Facts About Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth) Snakes Facts About Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth) Snakes By Jessie Szalay, Live Science Contributor | November 21, 2014 10:50pm ET MORE Cottonmouth snakes, like all pit vipers, have heat-sensing pits on their faces, between their eyes and nostrils. Credit: Rob Hainer | Shutterstock The water moccasin, North America's only venomous water snake, has a distinctive blocky, triangular head; a thick body; and a dangerous bite. Water moccasins rarely bite humans, however, and only attack when threatened. They are semiaquatic, so they're happy both swimming in water and basking on land in their native range in the southeastern United States. Both "water moccasin" and "cottonmouth" are common names for Agkistrodon piscivorus, according to Sara Viernum , a herpetologist based in Madison, Wisconsin. "The name 'cottonmouth' comes from the white coloration of the inside of the snake's mouth," she said.

Other local names include black moccasin, gaper, mangrove rattler, snap jaw, stub-tail snake, swamp lion, trap jaw, water mamba and water pilot. Water moccasins are pit vipers, like copperheads and rattlesnakes. "Like all pit vipers, [they] have heat-sensing facial pits between their eyes and nostrils," Viernum said. These pits are able to detect minute differences in temperatures so that the snake can accurately strike the source of heat, which is often potential prey. Characteristics Water moccasins are relatively large, often ranging from 2 to 4 feet (61 to 122 centimeters) long, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory . They have large jowls, due to their venom glands, and "cat-eye" pupils. Water moccasins have dark stripes by each nostril and pale snouts, which can be helpful in identifying features. Water moccasins' large, triangular heads are distinct from their thinner necks, unlike many other snakes that have no distinctive neck, according to the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida.

Their thick, muscular bodies are stout for their length and are covered in keeled, or ridged, scales. Their coloration varies from dark brown or black to olive, banded brown or yellow. Their bellies are paler than their backs. Young cottonmouth snakes have striking patterns that fade with age. Credit: Leighton Photography & Imaging Shutterstock Young water moccasins look different than adults. "Juveniles and young adults have bands across their bodies and are lighter brown," Viernum said. Their patterns, which can be striking, fade or are lost as they age. Viernum described another interesting characteristic of juvenile cottonmouths. "The juveniles have bright-yellow tail tips that they use as a caudal lure to attract prey. They undulate the tail tip slowly back and forth to lure prey, such as frogs, within striking distance." Water moccasins are often confused with nonvenomous snakes, leading to the death of many harmless snakes. According to the Virginia Herpetological Society, one such species is the northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon). It looks similar, but the crossbands on the back of the snake do not widen at the ends.

Another snake often mistaken for the cottonmouth is the nonvenomous brown water snake (Nerodia taxispilota), which has most of its body below the water when in motion and only the head showing when it's motionless, unlike the cottonmouth, whose entire body is on the surface of the water. Viernum offered advice on how to tell the types of snakes apart: "Nonvenomous water snakes have round pupils, whereas cottonmouths have vertical, catlike pupils. Cottonmouths also have a triangular head, and nonvenomous snakes have a more slender, elliptical head shape," she said. But these snakes can be tricky, and the head shape bears a second look because "most nonvenomous snakes can flatten out their head, which causes them to take on a more triangular appearance. "Like all pit vipers, cottonmouths have heat-sensing facial pits between their eyes and nostrils, but nonvenomous snakes lack these pits," she added.

"Cottonmouths have a single row of scales after the anal plate on the underside of their tail, and most nonvenomous snakes have a double row of these scales." Habitat According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park , water moccasins live in the southeastern United States, from southern Virginia to Florida to eastern Texas. Water moccasins may be found swimming in swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, and at the edges of ponds, lakes and streams. On land, they're found near water and fields. They like to sun themselves on branches, stones and logs near the water's edge. Basking keeps up their body temperature, which chills quickly in water, according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Habits Water moccasins swim close to the top of the water, with their heads out. According to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, they can be seen year-round, both during the day and at night, but they primarily hunt after dark, especially in the summer. Water moccasins eat fish; small mammals; birds; amphibians; reptiles such as lizards, baby alligators and turtles; and other snakes, including smaller water moccasins.

