Photo: scott.zona, CC BY 2.0
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Venomous
Venomous
Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin
Agkistrodon piscivorus
- How to spot it
- Heavy bodied, dark olive to black with a broad head and a dark band through the eye. When threatened it may open its mouth wide to show the white inside.
- Distribution in Florida
- Entire State
- Where you’ll see it
- Near water: ponds, swamps, ditches and wetland edges.
- Good to know
- A pit viper. It often stands its ground and gapes instead of fleeing. Back away slowly.
- Often confused with
- Non-venomous watersnakes, which are far more common.
Distribution in Florida
Entire State
Questions
Is the Cottonmouth venomous?
Yes. The Cottonmouth is one of Florida’s six venomous snakes. Do not handle it. Back away, keep kids and pets away, and text a photo to (904) 895-7773 for help.
Where is the Cottonmouth found in Florida?
Distribution in Florida: Entire State. Near water: ponds, swamps, ditches and wetland edges.
Found one? Back away.
Text a photo and where you are to (904) 895-7773. A volunteer relocator helps.
