How Do You Spot Poisonous Water Moccasin?
The Cottonmouth Water Moccasin is a semi-aquatic snake that resides in swamps and lakes of the southern United States. The bite of a water moccasin is highly toxic and can cause severe tissue damage. A few simple characteristics can help you identify the water moccasin and avoid it. Notice the snake’s coloring. Young water moccasins are a pale reddish brown and have dark brown bands. Adult snakes are a dull olive or brown, while older snakes are an unmarked olive or black. Water moccasins of all ages have a white or yellowish belly. Look at the length. Most water moccasins are 3 to 4 feet long, although some have been known to reach a length of 6 feet. Because of this variance in length, other visual signifiers are more accurate in helping identify a water moccasin. Keep location in mind. If you notice the snake in the water, there is a reasonable chance that it is a water moccasin. While there are non-poisonous water snakes in the South, it is better not to take any chances. Water moc