A water moccasin eats a bullfrog. The snake's diet consists of fish, small mammals, birds and amphibians; reptiles such as lizards, baby alligators and turtles; and other snakes, including smaller water moccasins. Credit: Paul S. Wolf Shutterstock Water moccasins mate in spring. According to the University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology Animal Diversity Web , during the mating process, males slither around, waving their tails in an attempt to lure the females away from other suitors. The males also fight each other. Water moccasins are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother's body. Females give birth to live young every two to three years, in litters of about 10 to 20 babies. The gestation period lasts three to four months. Babies are born brightly colored and take off on their own as soon as they're born. Parents do not care for them. Classification/taxonomy There are three subspecies of water moccasin: western, Florida and eastern cottonmouths.

According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), the taxonomy of cottonmouths is: Kingdom: Animalia Subfamily: Crotalinae Genus & species: Agkistrodon piscivorus Subspecies: Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti (Florida cottonmouth), Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma (Western cottonmouth), Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus (Eastern cottonmouth) Behaviors Water moccasins have a reputation for being aggressive, but in reality, they rarely bite humans. They will, however, stand their ground, unlike many nonvenomous water snakes that flee from threats, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society . Viernum described water moccasin's most distinctive defense behavior: "When a cottonmouth feels threatened, it will coil its body and open its mouth wide to expose the white coloration of the inside of its mouth. The white color can be a striking visible display, especially in older adults, whose body colors are dark brown to almost black … Exposing the white of the mouth serves as a warning signal to potential predators." Bite Water moccasins' venom is potent.

"Cottonmouth venom is composed mainly of hemotoxins that break down blood cells, preventing the blood from clotting or coagulating," Viernum said. The results can be serious or even deadly, though Viernum and other experts emphasize that fatalities are very rare. Viernum further described the effects of the bite, saying that the hemotoxins lead to "hemorrhaging throughout the circulatory system wherever the venom has spread," she said. "Envenomation from a cottonmouth can lead to temporary and/or permanent tissue and muscle damage; loss of an extremity, depending on the location of the bite; internal bleeding; and extreme pain around the injection area," Viernum added. Anyone suffering from a water-moccasin bite should seek medical attention immediately. Antivenin is available. Additional resources The Virginia Herpetological Society offers a guide to cottonmouths and harmless look-alike snakes . Learn more about Sara Viernum's work at her website, The Wandering Herpetologist . Editor's Recommendations Swamp Animals | Okefenokee Swamp Park Current List of Donors We are the world’s window to the Okefenokee Swamp.

Our mission is to promote ecological tourism and education by providing a convenient point of entry into the Okefenokee--an authentic opportunity for the public to develop an appreciation for the wildlife, culture, and natural beauty of the “Land of the Trembling Earth.” Swamp Animals Georgia’s Natural Wonder Animals The Okefenokee Swamp is a true wildlife refuge. The wildlife seen in the great swamp are in their natural surroundings. These are the natural inhabitants, the original inhabitants – now protected by law. Few places in America can offer as varied and extensive wildlife as this southeastern swamp. Over 200 species of birds have been identified by refuge personnel and visiting ornithologists. There are over 40 species of mammals, more than 50 species of reptiles, and 60 species of amphibians. The waters house an abundance of fish, 34 different kinds. Black Bear The bear is by far the most powerful animal in the Okefenokee. At one time they were a menace to the small farmers living near the swamp. They made repeated raids carrying off hogs, small calves, or anything else they could find to eat. Organized bear hunts were not for sport to the settlers but a necessity to protect their livestock.

The bear mates in the summer, and the cubs, usually two, a male and a female, are born in the late winter. At birth the cubs are blind, almost hairless, and weigh less than one pound. The mother often sits with the cubs between her legs, blowing her warm breath on them. They are one of the most helpless and dependent animals at birth and in no way resemble the large and powerful animal they later become. They grow 100 pounds a year for the first two years, then 50 to 75 pounds the next couple of years. A full gown bear will weigh around 300 pounds and stand over six feet tall on his hind legs. In spite of their size, they are not slow and cumbersome, but are capable of great speed. The bear is omnivorous, eating both plants and meat. He eats plants, berries, nuts, roots, insects, fish, eggs and small animals. The bear has even learned to find the camouflaged turtle nest by raking its long claws over the disturbed ground until it finds a deep soft spot. It is able to feast on the eggs hidden from so many other swamp creatures.

