Reptile · GBIF taxon 9105722
Northern Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorusAlso known as Water Moccasin
The Northern Cottonmouth is a heavy-bodied semiaquatic pit viper with a broad head and a dark stripe through the eye. When alarmed it may coil and display the pale interior of its mouth, but ample distance usually lets it retreat.
Venomous SnakeSemiaquatic ViperDefensive Display
1 / 6—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fish
- Frogs
- Small mammals
Predators
- Large raptors
- Kingsnakes
- Alligators
ThreatsWetland loss, road mortality, persecution, pollution, and deliberate killing
HabitatsSwamps, marshes, slow rivers, floodplain forest, lake margins, and wooded wetlands
Life spanOften more than a decade, with some individuals surviving considerably longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyViperidae
- SpeciesAgkistrodon piscivorus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- A bite can cause severe pain and tissue injury and requires immediate emergency medical care.
- Why it is dangerous
- Venom can cause severe pain, swelling, tissue damage, and systemic illness requiring urgent professional treatment.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a broad blocky head, facial pit, dark eye stripe, heavy body, and pale mouth lining when displayed.
- What to do
- Never touch, corner, or attempt to kill it; after a bite, stay calm and seek emergency care immediately.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Stay at least several meters away and never block escape.
- Footing: Check around logs and dense wetland vegetation before stepping.
- Emergency: After a bite, limit movement and call emergency services immediately.
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