Snakes

Florida Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon conanti

Across the regions where it's common, the Florida Cottonmouth peaks from April to March.

Shows up in 3 ecoregions and 2 states · venomous

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Snakes

Florida Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon conanti

venomous

Venomous. Do not handle. Give it room and let it move on. If you're bitten, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Don't cut, suck or ice the bite.

Look, don't take. Many states regulate collecting reptiles and amphibians. Photograph it, log it on iNaturalist and leave it where you found it.

Description

The Florida cottonmouth (Agkistrodon conanti) is a species of venomous snake, a pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. Adults of A. conanti grow up to 1,892 mm (74.5 inches) in total length (including tail).Wikipedia ↗

Habitat

Agkistrodon conanti is found in the southeast of the United States, throughout the Florida peninsula, including many barrier islands and keys, and into southern Georgia. The Florida cottonmouth ranges into the Florida Keys at least as far as Big Pine Key.Wikipedia ↗

When it's active

Agkistrodon conanti is ovoviviparous, and while there is no specific mating season, most births occur during the summer months. Females generally only breed every other year and give birth to between one and 15 young per litter.Wikipedia ↗

Venom

Agkistrodon conanti venom is very hemolytic and known to cause relatively extensive necrosis compared to many snake venoms, and can sometimes be lethal with a 17% mortality rate.Wikipedia ↗

Florida Cottonmouth — William J. Deml · CC BY 4.0

iNaturalist ↗

Harmless look-alikes

Common Watersnake, Banded Watersnake, Plain-bellied Watersnake, Diamondback Watersnake, Brown Watersnake, Florida Green Watersnake, Mississippi Green WatersnakeMany scientists dislike the use of the term water moccasin since it can lead to confusion between the venomous cottonmouth and nonvenomous water snakes. Wikipedia ↗Nerodia fasciata is often mistaken for venomous cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorous) despite the differences in their physical appearance. Animal Diversity Web ↗Cottonmouths vs. watersnakes →

When and where it's active

Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.

PeakShoulderQuiet

Ecoregions

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Southern Coastal Plain South Florida Southeastern Plains

States

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Florida Georgia

About the Florida Cottonmouth

When is the Florida Cottonmouth most active?

Across the regions where it's common, the Florida Cottonmouth peaks from April to March.

Where does the Florida Cottonmouth live?

It has enough records to show in 3 ecoregions and 2 states, including Florida and Georgia.

Is the Florida Cottonmouth venomous?

Yes. The Florida Cottonmouth is venomous. Don't handle it, and give it room.

What snakes get mistaken for the Florida Cottonmouth?

Harmless lookalikes include the Common Watersnake, Banded Watersnake, and Plain-bellied Watersnake.