Otter The otter is one of the most graceful of all animals in the water. It swims with tremendous speed, as well as grace, and with seemingly little effort. The otter grows to around four to four and a half feet and weighs around fifteen to twenty pounds. At one time they were hunted by dogs as well as trapped because of their valuable furs. Water Moccasin Of the 27 species of snakes in the swamp, the water moccasin is one of the largest and one of the few venomous ones. The majority of snakes lay eggs, but the moccasin is one of the few species that give birth to living young. It has large hollow fangs which are connected to sacs of poison in its cheeks. When biting its enemy, it squeezes the sacs to inject the poisonous venom, and returns to its coiled position in approximately ONE-HALF SECOND. Alligators The American Alligator was at one time seriously threatened and considered one of the endangered species. “Gator Hunting” became popular and extremely profitable as reptile shoes, handbags, and belts grew in popularity. The alligator was seldom hunted for sport or game but strictly as a business.

Two hunters could kill as many as forty gators in an evening. The female alligator builds a large nest, measuring five or six feet across and two or three feet high, in an open area near the water. She lays 30 to 60 eggs and covers them with leaves, muck, moss, and other trash. She then splashes this down good with water and the sun heats the damp vegetation and the eggs in the mound. It takes from 60 to 90 days for the eggs to hatch, and the baby alligators immediately start making a clucking sound. The mother hearing the clucking, uncovers the newly hatched alligators. When hatched, the young alligators are about six inches long. These young alligators grow about one foot a year for the first six or seven years. Full grown they may reach twelve to fifteen feet in length and weigh 700 pounds. The alligator is extremely fast, although he looks slow and clumsy basking in the sunshine. He feeds on snakes, fish, small animals, turtles, and even baby alligators. Sandhill Crane This is a large bird between four and five feet in height. They are gray and have extremely long legs.

The Sandhill Crane keeps the same mate for life. They nest in fairly open places where trees do not block their vision. They lay two eggs which take about four weeks to hatch. The young cranes can fly fairly long distances within two months because of their rapid growth. Many Sandhill Cranes were killed in the early hunting days of the swamp. Although they were hard to kill because of their extreme wariness and good vision. When frightened or sensing danger a crane sounds its alarm cry that can be heard for miles. Other cranes and animals recognize the distress call of the Sandhill, take up the cry and flee the area. They have been called the “watchmen of the swamp.” Osprey At one time the osprey nest served as guide-post to the local natives penetrating the unchartered interior. Osprey are known to be territorial. A pair will build their nest usually in a high tree near a prairie and this area for a couple of miles in all directions will become their domain. No other osprey will establish a nest in their territory. The osprey repair their nests when necessary using the same nest year after year.

The fact that these nests are in high places, are large and easily seen, remain for many years, and are several miles apart, make them useful landmarks to the local natives. Anhinga Many a new-comer in the early days killed himself a “water turkey”, thinking he had a good meal. Anhingas, or water turkeys, look a great deal like a wild turkey except that it has webbed feet and is definitely not good to eat. This bird can fly, swim on top of the water, or dive beneath the water, where it can swim at great speed. It eats a great deal of fish which its speed and keen vision help it secure. After diving beneath the water it takes only a few minutes in the sunshine to sufficiently dry out its feathers enough to fly again. On dark, cloudy days when there is no sun it instinctively knows not to go beneath the water. Other Swamp Birds include the Barred Owl, Great Blue Heron, Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow Crowned Night Heron, Red-Billed Woodpecker, Great Egret, White Ibis, and many more. Click on below pictures for more info. What Is the Predator of a Water Moccasin?

