Water Moccasin

Agkistrodon piscivorus

Geographical Locale

Water Moccasin image (Agkistrodon piscivorus) | Rentokil Pest Control
  • Found mainly in the southeastern states, including very southern Virginia to Florida and east to eastern Texas.

Appearance

  • Roughly 2 ft. 8" long.
  • Large body.
  • The back is dark olive or black, the belly is paler.
  • Body has crossbands with a distinct border extending all the way around and across the stomach.
  • Triangular head with slit-shaped pupils and fangs.
  • Has a white lining in its mouth, hence often called ‘Cotton Mouth’.

Venom

  • Hemotoxic, destroying tissue, degenerating organs and causing disrupted blood clotting.

The Bite

  • Extremely painful.
  • Not usually aggressive, will not attack unless feeling threatened.

Lifecycle

  • Breed in Spring and Fall.
  • Gestation period can be 3-4 months.
  • Produce a litter of up to 12 young.
  • The young are born live.
  • Hibernate over Winter along hillsides above streams.

Habits

  • Location - Water Moccasins are semi-aquatic. Spend most of their time close to permanent water sources.
  • Visibility - Primarily active at night, but they bask in the sun during the day, often on branches overhanging the water.
  • Feeding - fish, frogs, lizards, birds, small mammals, and other snakes.

The contents of this page are for information only. Rentokil UK do not treat reptiles.