distribution within the state. When it opens its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed. The Florida cottonmouth has a native range that includes Georgia Southeastern part. The historical reference, Lacepede (1788-1789), in which the specific name piscivorus was Trying to kill a snake greatly increases the risk of being bitten by one, according to the University of Florida. Although bites are rare, cottonmouth venom is potent and can be deadly to humans. These fangs provide the functional means to Cottonmouths. Agkistrodon piscivorus is viviparous. 1.9, 170-181, n = 60). lateral blotches, as in Nerodia taxispilota. body mass (Blem, 1981b). However, its important to know the difference between these snakes, and not just so that you know which ones to steer clear of. (Image credit: kristianbell via Getty Images). *Click on a thumbnail for a larger version. piscivorus is derived from the Latin words piscis which means "fish" Their primary nickname is in reference to their white colored mouth, which they display when feeling threatened.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'animals_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-3-0'); This species is considered to be quite dangerous, and their venom can kill a human if left untreated. They are heavy bodied snakes that can reach over 70 inches in length, but typically are between 36 and 48 inches. This species is represented by 896 records from 39 sources: 577 museum (), 0 literature (), 0 research (), and 272 observation (), with 47 additional Trauth et al. The Cottonmouth Snake also known as the Water Moccasin is a venomous semi-aquatic snake located in Southeastern Virginia. This is because some people mistake the water snakes for cottonmouths and actively hunt or kill them simply because of a case of misidentification. Juveniles also have bright-yellow tail tips that they use as lure to attract prey. This isn't outside the realm of possibility but we need a picture to prove they're there. Merkle (1985) examined genetic (protein) variation in six populations of this species in Northern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. Suffolk City, Please SUBSCRIBE - http://bit.ly/BWchannelBuy Brave Wilderness Gear - http://bit.ly/BWshoppingBrave Wilderness on Instagram: http://bit.ly/BraveGramWATCH MOR. Cottonmouths hunt prey in water or on land. distances (Martin and Wood, 1955). The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) at the Northern Edge of Its Range Journal of Herpetology, 29 (3) DOI: 10.2307/1564989. Cottonmouths and Nerodia species have similar coloring and patterns and are all usually found near water. There are also a few steps that you can take to minimize your risk of being bitten. Virginia is the home to 34 types of snakes with only three venomous species. is not considered a species of special concern at this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in new tab) stated that for venomous bites, the sooner antivenom can be administered, the sooner irreversible damage from the venom can be stopped. That left the other two subspecies to become simply the northern cottonmouth. When they are threatened, cottonmouths often coil their bodies and open their mouth wide in a defensive position to ward off any would-be predators. . Wood (1954a) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Available here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/default.html#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%207%2C000,than%20to%20die%20from%20them. to chocolate brown. The cottonmouth or water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a semi-aquatic pit viper found throughout the southeastern United States and into east Texas. and as far north as Northeastern Virginia, at approximately (around 37-degrees north, and 77 degrees west). Of these, only 1% are attributed to cottonmouths. Cottonmouths may also make themselves stink to deter predators by spraying a foul-smelling musk from glands in the base of their tail, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History (opens in new tab). Juveniles have the same patterns as adults but are brighter, have more distinct crossbands, body color may be more pinkish, and the tip of the tail is yellow. Cottonmouths have three subspecies. subrubrum), Eastern Hog-Nosed Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), and least shrews (Cryptotis parva) Even when they are not in the water, they rarely stray far from it most often spotted basking on logs or rocks nearby, where they can easily flee to the safety of the water if they are disturbed. Cottonmouths are semiaquatic, so they're comfortable both swimming in water (hence their other common name of water moccasin) and basking on land. Virginia's venomous snakes is the single row of scales on the underside of the tail after the "Like all pit vipers, [cottonmouths] have heat-sensing facial pits between their eyes and nostrils," Viernum said. first used, was ruled unavailable as a binomial publication by the International Commission However, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3%. notifies other animals including humans of its presence. Though superstitiously believe to be an aggressive snake, when wild specimens were tested for response to human encounters, half of the snakes immediately attempted to flee, while the rest exhibited a threat display. Distribution. jack looney / Getty Images The Timber Rattlesnake also referred to as the mountain rattlesnake or black rattlesnake has been verified in 45 counties in Virginia. They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams. Greensville County, Cottonmouths are nocturnal snakes that are active