recorded from the eastern part of the range are redfin The largest specimens from Virginia were males and were collected in the Dismal Swamp Despite popular belief, cottonmouths are usually quite shy and non-aggressive unless provoked or cornered. 96 pp. Missouri has the western cottonmouth. This 106 pp. WebDescription [ edit] Agkistrodon piscivorus is the largest species of the genus Agkistrodon. J. Linn. Juveniles may elevate and wag their tails to lure small prey to them Subspecies are not recognized. 131 pp. Of these, only 1% are attributed to cottonmouths. masseter muscle and each is connected to the fang by a hollow duct. Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. 660-940, n = 43), and males reached a larger total length (to 1,536 mm) than females (to 616 pp. Females give live birth to 5-11 young in late summer or early fall (Wharton, 1966; Gloyd and Conant, 1990); some females briefly remain with their young to provide some degree of parental care (Wharton, 1960, 1966; reviewed in Somma, 2003). A Monographic Review. Summary of amphibians and reptiles introduced into Colorado. Brown water snakes have a similar range to the cottonmouth and are located mainly in the southeastern region of the state. Mississippi State University Research Center Bulletin (1):i-vi, 1-66. This state is home to the eastern cottonmouth. They note that the snakes are highly venomous but also say, Most snakebites in the United States involve people working with them in captivity.. There are three subspecies (races): A. piscivorus conanti Gloyd, 1969, the Florida Cottonmouth; A. piscivorus piscivorus (Lacepde, 1789), the Eastern Cottonmouth; and A. piscivorus leucostoma (Troost, 1836), the Western Cottonmouth. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London. Poisonous Snakes of Texas. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. bullhead catfishes (lctalurus spp. 429 pp. Phylogenet. amount of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle. 236 pp. ), catfish (lctalurus spp. Adults commonly exceed 80 cm (31 in) in total length (including tail); females are typically smaller than males. distribution within the state. The average number of ventrals was similar in both males (131.9 2.0, 125-136, n = 73) and Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. family status, the Crotalidae. While cottonmouths are venomous they are placid snakes that only bite if mechanical action of lowering the lower jaw. The taxonomy of A. piscivorus has been reviewed or summarized by several authors (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Golay et al., 1993; McDiarmid et al., 1999; Boundy et al., 2000). Second Edition. distinctly separated from narrow neck. 366 pp. cream with brown patches or streaks; dorsum of head flat; head somewhat triangular and Werler, J. E., and J. R. Dixon. higher in males (46.3 1.6, 41-50, n = 70) than in females (43.8 1.4, 39-46, n = 60). Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea), Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis), Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/snakes-on-the-water, Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/eastern-cottonmouth/, Virginia Herpetological Society, Available here: https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/cottonmouth/cottonmouth.php. A. Tour. single; infralabials 11/11 (46.2%, n = 119), 10/10 (18.5%), 11/10 (28.6%), or combinations Considering that there are a lot of snakes in Virginia, its not surprising that there are a few that look like cottonmouths mainly water snakes. According to the states Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the snakes live in the swamps, wetlands, and floodplains of western Kentucky. Louisiana State University Press, Baton Rouge and London. An adult cottonmouths size can range from 2-4 feet long and 3-4 pounds in weight. in 20+ genera distributed on all continents except Antarctica and Australia (Zug, 1993). sexes (males 11.7-23.9%, ave. = 15.0 1.7, n = 70; females 10.4-16.4%, ave. = 14.3 1.1, n following fangs rotate from a resting position along the roof of the mouth to an erect position by the Texas Boys Catch a Hog the Size of a Grizzly Bear. Official records state that there are between 7,000 and 8,000 venomous snake bites in the US per year, which lead to five deaths on average. Chesterfield County population. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. affecting survivorship and procurement of resources for reproduction, as well as loss of 160 pp. Iowa does not have any members of this species. The name "cottonmouth" refers to the manner in which the cottonmouth The Fauna of Massachusetts Series 6. Eastern and Central Regions. The Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama. WebThis is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. 136 pp. WebMale cottonmouths are larger than females. This snake can become a meal for turtles, alligators, other snakes, and birds. Snakes of Alabama. Have some feedback for us? WebNorthern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are also a heavy-bodied snake, however, their coloration is more dark green to almost black with several dark brown to black hourglass-shaped bands. they approach the backbone. Wharton, C. H. 1966. This occurs at an alarming rate even well Smith, H. M., and E. D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. [I.] diseases. They primarily live in slow-moving streams, wetlands, swamps, marshes, and ponds. Despite this, the chance of dying from a cottonmouth bite is still pretty low on average. Rhode Island doesnt have any venomous snakes. Society, rodent spread Colorado has no cottonmouths. SVL. Both sexes had a similar average number of body bands (males 13.3 A. Campbell, and T'S. Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. But the greatest and most frequent adversary of the cottonmouth is the opossum. Snakes of the Agkistrodon Complex. As Promised - Cottonmouth Range Map is a topic in the Experts forum at VenomousReptiles.org. Somma, L. A. Cottonmouth are one of Virginias three venomous snake species out of a total of 32. broken at middorsal line, and some may occur as individual halves; in some snakes, bands The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with Herp collecting in Florida in 1930. Volumes I-II. 437 pp. Cottonmouths are predators and carnivores, and as they live both in the water and land they hunt in both environments. It is often found in cultivated fields adjacent to swamp or sluggish streams. 2003 (in press). Hammerson, G. A. Gulf Publishing Company, Houston. 2000. The Reptiles of Virginia. To date there is no evidence that cottonmouths occur across the Rio Grande River in adjacent Mexico (Smith and Smith, 1993), and disjunct Rio Grande populations in Texas have been extirpated (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998).

Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. They are well known for being comfortable in aquatic environment as they are on the land. - VenomousReptiles.org - The SHHS is a group of venomous reptile keepers educating the public about venomous snakes and lizards. These semi-aquatic snakes possess cytotoxic venom which is capable of destroying tissue extensively. Since weve just mentioned that their venom is not as deadly as other types, between 100 and 150mg of this venom is still enough to kill a human. There are no sexual differences in color or pattern. Older adults may be a uniformed dark color, usually black, without a discernable pattern. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Division reports that this species is only responsible for 7% of snakebites in Texas. Bite Information || Cottonmouth look-a-likes || Copperhead look-a-likes. Adults are reddish brown According to the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Department, the snakes live in creeks, swamps, bayous, and coastal marshes all over the state. moccasin, cotton-mouthed snake, gapper, highland moccasin, lowland [16] Watch an Impossibly Rare Coyote and Bobcat, 7,000 and 8,000 venomous snake bites in the US per year, Discover Virginias Only Rattlesnake Species, Discover the 9 Most Dangerous (Deadliest!) As Promised - Cottonmouth Range Map is a topic in the Experts forum at VenomousReptiles.org. There are two species of cottonmouth snakes the northern and the Florida cottonmouth. Venom, and the means to Most known populations occur south of the James River. The back is olive, brown or black with The northern water snake can be identified by observing that the crossbands near the head of the snake do not widen at the ends. and semi-aquatic snakes. Northern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. The majority of the species in this family are pit vipers (120+ species); the remaining 50 Wood (1954a) of 6-9 (5.1%); loreal scale absent; preoculars 2/2; series of 2-4 small scales separating

Although they are not venomous, they readily bite when threatened or handled. In our region cottonmouths are generally restricted to the Coastal Plain but are found in a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia. However, most bites contain enough venom to cause severe pain and sickness if left untreated. WebThe Virginia Herpetological Societys map of the cottonmouths range shows a cluster in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area. Range and Distribution Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia through eastern North and South Carolina, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north along the Mississippi River to southern Illinois and Indiana. horned owls (Bubo spp.

Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London. Greensville County, These snakes range between 24 and 54 inches long and have brown to black bodies overlaid with darker crossbands on their necks and blotches on their bodies. The states Department of Natural Resources says the population of these snakes is stable.

longer exist. Populations in some areas apparently no 191 pp. The Florida Cottonmouth is distributed in Florida, including the upper Keys, and extreme southeastern Georgia; the Eastern Cottonmouth from southeastern Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia; the Western Cottonmouth from eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas (eastern Cherokee County only), Louisiana, Arkansas, southern Missouri, western Tennessee, extreme southern Illinois and Indiana, Mississippi, western Kentucky, and western Alabama (Martof, 1956; Smith, 1961; Webb, 1970; Minton, 1972; Mount, 1975; Stevenson, 1976; Linzey, 1979; Linzey and Clifford, 1981; Lohoefener and Altig, 1983; Moler, 1988; [Sievert] and Sievert, [1988]; Carpenter and Krupa, 1989; Dundee and Rossman, 1989; Lazell, 1989; Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Carmichael and Williams, 1991; Gibbons and Semlitsch, 1991; Collins, 1993; Mitchell, 1994; Palmer and Braswell, 1995; Boundy, 1997; Tennant, 1997; Conant and Collins, 1998; Price, 1998; Tennant et al., 1998; Phillips et al., 1999; Dixon, 2000; Johnson, 2000; King, 2000; Werler and Dixon, 2000). Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, Massachusetts. The eastern massasauga is a shy, secretive snake that lives in wetlands and forests. the water. Johnson, T. R. 2000.

Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), egrets (Ardea, Egretta), Somma, L.A., Fuller, P., and Foster, A., 2023, Distinguishing the Florida cottonmouth from the Eastern cottonmouth. The snakes here shy away from the large, open waters of the northern part of the state. University Press of Kansas, Lawrence. None have been found north or west of Colonial Heights. unnecessarily caused the deaths of many harmless, nonvenomous snakes. 1980. Neonates were 221-237 mm SVL (ave. = 227.9 Arizona has 19 species of venomous snakes, but it does not have any cottonmouths. Geographic Variation: There is no apparent Cottonmouths are not out there looking to attack your fishing boat. WebNative Range: The Florida Cottonmouth is distributed in Florida, including the upper Keys, and extreme southeastern Georgia; the Eastern Cottonmouth from southeastern Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia; the Western Cottonmouth from eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas (eastern Cherokee County only), Louisiana, Arkansas, southern Missouri, Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous. All harmless snakes in Virginia have Handbook of Snakes of The United States and Canada. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey. The cottonmouth has a shocking white interior to its mouth. to be lost and some populations are declining. Brown Watersnakes primarily feed on catfish. Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic snakes and spend much of their lives in water. juvenile Northern Watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base color. Birth and behavior of a brood of cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus with notes on tail-luring. Each species of pit viper possesses a heat-sensing pit alternating blotches near the backbone and on the sides. pivotal role in controlling rodent populations. Though it has a highly venomous bite, there are few reported cases of death from the cottonmouth snake. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables. Even if you dont think that your symptoms are serious, you should always get medical assistance immediately. Juveniles have the same patterns as adults but are brighter, have more distinct crossbands, body color may be more pinkish, and the tip of the tail is yellow. 1999. Sexual dimorphism index was -0.26. Body temperatures of active snakes were 22.7-32.6C (ave. = 27.1 4.2, otters (Lutra canadensis), dogs, and free-ranging domestic cats (Ernst and Barbour, 1989b; The impact of cottonmouths formerly inhabiting Livingston County, Missouri, remains unknown as it was never determined if they were introduced or indigenous. Jackson, J. J. The head is flattened and angular in appearance. Bibliographic Addendum IV and Index, Bibliographic Addenda II-IV, 1979-1991. Rectangular blotch pattern on the side and back Blotches do not touch. + poster. yellowish olive to black with about 13 black crossbands that are wide on the sides and narrow as (chair). The not-so-good news is that three species are: the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake. Publications Section, Georgia Extension Service, [Athens, Georgia]. contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. Under the Nongame and Endangered Species Act of Maryland, it is illegal to kill any snake. He reported an adult sex ratio of 1.8:1.0 (males:females)

2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Surry County, Moler, P. 1988. Pattern is narrow on the sides and wide near the midline. The crossbands Ernst, C. H., and R. W. Barbour. Its all a misunderstanding of their behavior. Virginia has 32 native snakes, and you cant be expected the know them all. Island Press, Washington, D.C. 250 pp. WebRange mass 435 to 1700 g 15.33 to 59.91 oz Range length 66 to 188 cm 25.98 to 74.02 in Development After copulation, female cottonmouths retain the eggs, which develop inside of her for 5 months, after which they give birth to live young. Missouri Department of Conservation, Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri, Jefferson City. These fangs provide the functional means to Environmental variation Large adult Northern Cottonmouths have few predators; humans are the primary ones. The state has a healthy mix of many other snakes, but its venomous snakes are all rattlers. It grows to average lengths of 30-48 in. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources states that the snakes only live south of the James River, and none have been sighted in the northern part of the state. A Field Guide to the Life and Times of Roger Conant. Here you will find everything you ever wanted to know about rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, Members of the pit viper family, Cottonmouth snakes are native to the United States. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York. Coloration and Pattern: Dorsum of body and tail Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. Identification of individual subspecies is made more difficult by a broad geographic area of intergradation between all three of them (Conant and Collins, 1998). finish swallowing it. Its all a misunderstanding of their behavior. Virginia has 32 native snakes, and you cant be expected the know them all. Juvenile Plain-bellied Watersnakes are boldly patterned with a pattern similar to a Mating presumably occurs in the spring, but it may Northern Watersnakes are one of our most abundant snakes and can be found near any