What Is the Predator of a Water Moccasin? What Is the Predator of a Water Moccasin? April 14, 2010 By: Hazel Baker Although cottonmouths or water moccasins are at the top of the food chain, preying on other snakes, small animals, insects and large mammals on occasion, they are not immune to becoming the prey of other animals, including other species of snakes, turtles, alligators, mammals and birds. The greatest threat to the water moccasin, however, is man. Cottonmouth snakes or water moccasins are predators, but are also sometimes prey for other animals. About The Water Moccasin The cottonmouth or water moccasin is a venomous snake belonging to the pit viper family. Cottonmouths are found primarily in the eastern half of the United States, and as many as five subspecies have been reported. The nickname “water moccasin” stems from the fact that these snakes are semi-aquatic and known to sneak up silently on their prey.

Mammals That Prey On Water Moccasins Dogs, cats, raccoons, wild pigs and other mammals occasionally prey on the water moccasin, but the most common mammalian predator of a water moccasin is the opossum. Opossums are known for a rodent-like appearance and a fierce nature when it comes to killing their prey. Their immunity to the venom of the cottonmouth, quick speed and the fact that they have more teeth then any other North American mammal all contribute to their status as predators of water moccasins. Birds Hawks and owls occasionally prey on water moccasins, as do egrets. The sharp talon and beaks of these birds increase their chances of quickly killing a snake before it has the chance to strike. Reptiles And Other Snakes Reptiles including alligators and snapping turtles frequently prey on the water moccasin. Just as cottonmouths occasionally prey on other species of snakes, some species of snakes, including king snakes and black snakes, occasionally prey on the water moccasin. Cottonmouths are also immune to their own venom and that of other cottonmouths and will prey on each other if other food sources are not readily available.

Humans The greatest threat and most significant predator of the water moccasin is human. Because they are venomous and are commonly found in swampy marshland in close proximity to towns and cities, people often try to kill these snakes when they encounter them in order to prevent being bitten and to keep them away from their properties and homes. Because water moccasins, like other cold-blooded animals, are naturally drawn to heat sources, they often bask on roads and highways, and many are inadvertently killed by motorists as well. Like cute animals? Follow Cuteness.com on Facebook for more AWWs and LOLs. Related Articles Venomous Water Moccasin or Harmless Watersnake? NO YES CAUTION! -- With practice, you can learn to tell the difference between watersnakes and Water Moccasins. Even non-venomous watersnakes will bite, so the best policy for dealing with snakes is to "leave them be" to play their important roles in our ecosystem. Best ways to tell watersnakes and Water Moccasins apart: 1.

BODY SIZE THICK, HEAVY BODIES: Venomous Water Moccasins have bodies that are VERY thick and heavy for their length, and short, thick tails. A harmless snake the same length would be much more slender and would have a much longer, thinner tail (see below). The body of this young, venomous Water Moccasin is very thick for its length, and has a relatively short, thick tail. Notice that the head is also thick and blocky. Older adults are often much darker -- almost solid black. (Note: this photo was sent to us by an Extension client who needlessly killed the snake and asked that we confirm that it was a venomous species. However, by killing the snake they greatly increased their chances of being bitten--it is always best to leave snakes alone!) LONG, SLENDER BODIES: Non-venomous watersnakes (and other harmless snakes) have bodies that are more slender for their length, and longer tails. This Brown Watersnake has a slender body and has a relatively long, thin tail. Notice that the head is also narrow.

**FLATTENED BODY: harmless watersnakes often flatten their bodies and heads when they feel threatened, making themselves look much larger and more menacing. This Banded Watersnake feels threatened and is flattening its body and neck. However, for its length, the body of this snake is still more slender than the body of a water moccasin, AND the tail is much longer and thinner. 2. HEAD AND NECK SIZE AND SHAPE LARGE, BLOCKY HEADS: Venomous Water Moccasins have large, blocky heads and their necks are distinctly narrower than their heads. This venomous Water Moccasin has an obviously thick, (top to bottom) blocky head. (Note: this photo was sent to us by an Extension client who needlessly killed the snake and asked that we confirm that it was a venomous species. However, by killing the snake they greatly increased their chances of being bitten--it is always best to leave snakes alone!) This venomous, juvenile Water Moccasin also has a wide, blocky head, and a very obvious neck that is narrower than the head.

