The Cottonmouth, or Water Moccasin, is North America’s only semi-aquatic venomous snake and an apex predator of the southeastern United States’ wetlands. Its common name comes from the striking defensive display in which it coils and gapes its jaws wide, exposing the bright white interior of its mouth as a threat signal. As a pit viper, it possesses heat-sensing facial pits that allow it to detect warm-blooded prey in total darkness with remarkable precision.
About the Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
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💡 Fun Facts
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Cottonmouths can bite and deliver venom while fully submerged underwater — the only North American snake confirmed capable of this.
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Their venom is hemotoxic and cytotoxic, destroying red blood cells and tissue, but bites are rarely fatal when treated promptly.
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Females give birth to live young (ovoviviparous), with litters of 1–20 neonates, each born with full venom glands and a bright yellow tail used for caudal luring.
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The jaw can open nearly 180 degrees to display the white mouth lining, which serves as a warning signal visible from many meters away.
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Cottonmouths are unusual among pit vipers in frequently eating carrion, including fish washed ashore — likely aided by their heat pits that can detect the warmth of decaying organic matter.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Swamps & Wetlands
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