Ovulation occurs in late May, and growth Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Available here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/default.html#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%207%2C000,than%20to%20die%20from%20them. Typically, A. p. conanti has the most prominent bands and facial markings of the three subspecies but there is much variation within each taxon (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998). Virginia Herpetological Society Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn. Using multi-locus nuclear data, Burbrink and Guiher (2015, Zool. lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota. Boundy, J. It is also a known fact that cottonmouths usually dont attack humans unless they are provoked. probably evolved to allow prey capture in dark spaces, like rodent burrows. 1990). Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. Cotton mouths live in the southeastern Virginia with most populations found south of the James River. Revised and Expanded Second Edition. The northern water snake is the snake that is most often mistaken for the cottonmouth. Golay, P., H. M. Smith, D. G. Broadley, J. R. Dixon, C. McCarthy, J.-C. These snakes are most abundant in the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach regions, but there are also populations in the counties of Brunswick, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Southampton, Surrey, Sussex, and York. The bones and Blem (1981b) thought that unusually cold winter Mitchell, J. C. 1994. snakes so that specimens may be identified from a safe distance. McGuire. Adults commonly exceed 80 cm (31 in) in total length (including tail); females are typically smaller than males. onto venter; center portion of bands olive to brown, similar to body color between bands; *Click on a thumbnail for a larger version. Gloyd, H. K., and R. Conant. Parental Behavior in Lepidosaurian and Testudinian Reptiles: A Literature Survey. Prince George County, Instead, cottonmouths only occur in the southeastern corner, with most populations living south of the James River. Additionally, the dorsal portion of the Cottonmouth's chunky heads are distinctly flattened and covered with a few large scales, and they possess a single anal scale; characteristics not found in watersnakes (Conant and Collins, 1998; Powell et al., 1998). biting and swallowing fish under water, although one carried its prey out of the water to 347 pp. tip. Known birth dates are 1-15 (1955); and Agkistrodon piscivorus was used by Dunn (1918, 1936), Werler and McCallion The head is triangular and flattened on top. University Press of Colorado, Niwot, Colorado. Range: Most of Virginia, excluding the counties of Tazewell, Wythe, Grayson, and Campbell. a specimen from "Carolina." Missouri Department of Conservation, Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri, Jefferson City. These snakes live in wetland regions within the southeastern corner of Virginia. I have been writing professionally for several years with a focus on animals and wildlife. crossbands that are somewhat dumbbell-shaped, wide on sides and narrower at middorsal line; Cottonmouths are not out there looking to attack your fishing boat. Cottonmouths are not out there looking to attack your fishing boat. Therefore, its really important to watch where you tread particularly when you are stepping over logs and rocks. Wildlife officials say they live in ponds, lakes, rivers, cypress swamps, and wet prairies. Volume III. They have dark brown to black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands. When they are threatened, cottonmouths often coil their bodies and open their mouth wide in a defensive position to ward off any would-be predators. [16] Nongame Wildlife Program, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Tallahassee. Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. The back is olive, brown or black with Phillips, C. A., R. A. Brandon, and E. O. Moll. Society, Venomous Snake Bite Information. darkness. snakes there would be a drastic increase in crop/food damage and rodent spread twice that for adult females (560.3 109.8 g, 435-700, n = 8). The largest cottonmouth on record was just over 74 inches, and it was found in the Dismal Swamp region near the Virginia-North Carolina line, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society. Freiberg, M., and J. G. Walls. and observed that the population was skewed to large adults.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma City. National Audubon Society First Field Guide. It is far better to learn the pattern and coloration of a few 1990). ponds. piscivorus) each consist of multiple species-level taxa. 1993. Also, when swimming, most of its body is below the water and only the head shows when motionless, unlike the cottonmouth, which swims with the entire body on the surface of the water. Ashton, R. E., Jr., and P. S. Ashton. Dixon, J. R. 2000. The term