How Do You Identify A Water Moccasin?
The water moccasin, commonly referred to as a cottonmouth, is a venomous snake that lives in the southern portion of the United States. It is classified as a pit viper and has gained a reputation for being an aggressive reptile. The water moccasin, which lives near water and is an excellent swimmer, can be identified in a number of ways so that the observer can tell this creature apart from the many species of water snakes that also dwell where it resides. Realize that the water moccasin will not be found in northern parts of the United States. The cottonmouth’s range is from southern Virginia and south through the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida and then westward into Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and portions of eastern Texas. It can be found as far north as Missouri, Oklahoma and southern sections of the state of Illinois. If you are in a state such as Connecticut or Minnesota, you will not encounter a cottonmouth. Look for the telltale characteristics of all pit vipers. Cottonmouths
