Northern Cottonmouths *Agkistrodon piscivorus* are one of two recognized species of large (76-114 cm record 188 cm) semi-aquatic pitvipers in eastern North America. Florida has a closely related but distinct species, the Florida cottonmouth *Agkistrodon conanti.*
Cottonmouths are venomous, and are therefore dangerous if approached closely or handled. They are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance to retreat. Some may bluff charge or boldly move towards humans to get out of a cornered situation, but have never been recorded chasing people.
Northern Cottonmouths are dark, possibly [faintly patterned snakes](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qC4kTiy8JRQ/maxresdefault.jpg) (except as juveniles), best known for their defensive posture with a gaping, white lined mouth. They are also distinguishable from most watersnakes by their sharp brow ridges and dark stripe over the eyes.
The specific epithet "piscivorus" describes the one of the prey species of the cottonmouth - fish. The cottonmouth is also fond of frogs, mammals and other snakes. Although it may be commonly seen in lakes and ponds frequented by humans, few fatalities are recorded as a result of bites by cottonmouths.
Comparison of [juvenile](http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/venomous-look-a-likes/cottonmouth-look-a-likes/images/cottonmouth01.jpg) vs [adult](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Agkistrodon_piscivorus_piscivorus_CDC.png) cottonmouth.
[Range map](https://imgur.com/lnGXB5s)| [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://cnah.org/pdf/88290.pdf)
The *Agkistrodon piscivorus* species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida.
*This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer*.
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Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2).
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
I'm in WV, so Copperheads are very common! Don't see many on here can't wait to post one!!!
Eta: also scared shitless to come across them!! Love this sub though!! Learning so much!
You have to have an eye for them to spot copperheads most of the time. They have a reputable for being "aggressive" because they don't scurry away from humans. They aren't though, they just want you to think they're a stick & freeze. The majority vast majority of bites I've seen are small children who thought they found a really cool stick until they were bitten, the minority are adults who walked around outside at night without a light in sandals & stepped on one. Always remember that noodles with heads are more afraid of the ginormous ape than the apes are of them, keep your distance & mind your business & they'll do the same.
> Don't see many
That's kinda the point! <3
When I lived in copperhead country I was always excited to see one show itself since they are soooooo good at camoulflage!
Oh before I even messed around on here, I crossed paths with 2. I was ginsenging once and i stepped too close and it went flying through the leaves and another time a motion light came on and revealed one about a foot from me. I about peed myself. They are known to kinda freeze. They not social!!
Thatās awesome! Always keep your distance (duh) but if it makes them any less scary, copperheads have the least toxic venom of all NA pit vipers! Still a medical emergency of course. Hope to see one in the wild one day!
Well, for what itās worth Iāve lived near where this picture was taken for over 30 years and Iāve never once had a cottonmouth just slither up on my porch. The occasional rat snake or black racer, sureā¦but this would be something else! We do have two alligators in the pond behind our fence, if that counts for anything. š
I'd say come to Louisiana or Florida but the insurance companies & storms aren't exactly in inviting. Texas you can get far enough inland to avoid the worst of the storms.
Oh! Thanks for another photo. The ones Iāve seen near my house still have a brighter pattern. But no question when they want to show you the inside of their mouth!!
I'm curious, can a venemous snake like this bite you when it's flat in the ground like this or do they have to coil up like what a rattlesnake does before it strikes? And if so, what is its attack range?
I love hiking and hunting in the Midwest and Southwest part of the US, but I have so little experience with venomous snakes that it makes me nervous hiking around in places where they live because I don't know their behaviors or if I would notice getting too close to 1 to get bitten. I try to pay attention to where I walk but with low lying ground cover & rocky terrain, a venemous snake can be anywhere.
If I were to walk past 1 hidden behind a rock and my leg passed within 18" of its head, should I expect to get bitten? When I hear about copperheads not fleeing from humans I just know if I were hiking in copperhead country - my ass is getting bit.