(Note: this photo was sent to us by an Extension client who needlessly killed the snake and asked that we confirm that it was a venomous species. However, by killing the snake they greatly increased their chances of being bitten--it is always best to leave snakes alone!) SLENDER HEADS: Harmless watersnakes have slender heads that are more narrow and less blocky, and they lack obvious necks. This Banded Watersnake has a slender, elongate head that blends into the body smoothly, with no obvious neck. This Green Watersnake also has a slender head and no distinct neck. FLATTENED HEADS: Harmless watersnakes often flatten their heads into a triangular shape when they feel threatened, but their heads look flattened rather than thick and blocky, and their necks are not distinctly narrower than their heads. This Banded Watersnake feels threatened, so it has flattened its head and body to appear more menacing. Harmless watersnakes often flatten their heads when they feel threatened, making their head look triangular--but notice that the head looks flattened, not thick and blocky, and the neck is almost as wide as the head. Want to learn more? Visit our Dealing with Snakes page...

Cottonmouth Snake Information & Facts Contact Cottonmouth Snake Information & Facts Cottonmouth Appearance: Cottonmouth snakes, otherwise known as water moccasins, are a medium sized snake, often growing to be four feet in length, and I've even seen up to five feet. They are generally a dark shade of brown or a dull black and will occasionally have lighter banding visible on their sides. The younger snakes have lighter color and more distinct patterns. Click here for several more photographs , including juvenile cottonmouths. The body of this snake is considered to be bulky with a distinct neck going into a relatively large, triangular head. The tail also tapers off quickly at the end of the body, from fat to thin. Like most pit vipers, the cottonmouth has pupils which are shaped like slits. This snake is considered very venomous, producing a toxin which prohibits the ability of the blood to clot while destroying tissue on a cellular level. Any area that comes in contact with water moccasin venom will begin to hemorrhage, giving the name "cytotoxic" (similar to ‘hemotoxic’ ) to this type of poison.

Cottonmouth habitat and behavior: Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic snakes, meaning they spend the majority of their lives in the water. They are found predominately in the southern part of the United States, including all of Florida and up the coast, and in the mid south, up the Mississippi River system. living in and near small and large bodies of water. Water moccasins are often mistaken for non-venomous brown water snakes, one of the reasons they are particularly lethal. Like all pit vipers, the cottonmouth snake has two heat sensing pits located between the eyes and the nostrils. These pits allow the snake to pinpoint live prey and to strike without the need of a visual. This hunting adaptation is particularly useful after dark when most animals’ bodies are warmer than the air around them. Hunting, and most of the snake’s activities, takes place during the night. Because of this, and because the water moccasin spends much of its time in the water, the snake spends a considerable amount of time basking in the sun. The cool water saps the snake’s body temperature much faster than land bound serpents. Basking is an efficient way to regulate body temperature.

Female snakes will give birth to litters of up to ten live snakes after the spring mating season. The babies are born from eggs which are hatched inside of the female snake and are not developed in a uterus like mammalian animals. Like almost all other reptiles, baby snakes are on their own as soon as they are born. Cottonmouth diet: The cottonmouth eats a large variety of wildlife. Frogs, salamanders, fish, other snakes, birds, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and a host of other small creatures are all fair game to the snake. When a prey animal is detected, the cottonmouth will strike, holding its victim for a moment to allow the full injection of venom to take place. Once that happens, the snake immediately releases its prey to limit the amount of retaliation, especially from strong mammals. If the prey escapes and runs away, the snake will track it by smell and consume it once it is dead. Like the copperhead snake, young cottonmouths will use their tails to lure amphibians to them. Once the unsuspecting frog or salamander is close enough, the baby cottonmouth snake will strike. This method of attracting prey is called ‘caudal luring’.

