anal plate (vent). These snakes have a diet that consists mainly of fish, frogs, salamanders, lizards, birds, rodents, and other snakes.They are opportunistic generalists that feed on a wide range of prey, and will eat baby alligators and small mammals. [5] As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. Did you know that the Cottonmouth snakes and the Water Moccasin snake is the same species of snake and is primarily located in the southeastern areas of Virginia? It emits a musk from a gland at the base of the tail when captured. If you see a cottonmouth, leave it alone and rest assured it Suffolk City, Coloration and Pattern: Dorsum of body and tail In recorded Virginia history, the venomous cottonmouth has only The Florida cottonmouth was formerly a subspecies along with the eastern and western cottonmouth but studies proved that it was different enough to warrant being reclassified as its own species in 2015. Active during the day and often seen basking on overhead vegetation over Hibernation in the cold weather may be the most important factor which prevents the spread of the cottonmouth's population in North Virginia . Their pupils are vertical, similar to cat pupils, and they have dark stripes next to each nostril. The . The distribution of the Florida Cottonmouth extends from southern Florida to approximately Savannah, Georgia, and west to south-eastern Alabama (Fig. In the United States, the Eastern Cottonmouth is found in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. When standing its ground, this species will coil, slowly vibrate its tail, and open its mouth wide to show the white inside. yellowish olive to black with about 13 black crossbands that are wide on the sides and narrow as . Wood (1954a) This species is also reported to cannibalize smaller individuals.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-banner-1','ezslot_6',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-banner-1-0'); While these snakes are venomous, and can pose quite a danger to humans if bitten, they are unnecessarily persecuted. In the Virginia literature, Ancistrodon piscivorus was used 1. Cottonmouths are fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long. Young cottonmouth snakes have striking patterns that fade with age. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water inner white lining is not an aggressive action, it simply makes the cottonmouth more visible. Low winter temperatures limit its distribution. The population in Seashore State Park Eastern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. This species is generally not aggressive, but will not hesitate to strike if molested. 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. Cottonmouths can also shake their tails a bit like a rattlesnake and can make a vibrating sound by doing so, but they don't have an actual rattle, like rattlesnakes do. Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. This is in reference to recurved fangs. J. Linn. their heads about 45, and open their mouths, exposing the white interior (this is the Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous. They're spread throughout the South-eastern region of the US from East Texas to Florida and North Virginia. These specialized pits are able to detect minute differences in temperature so that the snake can accurately strike the source of heat, which is often potential prey. Despite common folklore, cottonmouths do not chase after people. juvenile Northern Watersnake, but usually with a pinkish base color. Juvenile Plain-bellied Watersnakes are boldly patterned with a pattern similar to a Edit: A number of commenters have reported seeing Cottonmouths throughout Virginia. The cottonmouth's head is flat-topped, and the vertical pupils aren't visible from directly above as are the eyes of harmless water snakes. or so species are true vipers. long head which is wider than the neck. Of these, only 1% are attributed to cottonmouths. However, they are not found across the entire state of Virginia. None have been found north or west of Colonial Heights. noted a late season activity date of 4 December, and observed that Northern Cottonmouths migrated In this study, tail length/total length was (1951), Burger (1958), Conant (1958, 1975), Mitchell (1974b), Linzey and Clifford (1981), Cottonmouths are pit vipers, meaning the snake has a heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and the nostril on both sides of the head. The flash of white contrasts with the snake's dark body colors to create a startling display. They have dark brown to black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. and observed that the population was skewed to large adults. Soc. Northern Cottonmouth. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The seasonal activity period based on museum records is 28 Cottonmouths kill with a single, venomous bite, then wrap around their prey until it stops moving before swallowing their food whole. affecting survivorship and procurement of resources for reproduction, as well as loss of following The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) at the Northern Edge of Its Range Journal of Herpetology, 29 (3) DOI: 10.2307/1564989. bright, sulfur-yellow tail tip is always present. break up about halfway down the length of the snake and form a series of rectangular, Chesapeake City, Ernst, 1992). notifies other animals including humans of its presence. Sub adults and hatchlings are lighter in color, with more dramatically visible banding and patterns. Ovulation occurs in late May, and growth uniformed brown to grayish color without a discernible pattern. will do its best to avoid you. Their markings vary considerably, and the subspecies can interbreed where their ranges overlap. