Cottonmouth at Caw Caw

On our first field trip out to Caw-Caw Interpretive Center, many interesting and exciting organisms were caught in several aquatic traps that were set throughout the swampy areas. However, the first Cottonmouth of the day was found on a bridge over the swamp, curled up under one of the posts likely basking in the sunlight that had been lacking during the last few days. Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are commonly referred to as water moccasins and are venomous semi-aquatic snakes. Cottonmouths quickly vibrate their tails against leaves, ground debris, or even the ground in order to produce a rattling sound in imitation of rattlesnakes. When not alarmed or under duress, these snakes will slowly slink away. Cottonmouths are commonly found in southern lowlands, swamps, lakes and rivers, and close to rice fields and ditches. Cottonmouth diets commonly consists of fish, frogs, salamanders, snakes, lizards, small turtles, birds, small mammals, and even baby alligators. When this snake was spotted, it calmly looked on while students gave it a wide berth. When about half of the students had filed past, the constant beat of waders on wood made the snake slowly crawl back into the swamp away from the eager crowd trying to get a look. Being a venomous snake, I was unable to get a close up look at it and determine size or sex. However, I was able to determine that it was at least close to being an adult if it was not already full grown. This Cottonmouth was a dark color dorsally, and lighter towards the underside with a striped pattern that became more evident closer to the ventral side of the snake. I was very excited to be the first to spot this snake and had a lot of fun tromping through the swamp in pursuit of other herps that were just as exciting to find.