Cottonmouth snakes - in Florida

Also known as Water Moccasin, Florida Cottonmouth (separate sub-species) or just Moccasin

It's not unusual that the cottonmouth snake stands its ground against intruders exposing its mouth in a threatening way as if it's ready to bite.

When it stands its ground it's usually because it can't escape.

Appearance

The Cottonmouth Snake is larger than its close relative - the Copperhead Snake. The Water Moccasin can reach a size of almost 75 inches (2m) but the most normal size is just about 30-40 inches. Its head is thicker than its neck and because some large plate-like scales covers the eyes, the eyes can hardly been seen when viewed from above.

Habitat

It's found throughout Florida, but if you are in the Northern part of Florida you might take it for a Copperhead Snake. It can be found anywhere near water - and as a general rule of thumb you won't find them far from water unless they are moving from one place to another.

A lot of people in Florida are afraid of the Cottonmouth snake - which is partly unjustified. Watersnakes that are found in the same type of habitats are destroyed on the suspicion of being Cottonmouths.

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