How do I identify a water moccasin snake?

Answer by  bug57 (1048)

Water moccasins are easily confused with other snakes, however there are ways to tell the difference. First, if the inside of the snake's mouth is white, it is a water moccasin. Also these snakes float more than others, so if most of the snake is up out of the water.

Answer by  jessydav (550)

Most adult water moccasins are very dark brown even black. They have a nickname of cotton mouth this is because they have a bright white mouths. Water moccasins are also very large compared to other water snakes. ranging from around 5 feet long and 36 inches in girth. Young water moccasins usually have a yellowed tipped tail.

Answer by  nothinqness (6)

A water moccasin is dark in color and a BRIGHT white mouth. They are called cotton mouths, and are found in swampy areas.

Answer by  ninja (9)

A Water Moccasin snake is a large, dark snake. It is less likely to flee than other water snakes. A good way to identify it is seeing the white inside of it's mouth, which is why another name is Cotton Mouth.

Answer by  Derbyboo (442)

From a distance, hopefully. They are called cottonmouths because their mouths have a very white interior when open; they are shiny black, and tend to live in the knees of the cypress trees in swamps and glades in warmer areas; they can also nest in and around warm brackish waters.

Answer by  rbiales (3441)

A cottonmouth is a pit viper and is known to rest in coils with its head upright, showing the bright white inside of the mouth. Also known as a trapjaw snake because of its powerful jaw, I would tend to add by photographs, from well away from the business end.

Answer by  Wayne (129)

They have lighter color markings when the are younger and tend to be a lot darker as they age. They do have the diamond shaped head. They're also called cotton mouths due to their distinct white mouths.

Answer by  Dreamlight (856)

Water moccasins are generally a dark charcoal color with semi-shiny scales. They are also known as the cotton mouth because when they open their mouth it is a pure white color inside. Of course, I hope you never have to identify one like that. They are usually nar rivers, so just be aware near bodies of water.

Answer by  harwoodkp (376)

It is wider than most snakes. The belly is always yellow or whitish. Young ones are reddish with dark bands. Adults are olive drab or brown.