What is the difference between a water moccasin and a cotton mouth?

What is the difference between a water moccasin and a cotton mouth?

Water moccasins have vertical, “cat-eye” pupils, and dark stripes extend out near each nostril. The snout is pale in comparison with the rest of the head. Cottonmouth snakes have triangular heads, thin necks, and “cat-eye” pupils.

Does a cottonmouth have a white mouth?

1. Cottonmouths have white mouths. When threatened, Cottonmouths will often open up their mouths widely and show off their namesake-white mouth (they’re called Cottonmouths for a reason, after all). Copperheads can open their mouths too, but they do so less often and their mouths are more pinkish.

How can you tell if a water moccasin is poisonous?

THICK, HEAVY BODIES: Venomous Water Moccasins have bodies that are VERY thick and heavy for their length, and short, thick tails. A harmless snake the same length would be much more slender and would have a much longer, thinner tail (see below).

Does the cotton mouth have fangs?

The fangs of a cottonmouth are truly a wonder. They are located in the upper jaw and are twice the length of the teeth and separate from them. The fangs are hollow tubes through which venom can be injected into prey. These weapons fold against the roof of the mouth when closed.

Is a copperhead the same as a water moccasin?

Copperhead snakes are some of the more commonly seen North American snakes. Water moccasins (cottonmouths), radiated rat snakes, Australian copperheads and sharp-nosed pit vipers are all sometimes called copperheads, but these are different species from the North American copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).

What is the difference between a water snake and a water moccasin?

Water Snakes, like this Northern Water Snake, have bands that are widest on top, whereas Water Moccasins have bands that are widest on the sides. A Northern Water Snake in a threat posture, with the head flared. A juvenile Water Moccasin swimming.

What’s worse copperhead or cottonmouth?

Cottonmouth snakes are generally considered to have more potent venom. Copperheads are considered less venomous and there is some controversy as to whether or not bites from copperhead snakes need to be treated with antivenom. Copperhead and juvenile cottonmouth snakes are both brown in color.

What happens if you get bitten by a water moccasin?

Symptoms of a cottonmouth bite usually appear from minutes to hours after a bite and can include: Severe, immediate pain with rapid swelling. Discoloration of the skin. Difficult or rapid breathing.

Can a water moccasin bite you underwater?

Besides sea-snakes, there are two common snakes that can live in or near water – the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and the water snake. Not only can snakes bite underwater, but water moccasins join a list of more than 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States making them even more of a threat.

Can cottonmouth bite underwater?

As its Latin name (Agkistrodon piscivourous) implies, cottonmouths eat fish, and they can bite underwater. The cottonmouth sets itself apart from other water snakes with a distinctive swimming style, its body riding high in the water with its head held up, like a proud pharaoh.

Will a cottonmouth chase you?

If you see a cottonmouth in the wild, be calm and realize that you are much larger than it, and it perceives you as a potential predator that has invaded its space. Cottonmouths are not out to get you, are not aggressive, will not chase you, and ultimately would like to be left alone.

Which bite is worse copperhead or water moccasin?

The cottonmouth (also known as the water moccasin) bite is much more dangerous and harmful to humans than the bite of the closely related copperhead, but rarely leads to death. The cottonmouth is more aggressive, but as with the copperhead, biting isn’t common unless the snake is actually touched.