Cottonmouth facts: The cottonmouth snake gets its name from the defense position the snake takes when it feels threatened. When antagonized, the cottonmouth will coil up and display its fangs, revealing the pale white skin inside of the mouth. Cottonmouths are very buoyant, with most of their bodies visible when they swim. Other, non-venomous water snakes will swim with their bodies completely submerged except for the head. These snakes can and will attack underwater. During the winter, cottonmouths will hibernate, sometimes sharing dens with other venomous snakes. In consistently warm climates, the cottonmouth has been known to not hibernate at all. Commonly thought of as an aggressive snake, the cottonmouth’s reputation has been greatly exaggerated. If given the chance, the snake will flee before it will pose to strike. The origins of the title ‘water moccasin’ are unknown, though it is speculated that name comes from the leather-like coloration of the snakes or the silent movement akin to that of moccasin wearing Native Americans. Below are some other species of snake that may look like a XXX: Banded Water Snake When do Cottonmouths give birth?

Many people don't know: does the cottonmouth snake lay eggs or give birth to live young? The answer is that they give birth to live young! Usually about ten, but up to twenty, little baby cottonmouth snakes, each about ten inches long. That's how big baby cottonmouth snakes are at birth. Since they don't hatch from eggs, the mother snake is present when they are born, but they then abandon the young, despite some claims that they stick around to protect their offspring. When do they have the young? Usually in August or September. The young are also dangerous, so keep an eye out in late summer! Why is a water moccasin called cotton mouth - The water moccosin snake, one of the deadly vipers of North America, has a secondary name, one that was given to it for identification purposes. Early settlers were warned of the water moccosin by Native Americans, the culture that is credited for giving the snake its original name. when travelers started fording rivers and deep streams, the danger of the water moccasin became very real. To spread the word in a more reliable manner, the name cotton mouth was given to the snake.

This is because, when harassed, the snake will curl up and bare its fangs, exposing its pale, white mouth. The name cotton mouth was far easier to identify with danger than the poorly descriptive ‘water moccasin’. If you want to read more, check out Photographs of Water Moccasin . Both terms are still used today to refer to the water-loving serpent. Cotton mouths are often mistaken for common brown water snakes which are nonvenomous. There is no reason to handle a cotton mouth. If you see one sunning itself on the bank, leave it alone. More people are bitten by venomous snakes in an effort to kill them than are bitten from stumbling on the animal by accident. Vipers have the ability to strike with alarming speed and over substantial distance. Many people want to know how to kill a Cottonmouth snake, but you don't need to. The best way to get rid of Cottonmouths is to simply leave them alone. You can also use a Cottonmouth trap to catch them - that's one of the best ways for how to remove Cottonmouth snakes. For more information, go to my Snake Removal - How to Get Rid of Snakes home page.

Cottonmouth: StateoftheOzarks Cottonmouth water moccasins are very aggressive. They are extremely territorial — particularly so if they have young. If you invade their territory when they have young, you will be attacked. But for the most part, cottonmouths are very reclusive. Cottonmouths are the only water snake that will float on top of the water. That is one of their identifying marks as is their dark chocolate pattern. They get their name because the inside of their mouth looks like white, sticky cotton. Cottonmouth water moccasins like to live in brush piles near secluded areas of lakes and rivers. They like it back off in the loneliest of coves. Cottonmouths do not live in the water but their spend a lot of time in the water — and they have been known to attack boats. If you get in the region of a mama who has young, she can attack boats. She's mean and nasty. I have had them get in the boat with me at night. At that point, you get out of the boat, you get the snake out of the boat, or you kill the snake. That was on Table Rock Lake.

You could take the light and shine it and see little red eyes all around. Her babies were coming too. It was creepy. I don't go up in the little coves anymore. They are the most aggressive, venomous snake that we have in the Ozarks. A copperhead will try to sneak up and bite you during the right time of year but for the most part, they will flee. But a mama water moccasin will hunt you down. From Vance Randolph: Poisonous snakes, when in the water, are said to lie on the surface with the entire body afloat, while nonpoisonous serpents swim with only the head exposed; many hillmen really believe that this is a reliable way to distinguish between the venomous cottonmouth moccasin and several species of harmless water snakes. Some noodlers or rock fishermen, accustomed to catch a big fish with their bare hands, say that moccasins never bite a man under water. Others believe that the snakes may bite, but are unable to inject poison into the wound while their heads are submerged. Many persons believe that female snakes, particularly water moccasins, swallow their young at the approach of danger.