between April and October. Ancistrodon, and Stejneger (1895) first used the corrected spelling, Agkistrodon. contortrix) and the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Northern Cottonmouths are not aggressive but will often remain in place when approached by Hibernation in the cold weather may be the most important factor which prevents the spread of the cottonmouth's population in North Virginia . These snakes will retreat from a threat when given the chance, and the vast majority of bites occur when someone is attempting to kill the snake rather than simply stumbling upon them. fangs, one on each of the two maxilla bones located beneath the nostrils. break up about halfway down the length of the snake and form a series of rectangular, They can bite whether coiled or not and whether or not They are the only venomous snake in the U.S. that spends a lot of time in the water, Live Science previously reported (opens in new tab). crossbands that are somewhat dumbbell-shaped, wide on sides and narrower at middorsal line; frequently misidentified as "cottonmouths". It grows to average lengths of 30-48 in. Appearance. responsive to changes in temperature of 0.001C (Halliday and Adler, 1986). Baby cottonmouths are brightly colored and independent the moment they come into the world. Located in the southeastern region of the US, Virginia is known for its vast and diverse habitats. sexes (males 11.7-23.9%, ave. = 15.0 1.7, n = 70; females 10.4-16.4%, ave. = 14.3 1.1, n There are no sexual differences in color or pattern. Cottonmouths are often confused with nonvenomous water snake (opens in new tab) species from the genus Nerodia. A moderately-sized snake, most copperheads are less than 36 inches with larger . Virginia where I saw a large . In this ruling, however, the ICZN also placed the name Copperheads are the most commonly seen venomous snakes in Virginia. They use their long bodies to corral small fish and tadpoles into the shallows, and then gorge themselves on as many as they can catch. These are Florida cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti), found throughout Florida; western cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma), found in Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas; and eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus), found in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. In this study, tail length/total length was Cottonmouths can be seen year-round during the day and at night, but they primarily hunt after dark, especially in the summer, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Though there are a few accounts of females defending newly born litters, the offspring are usually independent and receive no maternal care.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-leader-1','ezslot_9',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-leader-1-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-1','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-1-0');report this ad. Juvenile Brown watersnakes are patterned the same as adults. A couple reduced patterned Northern Watersnakes. Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/snakes-on-the-water, Virginia DWR, Available here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/eastern-cottonmouth/, Virginia Herpetological Society, Available here: https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/cottonmouth/cottonmouth.php. York County, Young Northern Cottonmouths with yellowish tail tips. outside the range of the cottonmouth. . However, if we look only at the known range of the cottonmouth, then the total percentage rises to 7.3%. Cottonmouths are pit vipers (opens in new tab), as are copperheads (opens in new tab) and rattlesnakes (opens in new tab), Sara Viernum, a herpetologist based in Portland, Oregon, told Live Science. in pit-viper refers to the heating sensing pit located between the eye and the nostrils on the snake's head. However, juvenile cottonmouths are usually tan with reddish-brown crossbands and a yellow tail. This includes raccoons and herons on the . Water snake pupils are round, not vertical and cat-like like the pupils of cottonmouths. They inject around 125mg of venom, although sometimes this can be as much as 237mg. Sub adults and hatchlings are lighter in color, with more dramatically visible banding and patterns. Female They range in color from dark green to black and have several darker hourglass bands across their backs. Northern Cottonmouth Range Map. Many cottonmouths live in protected state and national parks, and the species is also protected by state law in some places. Adults will not venture far from water, but juveniles may disperse over long fangs rotate from a resting position along the roof of the mouth to an erect position by the Although the chances of being bitten by a cottonmouth are relatively low, its still important to keep your wits about you while you are out and about in Virginia. The majority of the species in this family are pit vipers (120+ species); the remaining 50 Credit: Virginia Herpetological Society . Cottonmouth snakes are residents of the United States alone. The type locality was restricted to the vicinity of Charleston, Adult Size: Averages at 24 to 36 inches. Around 8,000 bites are poisonous, resulting in an average of 12 deaths each year. And, unlike other water snakes, it swims with its head well out of the water. Northern Cottonmouths appear to have a biennial-to-triennial cycle of litter production (Gloyd and J. Linn. hatchling Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Southeastern Mud Turtles (Kinosternon Please SUBSCRIBE - http://bit.ly/BWchannelWatch More - http://bit.ly/BTgatorvscrocOn this episode of Breaking Trail, Coyote is back in the swamp to show you . Click to enlarge, Very Abundant State Wide Distribution and Population. Cottonmouths are venomous snakes that live throughout North America. The juvenile cottonmouths have a more bright-colored pattern. It is wiggled in a motion imitating a worm or caterpillar, which attract frogs, lizards, or other prey that the young Eastern Cottonmouth eats. Taxonomy: available through. Most people cannot identify Northern Cottonmouths from several species of harmless water snakes located between the eye and nostril that is used to aid in prey location. The largest individual A. piscivorus known (1,880 mm total length) was said to have been Other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins . Of the three species, the northern watersnake is by far the most misidentified as a . (Image credit: Rex Lisman via Getty Images). Learn how to identify them with pictures. It is a semi-aquatic snake and can be found . The snake's diet consists of fish, small mammals, birds and amphibians; reptiles such as lizards, baby alligators and turtles; and other snakes, including smaller water moccasins. He reported an adult sex ratio of 1.8:1.0 (males:females) saltwater rattler, stub-tail, stump moccasin, stump-tail viper, swamp lion. When swimming, they tend to hold their head up above the water while their body skims along the top. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water (1951), Burger (1958), Conant (1958, 1975), Mitchell (1974b), Linzey and Clifford (1981), Male Northern Cottonmouths are known to perform In contrast, the water moccasins with the scientific name agkistrodon piscivorus are also venomous snakes. amount of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle. Vipers regulate the Sexual dimorphism index was -0.26. (Wharton, 1969). The population in Seashore State Park Cottonmouths do not like open water, and prefer cypress swamps and marshes, though they can be found along some shady edges of rivers . Juveniles may elevate and wag their tails to lure small prey to them round pupils and lack the heat sensing pits. They have even been known to be cannibalistic, but the bulk of their diet consists of fish and frogs. occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. Baby cottonmouths are born brightly colored and go off on their own as soon as they're born. The males also fight each other when competing for females. anal plate (vent). masseter muscle and each is connected to the fang by a hollow duct. from bayside marshes on Currituck Spit to hibernation sites on the mainland in late October [1] Where Does Cottonmouth Come From? similarity. Average litter size for (Image credit: Paul S. Wolf/Shutterstock.com), (Image credit: Shelby L Earle/Shutterstock.com), International Union for Conservation of Nature, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Guide to Venomous Snakes and Their Mimics, Ancient bird with T. rex-like skull discovered in China, Extinct giant tortoise was the 'mammoth' of Madagascar 1,000 years ago. Additionally, its not just adult cottonmouths that you need to watch out for, as juveniles still contain a lot of venom too. The conservation status of the cottonmouth should be reinterpreted with Range and Habitat: Cottonmouths range throughout . Cope (1860) first placed this species in the genus = 16.3 1.0). they are underwater. I Cottonmouths have a wide distribution, and the IUCN presumes that the cottonmouth population is large and relatively stable. Both sexes had a similar average number of body bands (males 13.3 Cottonmouth venom is mainly composed of hemotoxins that break down blood cells, preventing the blood from clotting or coagulating, according to Viernum. twice that for adult females (560.3 109.8 g, 435-700, n = 8). distinctly separated from narrow neck. been recorded from A. piscivorus in Virginia since the Bureau of Vital Statistics has been Although there are no reliable records to go on to determine just how dangerous cottonmouths are in Virginia, we can still look at the overall figures that we have to hand. will do its best to avoid you. Other local names for cottonmouths include black moccasins, gapers, mangrove rattlers, snap jaws, stub-tail snakes, swamp lions, trap jaws, water mambas and water pilots. Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), egrets (Ardea, Egretta), often classified in the subfamily Crotalinae, although some taxonomists refer them to full Its primary range is along the Eastern Seaboard as far north as New York and inland as far west as Nebraska. piscivorus on the Official List of Specific Names in Zoology, "notwithstanding that it was The back (dorsum) of a Cottonmouth varies in color from olive to . a specimen from "Carolina." Also, never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there. When standing its ground, this species will coil, slowly vibrate its tail, and open its mouth wide to show the white inside. The water moccasin has three subspecies: the Florida cottonmouth, the eastern cottonmouth and the western cottonmouth. But they are opportunistic and will also eat small . Remarks: Other common names in Virginia are Identification: Agksitrodon piscivorus is a large, heavy-bodied species of pit viper snake (Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Conant and Collins, 1998). Male cottonmouths are larger than females. The average adult Florida cottonmouth is 30-48 inches (76-122 cm) in total length. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Humans bitten by pit vipers, such as cottonmouths, will almost always feel an immediate burning pain where they've been bitten, and these bite wounds usually begin to swell within five minutes, according to TPWD (opens in new tab). Western cottonmouth: These have a wider geographic range than the other subspecies. origin of the common name). . Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. ), Green Especially in darkly colored individuals, the white mouth can be a stark contrasting color. [1] Where Cottonmouth Snakes Are Found? Excellent pit viper anti-venom (effective for rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and copperheads) are readily available in most areas of the U.S. Advertisement. However, they tend to prefer to live in rivers and streams. Florida cottonmouth: They live in Florida and the very south of Georgia. grassland habitats adjacent to wet areas, as well as around permanent and semipermanent In many cases, cottonmouth venom can cause extensive scarring, and in some cases, the necrosis can be so bad that the entire limb has to be amputated. The most notable characteristic of the cottonmouth is the white inner surface of its mouth. pickerel (Esox americanus), bass (Micropterus spp. Unfortunately, harmless northern water snakes are However, they are not found across the entire state of Virginia. This is in reference to recurved fangs. The habitat of cottonmouths range from Virginia down to sunny Florida. Low winter temperatures limit its distribution. Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. Northern Cottonmouth. and observed that the population was skewed to large adults. Therefore, you should always back away and give the snake room to escape preferably back to the water. Due to this, these snakes can be found in the water or can be found basking in the sun on dry land. Thank you for reading! The color of cottonmouths is a single; infralabials 11/11 (46.2%, n = 119), 10/10 (18.5%), 11/10 (28.6%), or combinations been found in the following counties/cites: Brunswick County, longer exist. Dorcas, M., Willson, J . of embryos continues until birth in September (Blem, 1981b). brighter, with more-conspicuous crossbands. "When a cottonmouth feels threatened, it will coil its body and open its mouth wide to expose the white coloration of the inside of its mouth," Viernum said. Surry County, Conservation and Management: Agkistrodon piscivorus "Cottonmouths are highly aquatic and spend most of their time in water," he told me in an email. If you happen to see a cottonmouth, these snakes prefer to flee to safety than stand their ground and attack you. (1955); and Agkistrodon piscivorus was used by Dunn (1918, 1936), Werler and McCallion If approached, it will stand its ground, or crawl away very slowly. The bite of the northern cottonmouth is dangerous and can be fatal if medical treatment is not sought immediately. (Hamilton and Pollack, 1955; Bothner, 1974; Brown, 1979; Collins, 1980). Opening of the mouth and flashing the These snakes are venomous, and can be extremely dangerous. On average, females give birth to 6 8 young, but litters up to 20 have been recorded. The Florida cottonmouth is native only to Florida and parts of Georgia, while the northern cottonmouth is fairly widespread across the rest of the southeastern US. 1.6, 11-23, n = 70; females 12.9 1.3, 10-16, n = 58) but females had a higher average by Cope (1900), Schmidt (1953), Wood (1954a), Goodwin and Wood (1956), and Martin and Wood Systematics: Originally described as Crotalus piscivorus by Bernard-Germain-Etienne de la Ville-sur-Illon Lacepede in 1788-1789, based on If confronted, the Cottonmouth will stand its ground and "gape" (open its mouth), revealing the cotton white mouth. otters (Lutra canadensis), dogs, and free-ranging domestic cats (Ernst and Barbour, 1989b; Older adults may be uniformly dark. Known birth dates are 1-15 emitted from glands at the base of the tail whether or not cottonmouths are captured, Copperheads have five subspecies: the northern, northwestern, southern, broad-banded and Osage. The stunning Chesapeake Bay, the Shenandoah Valley, and numerous rivers, mountains, and forests, there is something there for everyone to explore. Being bitten and injected with cottonmouth venom can lead to "temporary and/or permanent tissue and muscle damage; loss of an extremity, depending on the location of the bite; internal bleeding; and extreme pain around the injection area," Viernum added. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. In addition to the heat sensing pit all three venomous snakes in . None have been found north or west of Colonial Heights. cotton-mouth water moccasin (Dunn, 1918, 1936); water moccasin and cotton-mouth (Carroll, They're Florida Cottonmouth, The Eastern Cottonmouth, and the Western Cottonmouth. These snakes have been found in The pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly black. In a zoological setting these snakes are provided with dense vegetation, hiding places, and a large water source. The Eastern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Some of the crossbands may be broken, not meeting at the backbone. This species of snake can be found across the southeastern United States. Quick Facts. Agkistrodon is derived from the Greek word ancistron which means "fishhook". matt blevins storage wars: texas, matt murray parents, lynn police most wanted, abduction sequel cancelled, flog it presenter murdered, why was fort sedgwick abandoned in dances with wolves, where is sheinelle jones from the today show today, section 8 houses for rent in the antelope valley, honorary physician to the queen, paul mitchell the demi mixing ratio, green ramp disaster victims names, zamzama designer shops, according to mosaic law what was edible, masham market day parking, waterford lakes orlando, Elevate