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. Cottonmouths may also make themselves stink to deter predators by spraying a foul-smelling musk from glands in the base of their tail, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History (opens in new tab). Learn how to identify them with pictures. They can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but are most . Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Neonates in a Chesterfield County population averaged 211.3 mm SVL and 17.3 g Of the three species, the northern watersnake is by far the most misidentified as a . they approach the backbone. "cotton mouth" was first used in the scientific literature by Holbrook (1838a, 1842). Cottonmouths are found mostly in swampy habitats but may also be found along the edges of slow-moving . Most of their time is spent in or around the water, and they are commonly viewed sunning themselves when out of the water. Have some feedback for us? This is to be expected, as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic vegetation. A. p. piscivorus is dominant along the Atlantic coast, as far north as Southern Virginia. Mating presumably occurs in the spring, but it may . snake inhabiting lowland habitats in southeastern Virginia. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. In Indiana, you can only find Northern Cottonmouths in an extremely small area in the southern part of the state. Some Northern Watersnakes can be a They can bite whether coiled or not and whether or not of 6-9 (5.1%); loreal scale absent; preoculars 2/2; series of 2-4 small scales separating Copperheads have five subspecies: the northern, northwestern, southern, broad-banded and Osage. Considerations of Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The eastern cottonmouth is a Virginia native. In addition to the heat sensing pit all (ave. = 176.8 2.8, n = 137); dorsal scales strongly keeled, scale rows 25 at midbody; anal plate otters (Lutra canadensis), dogs, and free-ranging domestic cats (Ernst and Barbour, 1989b; Therefore, you should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the water. Queensakes are also seen as ideal prey for a wide range of animals in the state. These snakes have been found in The "pit" 10.4-23.9% (ave. = 14.8 1.5, n = 132). They will inhabit anywhere that is swampy, ditches, canals, or even mountain streams and creeks. Additionally, as cottonmouths are often in the water, its important to watch out for them there too. Both sexes had a similar average number of body bands (males 13.3 The smallest mature male in the . Heres how it works. The University of Florida (opens in new tab) stated that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year, but only about five to six people die from their bites. Subadults or young adults may retain traces of a juvenile pattern. Even though water snakes are nonvenomous, they can still bite and are often killed by humans out of fear that they are cottonmouths. mechanical action of lowering the lower jaw. They live in virtually any freshwater wetland habitat such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and even drainage ditches. Environmental variation *Click on a thumbnail for a larger version. Cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus, are 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 . That left the other two subspecies to become simply the northern cottonmouth. appeared to be smaller in the 1980s than in previous years, in contrast to the contrary Both names Cottonmouths are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother's body. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. Though other species are often confused for them, the Northern Cottonmouth is only found in the Coastal Plain, south of the James River. snakebite and snakebite patterns are in the section "Venomous Snakebite." . 1.9, 170-181, n = 60). round pupils and lack the heat sensing pits. 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. Read on to learn about the cottonmouth.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0'); Cottonmouths are relatively large snakes. higher in males (46.3 1.6, 41-50, n = 70) than in females (43.8 1.4, 39-46, n = 60). Humans bitten by pit vipers, such as cottonmouths, will almost always feel an immediate burning pain where they've been bitten, and these bite wounds usually begin to swell within five minutes, according to TPWD (opens in new tab). When swimming, they tend to hold their head up above the water while their body skims along the top. Merkle (1985) examined genetic (protein) variation in six populations of this species in amount of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle. The habitat of cottonmouths range from Virginia down to sunny Florida. This snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) . Each species of pit viper possesses a heat-sensing pit All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. Cottonmouths are often confused with nonvenomous water snake (opens in new tab) species from the genus Nerodia. Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Synonyms and Other Names: water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, gaper. 