One of my neighbors says that he suddenly came upon a large “bitch cottonmouth” with a number of young snakes playing about her; the moment the old moccasin saw him she opened her mouth wide, and the little ones instantly ran down her throat. A few moments later he killed the big snake, cut her open, and found fourteen little moccasins inside. — page 255, Ozark Superstitions by Vance Randolph, Columbia University Press 1947 Return to top… Plate 1. Above and below, a cottonmouth water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) approximately 31⁄2 feet in length, swallows a northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) following a flood on the War Eagle River. Both snakes were photographed in the mill wheel bed of War Eagle Mill on September 3, 2008, by Tammie Evans of Rogers, Arkansas. Plate 2. Plate 4. Plate 4. This snake species, alongside the rattlesnake and copperhead, is one of the most well-known venomous animals of the Ozark hills.

Although snakes in general have a bad rap, it has also become popular to portray the cottonmouth as benign, thus downplaying its danger. Longtime residents of these hills tell a different story (see story by Dale Grubaugh at left). The Agistrodon piscivorus is defined as a semi-aquatic viper. — Joshua Heston, editor Snake Enemies - Animals that Catch and Kill Snakes - Mongoose, Eagle, Pig, Dog Breeds Contact Snake Enemies - Animals Catch Snakes Yes, many animal species in the wild catch and kill snakes. Some of these species can even be trained in the art of snake extermination! Animal types that hunt and kill snakes include many species of raptors - eagles and hawks, honey badgers, and of course the notorious mongoose. King Snakes eat only other snakes. And believe it or not, common house cats and dogs catch and kill snakes too. Some species of dogs can be trained to catch and kill snakes. What animals keep snakes away - First of all, no common house pet will keep snakes away without special training, and even then, you put the animal at great risk.

Cats and dogs may do a decent amount of snake hunting, but they will not actively patrol your property just for snakes. You will have to take into account, too, the fact that any house pet exposed to snakes will also be prone to bite injuries. If you live in an area with venomous snakes, this can be disastrous. Pigs have been known to kill snakes, but again, these animals are not hunting the snakes, rather they are reacting instinctively and stomping the serpents when the opportunity presents itself. The mongoose is a pet that does have special attributes specifically for snake hunting and killing. These weasel-like animals eat snakes, and have special genetic attributes that make them immune to venom. The mongoose is very agile and has a thick coat, making it a perfect combatant for snake wars. The downside to the mongoose is that it’s importation to countries where it is not native is strictly regulated. The diet of the mongoose makes it a habitat destroyer when it is introduced into new environments. The urine of a mongoose can be used to repel snakes with some efficacy, but this is also not available to the public.

Read the story of what happened when I brought a snake into the house, and it encountered my fluffy white pet kitten: house cat vs snake , with photos. Why do snakes get scared of mongoose - It’s not necessarily that snakes become frightened when they smell a mongoose as much as they become wary. The mongoose is a fantastic little animal, resembling a stocky weasel and acting with prairie dog-like communication skills. It is naturally immune to snake venom and hunts serpents as a main food source. Mongoose urine has been used to repel snakes with moderate results, though the product is not available to the American public. Many countries in Europe and Asia keep mongoose as pets for the purpose of warding against snakes. Due to the little animal’s tendency to eat other creatures, its importation into other countries has been regulated. Some areas have experienced significant ecosystem damage from non-native mongoose population. Even a mongoose will not keep all snakes away all the time. Just like with an predator, the snake will acknowledge the mongoose scent, but unless it sees on, it may just proceed forward with caution. Many people are aware by now that the Honey Badger of Africa is a notorious snake hunter, and that it is relatively immune to snake venom.