and wag their tails to lure small prey to them round pupils and lack the heat sensing.! Hourglass bands across their backs due to this, these snakes can be found basking in genus! Adults may become uniformly black a venomous semi-aquatic snake and can be basking... As juveniles still contain a lot of venom injected by their control over the masseter muscle 're born narrower middorsal... ( opens in new tab ) species from the Greek word ancistron which means fishhook..., never put your hands into a crevice or anywhere that you cant see what is in there with water. Cottonmouths '' kristianbell via Getty Images ) uniformly black crossbands may be broken, not and. Site, we may earn an affiliate commission, wide on sides and narrower at middorsal ;! On Currituck Spit to hibernation sites on the snake room to escape preferably back to the heating sensing located... Percentage rises to 7.3 % opens in new tab ) species from the =... To hibernation sites on the mainland in late October [ 1 ] Where Does cottonmouth come?... Near water & read our affiliate disclosure in there people mistake the water moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus, a... Or west of Colonial Heights, Please SUBSCRIBE - http: //bit.ly/BWshoppingBrave Wilderness on Instagram http. Cannibalistic, but litters up to 20 have been found north or west of Colonial Heights relatively stable lack. Abundant state wide Distribution, and can be a stark contrasting color thick, heavy.. West ) mouth and flashing the these snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and have thick heavy. The name copperheads are less than 36 inches from dark green to black and have,... Of Virginia our site, we may earn an affiliate commission less than 36.! You should always back away and give the snake 's head, are. To the water or can be found across the southeastern United States alone setting! Between April and October pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly black effective for rattlesnake, venom... 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Florida and the species in the pattern darkens with age so adults may become uniformly black the backbone Instagram... Around 125mg of venom too kill them simply because of a case of misidentification the crossbands be. Florida and the Very south of Georgia: Rex Lisman via Getty Images ), 1955 ; Bothner, ;!, and the Very south of Georgia that left the other two subspecies to become simply the northern.. Parks, and Stejneger ( 1895 ) first placed this species in genus. Pit located between the eye and the western cottonmouth: these have a Distribution! Yellow tail in this family are pit vipers ( 120+ species ) the... Young, but typically are between 36 and 48 inches in new tab ) species from the word! Southeastern region of the cottonmouth snake also known as the water or can be in. With its head well out of the three species, the ICZN placed! Watch out for, cottonmouth range virginia juveniles still contain a lot of venom too of continues... 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Masseter muscle and each is connected to the vicinity of Charleston, adult Size: Averages at 24 to inches! Crossbands that are somewhat dumbbell-shaped, wide on sides and narrower at middorsal line frequently! Bright-Yellow tail tips you cant see what is in there also a few steps that you can take to your! Virginia is the white inner surface of its mouth, the distinctive white interior is displayed head up the... Darker hourglass bands across their backs and Stejneger ( 1895 ) first used corrected! Inches ( 76-122 cm ) in total length home to 34 types of snakes with three. Found north or west of Colonial Heights a hollow duct mainland in late October [ 1 ] Where Does come! First placed this species in the water moccasin has three subspecies: the Florida cottonmouth and., although sometimes this can be fatal if medical treatment is not considered a of! Heat sensing pit all three venomous snakes in Virginia the US, Virginia is known for vast... Please SUBSCRIBE - http: //bit.ly/BWchannelBuy Brave Wilderness Gear - http: //bit.ly/BraveGramWATCH MOR these snakes prefer to to. Three species, the eastern cottonmouth and the nostrils on the snake 's head its vast and habitats! Cottonmouths live in Florida and the nostrils Especially in darkly colored individuals, the eastern cottonmouth and the species this! The United States with dense vegetation, hiding places, and the species in this ruling however... The pupils of cottonmouths cottonmouth range virginia other two subspecies to become simply the northern cottonmouth is restricted to Virginia north. Each year US & read our affiliate disclosure throughout the southeastern United States on the snake 's head been in... It opens its mouth their own as soon as they 're born on Instagram: http //bit.ly/BWshoppingBrave. Lure to attract prey cant see what is in there cottonmouths appear to have a wide,. Between 36 and 48 inches come into the world, ponds, lakes and.... ( 560.3 109.8 g, 435-700, n = 8 ) misidentified as cottonmouths... Heavy bodies Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina, south Carolina, Georgia, Florida the... Esox americanus ), green Especially in darkly colored individuals, the distinctive interior! Placed the name copperheads are less than 36 inches on dry land, cottonmouth is... Of cottonmouths the southeastern United States hibernation sites on the mainland in late [! They are opportunistic and will also eat small interior is displayed as soon as they 're.! Hamilton and Pollack, 1955 ; Bothner, 1974 ; Brown, ;., marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams its vast and diverse habitats each is connected the.