The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is a common water snake found statewide in Alabama but most frequently in the central and southern areas of the state. It is the only venomous water snake native to North America.
Does Alabama have water moccasins?
The three subspecies intergrade in Alabama and Georgia. Cottonmouths have a large number of common names, including water moccasin, swamp moccasin, gapper, water rattlesnake.
Are there poisonous water snakes in Alabama?
Cottonmouths are the ONLY venomous water snake in Alabama.
Cottonmouths can also be found in palmetto thickets, pine forests, dune areas, and prairies.
What is the most venomous snake in Alabama?
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
It has facial pits and elliptical pupils like the other pit vipers. This snake is the most dangerous of venomous snakes in Alabama. Range: Southern third of the state. Average length: 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet; maximum 8 feet.
What venomous snakes live in Alabama?
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- Copperhead.
- Cottonmouth.
- Eastern Coral Snake.
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
- Pigmy Rattlesnake.
- Timber Rattlesnake.
How common are water moccasins in Alabama?
The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is a common water snake found statewide in Alabama but most frequently in the central and southern areas of the state. It is the only venomous water snake native to North America.
What time of year are water moccasins most active?
They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams. 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.
What happens if you get bit by a water moccasin?
Their venom contains enzymes that cause local destruction of tissue through the metabolism of cellular membranes and causing an inflammatory response. Systemic effects and coagulopathy from cottonmouth envenomation are uncommon. The most common symptoms are pain, ecchymosis, and edema.
What does a water moccasin look like in Alabama?
They are generally dark above – olive, brown, or black. A lighter to darker cross-banding pattern may be seen, especially on the sides. Adult snakes usually vary in length from 30 to 48 inches up to a maximum of 74 inches. Juveniles are brightly-colored with reddish-brown cross-bands and have a sulfur-colored tail.
Do water snakes in lakes bite?
Besides sea-snakes, there are two common snakes that can live in or near water – the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and the water snake. Not only can snakes bite underwater, but water moccasins join a list of more than 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States making them even more of a threat.
What is the deadliest animal in Alabama?
Those include: the black widow, the northern black widow, the Chilean recluse spider, Mediterranean recluse spider, and the most famous, the brown reclus spider.
What was the rare snake found in Alabama?
Eastern indigo snake
A rare Eastern indigo snake was found in Alabama. For only the second time in more than 60 years, the elusive Eastern indigo snake has slithered into Alabama. The discovery of a wild-born Eastern indigo snake marks the success of an intensive program to reintroduce the reptiles to the state.
How many snake bites a year in Alabama?
The state records about 150 bites per year, but the center says about 30 percent of these bites are “dry” bites, in which no poison is injected–snakes often make a dry, defensive bite when startled.
What’s the biggest snake in Alabama?
Eastern indigo snakes are one of the largest North American snakes, reaching lengths of up to 8 feet long.
What US state has the most snakes?
Texas wins with 68 species of snake!
- Wild, wonderful West Virginia has many species, and only two are venomous.
- Of the state’s species, 14 are classified as rare, threatened, or endangered.
- The state has 10 non-venomous species, which include milk and smooth green snakes.
Does Alabama have a lot of snakes?
Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the United States. Although we have 66 known species and subspecies of snakes, only 6 are venomous. Learn more about Alabama’s 6 venomous snakes and how to react if you encounter one in the wild.
Are water moccasins aggressive?
Water moccasins are not aggressive, even though most people say so. The best way to avoid them is to try your best to keep out of their way. Once you accidentally step on them, they may lash out and bite as a self-defense instinct.
How many people get bit by water moccasins a year?
7,000 to 8,000 people
How Many People Are Bitten by Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) Every Year? Juvenile Cottonmouth Snake swimming in a pond. They have even stronger contrasting bands of colors. Shockingly, 7,000 to 8,000 people suffer a venomous snakebite per year, but only a few die.
Do water moccasins swim with their head above water?
When disturbed, Water Moccasins either hold their ground or swim away; when swimming, their heads are usually elevated above the water and their bodies appear overly buoyant, riding on, or nearly on, the water surface.
Do water moccasins swim on top or under water?
Water Moccasin/Cottonmouth (Venomous)
They bask on land or on logs and stumps near the water surface, and swim with their heads elevated above the water and their bodies riding on the water surface.
How far can a cottonmouth strike?
In most cases, a snake can strike up to a distance between 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. For example, if the snake is four feet in length, its strike can likely reach no more than two feet.