Western Cottonmouth

Western Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma

The Western Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma, also known as a Water Moccasin, is a semi-aquatic, venomous snake found throughout the southeastern United States up through most of Texas. Unlike the more recognizable and venomous Copperhead, the cottonmouth is easily confused for other snakes such as the Texas Rat Snake, Yellow-bellied Racer, and Yellow-bellied Water Snake. As with any snake, there is variation especially in the juveniles. As with any venomous snake, there are precautions to take and reasons to leave them be and let them live.

While any wild snake should be left as is, there are a number of ways to determine whether or not the snake is harmless. As a pit viper, the cottonmouth has facial pits and, like some but not all vipers, elliptical eye pupils. The pupil will be hard to see without risk of a bite, and will be more round at night, but another characteristic is the eye "mask" marking. The cottonmouth is also known for its stout, thick-body and for holding its head above water, it's body floating unlike other water snakes. Although many will say that a venomous snake has a triangular head, it is important to know that a number of snakes, including the Texas Rat Snake, can flare their head to look triangular. Using a similar technique, while a harmless water snake may not be venomous, it may be as aggressive, if not more so, than a cottonmouth.

Preferring water and a diet of fish, cottonmouths are much less likely to be seen around suburban areas than the copperhead. Even so, always take precautions during snake season: using a flashlight at night, looking before you reach, and removing brush piles (perfect homes) from near the house. With any snake, they are best left alone. A snake may be venomous, but remember they are only following the food. Without them, your house would be covered with hantavirus-filled mouse and rat droppings.

Here in most of Texas snake season has returned. I already ran into a cottonmouth yesterday (I left him be, he left me be). Cold weather may slow them down, but it's time for the snakes to come out of hibernation to eat. Remember: snakes are misunderstood friends, not enemies. Don't bother them and they won't bother you. When in doubt, walk the other way.