Description: Colors are variable.  Adults are uniformly olive brown or  black.  the young and subadults are strong crossbanded with dark brown. 

Characteristics:  These dangerous  semiaquatic snakes closely resemble harmless water snakes that have the same habitat.  Therefore, it is best to leave all water snakes alone.  Cottonmouths  often stand their ground.  An aroused cottonmouth will draw its head close to  its body and open its mouth showing its white interior.  Cottonmouth venom is  hemotoxic and potent.  Bites are prone to gangrene.

Habitat:  Found in swamps, lakes, rivers, and ditches.

Length:  Average 90 centimeters, maximum 1.8 meters.

Distribution:  southeast Virginia, west central Alabama, south Georgia, Illinois, east central Kentucky, south central Oklahoma, Texas, North and South Carolina, Florida, and the Florida keys. 

COTTONMOUTH

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