cotton mouth

Cotton Mouth Facts

prey

Fish, rodents, shrews, frogs, reptiles, birds, insects and eggs

interesting fact

The cottonmouth snake (also known as the water buckskin) is a highly venomous viper that spends most of its time near water.

litter size

up to 16 years old

key point

• Cottonmouths have a large spade-shaped head.
• Cottonmouths are black, brown and olive, alternating in light and dark bands.
• The cottonmouth and the buckskin are the same species of snake.

The cottonmouth (also known as the water buckskin) is a highly venomous viper that spends most of its time near water.

The cottonmouth is considered one of the few semiaquatic snakes in the world. They can sometimes be seen swimming in fresh and salt water areas. There are generally two species: the northern cottonmouth and the Florida cottonmouth.

This article will cover some interesting facts about the identification, habitat, diet, lifespan and size of these two species.

What is the difference between a cottonmouth and a buckskin?

no difference. They're just two different names for the exact same species.

5 Surprising Facts

• Cottonmouth deer go by many different names, including sambar buckskin, swamp buckskin buckskin, rusty buckskin buckskin, and black buckskin buckskin. A moccasin is essentially a shoe or slipper made of leather.
• Cottonmouths can choose to mate all year round, but its breeding season is usually in April and May. To attract a mate, the male cottonmouth performs a combat dance in which he slides back and forth and flicks his tail. Males also fight each other for access to females. Cottonmouths are considered monogamous.
• After a five-month gestation period, females give birth to an average of five to nine live pups at a time (usually up to 16). However, usually only two or three pups survive to adulthood due to the presence of natural enemies. Females take about three years to reach full sexual maturity (male sexual maturity is unknown). If they survive, their typical lifespan is 20 to 25 years.
• Predators of juvenile or juvenile cottonmouths include eagles, egrets, raccoons, peacocks, largemouth bass, and snapping turtles. In contrast, adult cottonbills have few natural predators.
• Female cottonmouths are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. This means they can have offspring without males (albeit at the expense of genetic diversity).

where to find them

Cottonmouths can be found year-round in many aquatic locations in the southeastern United States, including cypress swamps, riverine floodplains, lakes, bays, and wetlands. Their range extends as far south as Illinois and west as far as Texas; there is also some overlap between northern Florida cottonmouth and Florida cottonmouth. They like to bask in the sun near logs, rocks, and branches near the water. The size of a cottonmouth snake's territory depends on its size and sex (males tend to have a larger range).

scientific name

The northern cottonmouth's scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus , while the Florida cottonmouth's scientific name is Agkistrodon conanti . The genus name Agkistrodon essentially means hook tooth (or fishhook-like tooth), referring to the shape of the fang. The species name piscivorus essentially means piscivorus or fish eater, while conanti was named in honor of the famous herpetologist Roger Conant.

The difference between Northern and Florida Cottonmouth only appeared in 2015. Before this time, three subspecies had been identified: eastern, western and Florida cottonmouth. However, based on DNA analysis, it was decided to make the Florida cottonmouth its own species and eliminate the East-West differences entirely. This leaves us with two species, Florida and Northern Cottonmouth, with no subspecies. Both species are closely related to the copperhead and the same genus, the viridian genus.

Type of nozzle

There are two main species of cottonmouth. They differ very little in appearance and habits; however, the scales of the northern cottonmouth are darker in color.

• Northern Cottonmouth – Eastern cottonmouth can be found in the southeastern United States.
• Florida Cottonmouth – Florida Cottonmouths are found in the Midwestern United States.

History and Evolution

The Cottonmouth is known in the United States for its powerful venom, most notable for the stark white color of the inside of its mouth. This is where the snake got its name because it matches the color of the cotton.

The way these reptiles swim in the water also stands out from other aquatic snakes. Cottonbills glide over rivers and lakes, cruising with their heads held high. Although they tend to keep their heads above the water's surface, they have evolved the ability to attack underwater.

Another evolution of this snake is its blood poisonous venom. This type of venom prevents the wound from coagulating after a cottonmouth bite and also destroys the victim's red blood cells.

A discredited myth about these snakes is that a person can fall into a cottonmouth pit and suffer a fatal attack. One may remember what happened to a cowboy in the miniseries " The Lonely Dove". This is false because these snakes are actually solitary.

Population and Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, snakes are the species of least concern. While we don't have enough facts about the population size to make a proper estimate, this species appears to be fairly common throughout much of its natural range. However, the loss of wetland habitat throughout the southern United States does pose a threat to certain cottonmouth populations.

How to Identify Them: Appearance and Description

Adults can reach anywhere between 2 feet and 6 feet in length, with the largest recorded spout length being 74 inches. Males are usually longer and heavier, with more scales on their tails than females. This should make gender identification easier. The cottonmouth snake is characterized by a large spade-shaped head, bright white mouth, and alternating light and dark stripes. Black, brown, and olive are the most common colors; they help the snake blend into its surroundings. Juveniles and babies are also very different from adults. They have stronger contrasting bands; the tip of the tail is sometimes yellow or green as well.

How to identify snakes:

• Large spade head.
• Long, thick, muscular body, up to 6 feet.
• Black, brown and olive alternate in light and dark stripes.
• bright white mouth.

You can learn more about cottonmouth species.

How dangerous are they?

These snakes have a strong venom that can damage tissue and cause significant swelling and pain. It is generally more dangerous than copperhead venom, but not as dangerous as rattlesnakes. The venom sometimes leaves permanent scars and rarely requires amputation, but is rarely fatal even without treatment. Still, you should seek medical attention immediately after being bitten. Antivenom is very effective at minimizing the effects of toxins.

Behavior and Humans

Cottonmouths are common throughout the South, and encounters with them are fairly common. While very dangerous in theory, in practice cottonmouth snakes tend not to bite very often. They would rather run away than run away. Before attacking, snakes give warning signals by wagging their tails, opening their mouths, and lifting their heads off the ground. Cottonmouths also emit a pungent, foul-smelling musk to deter potential threats. However, even if someone happens to bite you, they will purposely release less venom in a defensive bite than when attacking their prey.

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