They can even hunt and kill cobras. Click here for photos of Honey Badgers hunting and killing snakes . What dog keeps snakes away - There are no dogs that are born with an insatiable desire to hunt and kill snakes, largely because snakes are not a part of the canine diet. There are certain breeds with stronger hunting instincts than other, like the Rat Terrier or the Airedale. These dogs will be more inclined to chase and kill a small, moving animal, but they will not patrol your property specifically looking for snakes. Keep in mind that any dog will be subject to the bite wounds that come from tangling with snakes around the yard. Animals are just as prone to infection as humans, and a dog with multiple puncture wounds will need frequent veterinary visits. The cost of this constant care will quickly outweigh any benefit the canine has as a rattlesnake hunter. Some dogs will even avoid snakes after being bitten. If you bought the dog strictly for snake hunting, that’s a touch pill to swallow. Now, you will have a dog and you will have snakes still in the yard.

The only pet that is really effective against snakes is the mongoose; however, their importation into North America has been prohibited due to the little critter’s habit of taking over ecosystems. Snake fear pig - Snakes do not naturally fear pigs, though pigs and many hooved animals fear snakes. This is what leads to the volatile responses from animals like the pig when a snake is seen in the pen. Pigs don’t like snakes because both animals are close to the ground. The last thing the pig wants is the snake to injure one of its young. For this reason, pigs are instilled with a deep desire to run down any snakes and stomp them to death. It has nothing to do with snakes and pigs having a vendetta. Snakes are simply known predators of baby animals, and the pig is aware of this. The snake will not be fearful of the pig as long as the larger creature keeps its distance. This is how most animals are, and this is why many predator decoys and urine repellents fail to do any good. Animals, even natural enemies, will tolerate one another’s presence if no immediate threat is felt.

A snake can pass through a pig’s territory, but if the serpent gets too close to something important, the pig will let it know. Keeping pigs on your property will not keep snakes away. Pigs are not snake hunters, and they will not spend much time or energy looking for a fight. Who is the enemy of snakes? Although a ton of animals prey on snakes, from owls, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, weasles, snapping turtles, alligators, even crows, it is not easy to come by trainable pet animals that eat snakes, if you're looking for a type of animal that kills rattlesnakes or any venomous snakes, to help you with a snake removal project. It's not a common or practical thing done, and I know of no special trainer, service, or company that offers animals to control snakes, or training for dogs or cats to catch and remove snakes. I did once see a Secretay Bird in a zoo that was great at catching snakes and well trained, but I doubt you're going to go to your local pet store and pick up a Secretary Bird, Snake Eagle (Circaetus), or even serpent hedgehog.

Your best bet for snake control is either of the below options. Option 1 - HIRE A PROFESSIONAL We can solve your snake problem for you. Our nationwide group of snake specialists services 95% of the US population. Click here to find your local snake removal expert in your town. Below are just some of our more popular areas: TX Fort Worth Option 2 - BUY A SNAKE TRAP If a snake is indoors, a trap will work. I do not recommend using a glue-based trap outdoors, because it can inhumanely catch other small critters. I have reviewed and field tested several snake trap designs, and the one featured below is the most durable and effective. It is the highest quality snake trap available on the market. Read more about Snake Trap . What animals catch and kill snakes? There are a number of animas which act as predators for snakes, despite what you may have thought. Humans are one of the biggest culprits, catching them with the intention of breeding them for pets, often causing their death or ill health because of poor care or cramped living conditions. Humans often run over wild snakes with their vehicles, and also kill snakes in the process of trying to ‘evict’ them from residential properties.

Humans aside, eagles and hawks are well known for killing snakes, and for some of the bigger birds of prey, snakes actually make up the bulk of their daily diet. They can easily spot their slithering targets from up high in the air, something humans don’t have the advantage of back down on ground level. There are some mammals which will catch and eat snakes too - bigger snakes will often eat the smaller snakes, it’s a dog-eat-dog world after all, and foxes and weasels have been known to catch and eat ones they can easily overpower. Moving out of the US and looking around the world, even the biggest and most dangerous or venomous of snakes have their predators. If you were to head to Africa or Asia, for example, leopards and crocodiles would be big enough to catch and eat the biggest of snake species, and in Asia specifically, the mongoose often chooses snake as it’s dinner of choice. Even jaguars and other big cats won’t turn down the chance of a snake meal, South America seeing this with the larger anacondas.

Question: What sort of creature is the water moccasin?
Answer: SNAKE