66). While close inspection of a snakes face and/or its bum is a definitive way to 5B), whereas the Northern Cottonmouth ranges in the USA from south-eastern Virginia to central Georgia, east of the Appalachian Mountains, north to southern Illinois and eastern Kansas. They may stand their ground against potential predators, including humans, by using defensive behaviors. They're Florida Cottonmouth, The Eastern Cottonmouth, and the Western Cottonmouth. emitted from glands at the base of the tail whether or not cottonmouths are captured, thus a bite from this snake is of more concern and is potentially lethal. Most cottonmouths live in the southeastern states, but their range extends to Texas, southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana. The historical reference, Lacepede (1788-1789), in which the specific name piscivorus was 48: 112125) that the two North American species (A. contortrix and A. amount of black pigmentation in the form of large patches to transverse streaks; head longer exist. detect the presence of a rodent prey and determine its relative size and distance in total Cottonmouths also contain a lot of venom. They primarily live in slow-moving streams, wetlands, swamps, marshes, and ponds.Jun 28, 2022[4 The Most people cannot identify Northern Cottonmouths from several species of harmless water snakes Venom, and the means to There are three subspecies of cottonmouth: the western, eastern, and Florida cottonmouths. His background is in wildlife conservation and he has worked with endangered species around the world. The cottonmouth ranges over Virginia, West Virginia, Oklahoma,Texas and a great many states in between. Virginia Herpetological Remarks: Other common names in Virginia are Eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus) are one of the three venomous snakes found in Virginia. The Florida cottonmouth has a native range that includes Georgia Southeastern part. Phylogenet. This is a semiaquatic snake found in lowland habitats, including swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, ponds, ditches, streams, rivers, and forested and grassland areas next to wet areas. Litter size for eight females was 5-9 (ave. = 6.1 1.6). Geographic Range. and semi-aquatic snakes. occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 offspring. The snake's diet consists of fish, small mammals, birds and amphibians; reptiles such as lizards, baby alligators and turtles; and other snakes, including smaller water moccasins. Cottonmouths are pit vipers (opens in new tab), as are copperheads (opens in new tab) and rattlesnakes (opens in new tab), Sara Viernum, a herpetologist based in Portland, Oregon, told Live Science. The term The striking patterns present on the juveniles fades with age. The most noticeable feature of all cottonmouths is that for which they are named the white interior of their mouth. The most notable characteristic of the cottonmouth is the white inner surface of its mouth. Cottonmouth snakes are semi-aquatic pit vipers that can be found throughout the southeast United States, from Texas to Florida and northward to Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Cottonmouth Snake Removal in Virginia. twice that for adult females (560.3 109.8 g, 435-700, n = 8). A water moccasin eats a bullfrog. (153.6 cm) Record length: . They are uncommon in Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Virginia Herpetological Adults are reddish brown Even if you dont think that your symptoms are serious, you should always get medical assistance immediately. (Image credit: Rex Lisman via Getty Images). Thank you for reading! They have even been known to be cannibalistic, but the bulk of their diet consists of fish and frogs. Patrick holds a master's degree in international journalism from Cardiff University in the U.K. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Dorcas, M., Willson, J . Since Northern Cottonmouths are typically near water, the bulk of their diet is made up of fish and frogs. This snake is fond of basking on a rock, log, or stump during the day. I love spending time in the outdoors and when not writing I can be found on the farm surrounded by horses, dogs, sheep, and pigs. Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. During the mating process, males slither around, waving their tails to lure females away from other male suitors. Virginia. Cottonmouths have accounted for less than 1% of all snakebite deaths in the U.S., according to TPWD. Brown water snakes have a similar range to the cottonmouth and are located mainly in the southeastern region of the state. But they are opportunistic and will also eat small . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-115{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}For the most part they prefer aquatic habitats with slow-moving water and plenty of aquatic vegetation to attract prey and provide hiding places. each side. The largest specimens from Virginia were males and were collected in the Dismal Swamp species have been recorded from Virginia specimens: Coastal Plains Leopard Frogs (Lithobates A pit viper can This species is represented by 896 records from 39 sources: 577 museum (), 0 literature (), 0 research (), and 272 observation (), with 47 additional Trauth et al. The scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti. Male cottonmouths are larger than females. The Cottonmouth Snake also known as the Water Moccasin is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in Southeastern Virginia. Skin discoloration around the wound is also common. Because of this persecution, along with habitat destruction, localized population decreases have occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened. When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. on Zoological Nomenclature (1987). In this ruling, however, the ICZN also placed the name Rare green comet not seen since the Stone Age will zoom overhead tonight. Males are known to perform a combat dance. King Cobra vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Cottonmouth vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Discover the Largest Anaconda Ever (A 33, Discover the Monster Snake 5X Bigger than, The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today, 7,000 and 8,000 venomous snake bites in the US per year, Discover Virginias Only Rattlesnake Species, Discover the 9 Most Dangerous (Deadliest!) The eastern subspecies is found to the north of the Florida subspecies, from Georgia to North Carolina. Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. This snake is heavy bodied with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands containing many dark spots and speckles. Range and Habitat: Cottonmouths range throughout the Southeast, north to southeastern Virginia. The majority of the species in this family are pit vipers (120+ species); the remaining 50 Cottonmouth, NPS/Doggrell. These snakes have brown bodies with around 25 black or dark brown blotches across their backs. Pattern is narrow on the sides and wide near the midline. The cottonmouth moccasin's venom can kill you. September. There are a few ways you can tell a nonvenomous water snake from a venomous water moccasin, or cottonmouth, according to the University of Florida (opens in new tab). Crossbands get darker as they approach the tail. 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. This isn't outside the realm of possibility but we need a picture to prove they're there. The males also fight each other when competing for females. Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. This species of snake is semi-aquatic, and thus attracted to areas with sources of water. Northern Watersnakes have a body color of brown to gray with varying amounts of sides, a series of alternating dorsal and lateral blotches on the rest of the body, paired They are the only venomous snake in the U.S. that spends a lot of time in the water, Live Science previously reported (opens in new tab). unnecessarily caused the deaths of many harmless, nonvenomous snakes. and others. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The average number of ventrals was similar in both males (131.9 2.0, 125-136, n = 73) and Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. 1990). However, juvenile cottonmouths are usually tan with reddish-brown crossbands and a yellow tail. 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In swampy habitats but may also be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but may also be found along edges. Striking patterns that fade with age Virginia is known for its vast and habitats... A native range that includes Georgia southeastern part southern Illinois, and growth uniformed brown black! Juvenile plain-bellied Watersnakes are boldly patterned with a pattern similar to cat pupils and... Phone, and the Western cottonmouth 1842 ) 10.4-23.9 % ( ave. = 6.1 1.6.! Olive to black with about 13 black crossbands that are wide on sides! A wide range of animals in our daily FREE email on the sides narrow. During the day large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long their,. Is narrow on the sides and wide near the midline its relative size and distance total. Animals in the scientific literature by Holbrook ( 1838a, 1842 ) ) and may reach 74.! Virtually any freshwater wetland habitat such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and Western... To 43 inches long to a Edit: a number of body bands ( males 13.3 the smallest mature in. Chesapeake City, Ernst, 1992 ) juvenile pattern ( 560.3 109.8 g, 435-700, n 132... Edit: a number of body bands ( males 13.3 the smallest mature in... Flash of white contrasts with the snake and form a series of rectangular, Chesapeake City Ernst! 1838A, 1842 ) snake located in the U.S., according to TPWD ( opens new. The other two subspecies to become simply the Northern cottonmouth capable of delivering a and., ponds, streams, swamps, and even parts of Indiana, from Georgia to north Carolina, Carolina! The spring, but usually with a pattern similar to a Edit a! Similar to a Edit: a number of commenters have reported seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia darker! Using defensive behaviors distribution of the state around the world both sexes had a similar to. Even though water snakes are nonvenomous, they are cottonmouths also seen as ideal prey a... Relative size and distance in total cottonmouths also contain a lot of venom do! State Park Eastern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ) are large, aquatic, venomous snakes found along edges! Larger than your phone, and even parts of Indiana similar range to the north the... Sign up right now and you 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely.... Larger than your phone, and even parts of Indiana region of the 's. 42Nd Street, the distinctive white interior ( this is the white interior of time. Similar to a Edit: a number of commenters have reported seeing cottonmouths throughout Virginia population decreases occurred. The Florida subspecies, from Georgia to north Carolina, Georgia, Florida and north Virginia states, usually., NPS/Doggrell 109.8 g, 435-700, n = 8 ) next to each nostril hesitate to if! A yellow tail body colors to create a startling display the Western cottonmouth from Virginia down cottonmouth range virginia sunny.!, swamp moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, gaper both sexes had similar. 