What is the difference between copperheads and cottonmouths

Results: During the study period, there were cases of snakebites reported to the state poison control center. Pictures were obtained on 49 of the responsible snakes. All copperhead snakes were identified correctly by callers. Both public and medical personnel performed poorly on identification of cottonmouth snakes. Conclusions: Forty percent of the snakes identified as copperheads were actually cottonmouth snakes.

No subspecies are currently recognized. However, data suggest the Panhandle to be a hybridization zone between the Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon conanti and the northern cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus. Cottonmouths are typically nocturnal, becoming active shortly before dark. However, they can occasionally be seen active during the day.

Head shape is not a reliable way to identify cottonmouths. Cottonmouths do typically have a large head that is triangular and distinct from the neck, whereas most non-venomous snakes in Florida have smaller and narrower heads.

However, many non-venomous snakes will commonly flatten and expand their heads to appear wider and triangular as a defensive behavior. Whether this behavior is due to mimicry is not clear, but it does make head shape unreliable for identification purposes. Although cottonmouths occur throughout Florida, they are not nearly as abundant as the eight species of harmless watersnakes species in the genus Nerodia that occur in much the same habitats.

Unfortunately, many watersnakes are killed every year by Florida residents who mistake them for cottonmouths. The open mouth threat display of cottonmouths has led to the widespread belief that they are aggressive snakes. However, this behavior is entirely defensive. These snakes only want to be left alone and allowed to escape. According to folklore, cottonmouths lie waiting on tree limbs overhanging water so they can drop into boats.

However, this is not true. Furthermore, these incidents are usually cases of mistaken identity. Harmless Brown Watersnakes Nerodia taxispilota often bask on tree limbs overhanging the water. When frightened by a perceived threat, such as an approaching boat, they typically escape by dropping off the limb and into the water where they can hide.

Florida counties with confirmed records. If you have a new or interesting observation for this species, please email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum. References and further reading.

Burbrink, F. Considering gene flow when using coalescent methods to delimit lineages of North American pitvipers of the genus Agkistrodon. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. Ernst, C. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Krysko, K. Enge, and P.

Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida. University of Florida Press, Gainesville, Florida. Powell, R. Conant, and J. Fourth edition. Wharton, C. The cottonmouth moccasin on Sea Horse Key, Florida. Share your observations You can help scientists better understand the biology and distribution of this species by sharing your observations.

Recently an acquaintance assured me that this could not possibly have been a cottonmouth because it was outside of the known range by two counties. The only snake that ever attacked me for unknown reason was a big Yellow Bellied Water Snake at night.

My then BF and I were walking around a sewage treatment pond, when the snake flew out of the vegetation, wrapped itself around my bare leg, and biting me.

We did not have a flashlight with it. So I walked back to camp with the Snake so we could make sure it was not a venomous one. I can see a triangular head with the right side looks disfigured.

He also has pits on either side of his nose. So to me the snake could pass for a cottonmouth. The picture is not very well defined. I remember the cottonmouths coloration used 2b all solid gray body. From the pictures I saw as a young child. Snakes to me are fascinating.

Always been fascinated with them ever since. Hardly ever see healthy ones anymore. They do have their purpose in this life. God created them. Now the cottonmouths color is different than I remember. With what I just said, I remember the solid gray cottonmouths being what they were……….

It would have had to cross breed. It took me a little while to figure out which was male and female. They had not finish the copulation process. I left them alone after I decided not to kill them. They have every right to live just like all the other critters. Saw him at nite when I turned on the light. Then saw a baby rat snake caught on a sticky trap meant for mice. Had to carefully pry him off with dinner knife, so as not to injure him.

I see more males than females. Except for that Saturday afternoon seeing the pair of copperheads. Also knowing that males have longer tails than females. But the above is perplexing. Thank you for letting me leave a comment. Steen October 16, Twitter Facebook Mail Print.