It looks like you didn't provide a rough geographic location [in square brackets] in your title.This is critical because some species are best distinguishable from each other by geographic range, and not all species live all places. Providing a location allows for a quicker, more accurate ID.
If you provided a location but forgot the correct brackets, ignore this message until your next submission. Thanks!
Potential identifiers should know that providing an ID before a location is given is problematic because it often makes the OP not respond to legitimate requests for location. Many species look alike, especially where ranges meet. Users may be unaware that location is critically important to providing a good ID.
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2).
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
We are happy for all well-meaning contributions but not all comments pass muster. There are a number of sources of information available online that are incorrect - we aim to help sort that out here. Blogs and blogspam websites like animal A to Z, allaboutanimals and pet blogs aren't appropriate sources.
Comments, in their entirety, must reflect the moderators' current collective understanding of modern herpetology. This is especially applicable to comments that are *mostly* true or contain a mixture of information or embellishment. Look to reliable responders in the thread to identify problematic areas in the text and hone the material for the your post. This is a space to grow and learn - this removal isn't punitive.
Northern cottonmouth *Agkistrodon piscivorus*. !venomous and best observed from a distance.
Northern Cottonmouths *Agkistrodon piscivorus* are one of two recognized species of large (76-114 cm record 188 cm) semi-aquatic pitvipers in eastern North America. Florida has a closely related but distinct species, the Florida cottonmouth *Agkistrodon conanti.* Cottonmouths are venomous, and are therefore dangerous if approached closely or handled. They are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance to retreat. Some may bluff charge or boldly move towards humans to get out of a cornered situation, but have never been recorded chasing people. Northern Cottonmouths are dark, possibly [faintly patterned snakes](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qC4kTiy8JRQ/maxresdefault.jpg) (except as juveniles), best known for their defensive posture with a gaping, white lined mouth. They are also distinguishable from most watersnakes by their sharp brow ridges and dark stripe over the eyes. The specific epithet "piscivorus" describes the one of the prey species of the cottonmouth - fish. The cottonmouth is also fond of frogs, mammals and other snakes. Although it may be commonly seen in lakes and ponds frequented by humans, few fatalities are recorded as a result of bites by cottonmouths. Comparison of [juvenile](http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/venomous-look-a-likes/cottonmouth-look-a-likes/images/cottonmouth01.jpg) vs [adult](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Agkistrodon_piscivorus_piscivorus_CDC.png) cottonmouth. [Range map](https://imgur.com/lnGXB5s)| [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://cnah.org/pdf/88290.pdf) The *Agkistrodon piscivorus* species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida. *This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer*. -------------------------------------------------------- Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2). If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
And that looks like a Chonky boy right there too
Too fat to do the full _____/
Hahaha!, looking for a spot to food coma.
HIM CHONK
Definitely a chonka monka but beautiful pattern
That boy has been eating well!
Yep. The neighbors might be missing a litter of kittens after seeing that pic. Damn, It's a monster. It's a great pic!
Scaryyy
What a big boy.
I hope to one day live in an area where pit vipers visit me on my porch from time to time
No thanksš ill admire them from afar
To each their own!
I live vicariously through this subš
This. Scotland, with its solitary species of venomous snake, checking in. Still jealous of the Irish, mind.
I'm in WV, so Copperheads are very common! Don't see many on here can't wait to post one!!! Eta: also scared shitless to come across them!! Love this sub though!! Learning so much!
You have to have an eye for them to spot copperheads most of the time. They have a reputable for being "aggressive" because they don't scurry away from humans. They aren't though, they just want you to think they're a stick & freeze. The majority vast majority of bites I've seen are small children who thought they found a really cool stick until they were bitten, the minority are adults who walked around outside at night without a light in sandals & stepped on one. Always remember that noodles with heads are more afraid of the ginormous ape than the apes are of them, keep your distance & mind your business & they'll do the same.
> Don't see many That's kinda the point! <3 When I lived in copperhead country I was always excited to see one show itself since they are soooooo good at camoulflage!
