Cottonmouth Water Moccasin

Cottonmouth Water Moccasin

Photo taken at Black Bayou Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, Louisiana.

There is only one North American poisonous water snake – the Cottonmouth Water Moccasin! Not to be confused at all with its many nonpoisonous neighbors, this snake is a pit viper in the same general family as the Copperhead and the Rattler. This dangerous semi-aquatic snake is truly an aggressive reptile that will stand its ground or even approach an intruder.

The Cottonmouth derives its name from the habit of lying in a sprawled coil, head flung back, with the mouth resting in an ominous open position exposing the white inner surface of the mouth almost straight up.

This ‘Cottonmouth’ or ‘trapjaw’ can snap shut with lightening speed instantly when touched, and can deliver a large venom dose to prey or victims alike!