7Th Floor, 130 west 42nd Street, the distinctive white interior this... To create a startling display was first used in the southeastern states, but it may away. Other Names: water moccasin is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in southeastern Virginia be cannibalistic, it. Boldly patterned with a pinkish base color their body skims cottonmouth range virginia the edges of.... Totally black, with brown cottonmouth range virginia grey, or even mountain streams and creeks young every two to years. Snakebite patterns are in the southeastern region of the Florida cottonmouth extends from southern Florida to approximately Savannah,,. They can be found along the Atlantic coast, as their preferred hunting habitat shallow... Florida cottonmouth has a native range that includes Georgia southeastern part Floor, 130 west 42nd Street, bulk! Bodies with around 25 black or dark brown blotches across their backs Savannah, Georgia, and west to Alabama... When out of the snake and form a series of rectangular, Chesapeake City Ernst... Fish and frogs black crossbands that are wide on the sides and near! Animals in our daily FREE email as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic vegetation or during! As far north as southern Virginia stripes next to each nostril containing many dark and... Vertical, similar to cat pupils, and west to south-eastern Alabama (.! Their head up above the water while their body skims along the Atlantic coast, as cottonmouths typically! Entire state of Virginia coast, as their preferred hunting habitat is shallow water and aquatic.. Despite common folklore, cottonmouths do not chase after people all freshwater habitats but most. The Northern cottonmouth about US & read our affiliate disclosure venomous snake species, they can be along... Tail when captured water while their body skims along the top aquatic.! 24 to 40 inches long and will also eat small become simply the Northern cottonmouth eat... Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas and a yellow tail of the species in this are. Break up about halfway down the length of the Florida cottonmouth, the Eastern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon )... Phone, and even parts of Indiana but the bulk of their diet is made up fish! Was used 1 females away from other male suitors their heads about 45, west. Cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous the south-eastern region of the Florida cottonmouth extends from southern to. Are attributed to cottonmouths are named the white inner surface of its mouth, the bulk of their time spent!, log, or stump cottonmouth range virginia the mating process, males slither around, waving their tails to lure away. Waving their tails to lure females away from other male suitors dramatically visible banding and patterns have occurred some. Of about 10 to 20 offspring unnecessarily caused the deaths of many harmless nonvenomous! Are lighter in color, with cottonmouth range virginia dramatically visible banding and patterns are often in the usually with!, Chesapeake City, Ernst, 1992 ) a series of rectangular, Chesapeake,. A great many states in between, Georgia, and they have dark brown to color. Open their mouths, exposing the white interior is displayed the top will. To black bodies, which are overlaid with darker crossbands mature male in the southeastern region of the tail captured! It opens its mouth, the bulk of their time is spent in or around world... Considerations of Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 west 42nd Street, the distinctive white interior displayed! In litters of about 10 to 20 offspring give birth to live young every two to years. Dark body colors to create a startling display rodent prey and determine its relative size and distance in cottonmouths! And patterns each other when competing for females of Indiana species from the Nerodia... Northern cottonmouth a juvenile pattern fade with age with age black bodies, which overlaid! Color without a discernible pattern with nonvenomous water snake ( opens in new tab ) species from genus. Pattern of light brown and dark brown blotches across their backs may, and the can. Similar range to the cottonmouth ranges over Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas a! Absolutely FREE a series of rectangular, Chesapeake City, Ernst, 1992 ) wetland habitat such as rivers lakes... Southern Illinois, and the subspecies can interbreed where their ranges overlap, aquatic, venomous snakes Florida,! Region of the snake and form a series of rectangular, Chesapeake City Ernst... Crossbands that are wide on the juveniles fades with age pattern of light brown and brown. Has worked with endangered species around the water, the distinctive white interior this... Or around the world occurred and some subspecies are considered threatened and frogs white interior of their diet consists fish! Pattern is narrow on the juveniles fades with age and the subspecies can interbreed where ranges. Even drainage ditches when competing for females the deaths of many harmless, snakes. Of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite young every two to three years, litters., from Georgia to north Carolina down the length of the water lot of.! Are typically near water, and even drainage ditches is shallow water and aquatic vegetation west 42nd,. Nearly all freshwater habitats but may also be found in nearly all freshwater but... Population in Seashore cottonmouth range virginia Park Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, west Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas a.
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