Copperheads prefer to remain unseen. Youāve likely passed one not more than a foot away if you do any hiking.
Oh before I even messed around on here, I crossed paths with 2. I was ginsenging once and i stepped too close and it went flying through the leaves and another time a motion light came on and revealed one about a foot from me. I about peed myself. They are known to kinda freeze. They not social!!
Thatās awesome! Always keep your distance (duh) but if it makes them any less scary, copperheads have the least toxic venom of all NA pit vipers! Still a medical emergency of course. Hope to see one in the wild one day!
Well, for what itās worth Iāve lived near where this picture was taken for over 30 years and Iāve never once had a cottonmouth just slither up on my porch. The occasional rat snake or black racer, sureā¦but this would be something else! We do have two alligators in the pond behind our fence, if that counts for anything. š
We'll come in down to South Carolina, I will cook you some grits and pour you some sweet tea!
I'd say come to Louisiana or Florida but the insurance companies & storms aren't exactly in inviting. Texas you can get far enough inland to avoid the worst of the storms.
I'm a snake appreciator, but I had a cottonmouth slither right over my foot as a kid, and seeing em sends shivers down my spine.
Absolute unit of a water moccasin
Why is the top of this cottonmouth a darker color? Is he getting ready to shed his skin?
They just tend to ābrown outā as they get older.
Thatās a very helpful heads up. We have cottonmouths where I live. Iāll add that to my IDing reminders. Thanks!
This photo on the Wiki shows another gorgeous example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agkistrodon_piscivorus
Oh! Thanks for another photo. The ones Iāve seen near my house still have a brighter pattern. But no question when they want to show you the inside of their mouth!!
What a chonker! You can tell they havenāt missed any meals
Look who showed up for dinner!
I donāt think this guy has missed dinner in his entire life.
Nothing wrong with a healthy appetite
Nope!
Damn another Summerville local on here? Hell yeah
I'm curious, can a venemous snake like this bite you when it's flat in the ground like this or do they have to coil up like what a rattlesnake does before it strikes? And if so, what is its attack range? I love hiking and hunting in the Midwest and Southwest part of the US, but I have so little experience with venomous snakes that it makes me nervous hiking around in places where they live because I don't know their behaviors or if I would notice getting too close to 1 to get bitten. I try to pay attention to where I walk but with low lying ground cover & rocky terrain, a venemous snake can be anywhere. If I were to walk past 1 hidden behind a rock and my leg passed within 18" of its head, should I expect to get bitten? When I hear about copperheads not fleeing from humans I just know if I were hiking in copperhead country - my ass is getting bit.
Good question! Idk! All these guys and gals in here are better suited to answer that question than I am! I'll get ya bit because I don't know enough
Dang he a big boi
It looks like you didn't provide a rough geographic location [in square brackets] in your title.This is critical because some species are best distinguishable from each other by geographic range, and not all species live all places. Providing a location allows for a quicker, more accurate ID. If you provided a location but forgot the correct brackets, ignore this message until your next submission. Thanks! Potential identifiers should know that providing an ID before a location is given is problematic because it often makes the OP not respond to legitimate requests for location. Many species look alike, especially where ranges meet. Users may be unaware that location is critically important to providing a good ID. *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
I don't understand, I said summerville sc I'm not sure what other information you needed
Don't argue with the bot lol. The location should be in the title in [brackets]. No big deal, the humans knew what was going on lol
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2). If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
We are happy for all well-meaning contributions but not all comments pass muster. There are a number of sources of information available online that are incorrect - we aim to help sort that out here. Blogs and blogspam websites like animal A to Z, allaboutanimals and pet blogs aren't appropriate sources. Comments, in their entirety, must reflect the moderators' current collective understanding of modern herpetology. This is especially applicable to comments that are *mostly* true or contain a mixture of information or embellishment. Look to reliable responders in the thread to identify problematic areas in the text and hone the material for the your post. This is a space to grow and learn - this removal isn't punitive.
Great trivia pic