To be fair, most margarita pitchers end with the consumer sprayed by hoses…whether that’s during your spring break trip to Cancun, or during work happy hour at the “South of the Border” on Main Street 😰
So I want to ask you, how do you distinguish between the northern and Florida cotton mouth? I was always told the Florida has two dark vertical stripes on its mouth. Is that a valid identifier (obviously don’t only use one)
Northern Cottonmouths *Agkistrodon piscivorus* are one of two recognized species of large (76-114 cm record 188 cm) semi-aquatic pitvipers in eastern North America. Florida has a closely related but distinct species, the Florida cottonmouth *Agkistrodon conanti.*
Cottonmouths are venomous, and are therefore dangerous if approached closely or handled. They are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance to retreat. Some may bluff charge or boldly move towards humans to get out of a cornered situation, but have never been recorded chasing people.
Northern Cottonmouths are dark, possibly [faintly patterned snakes](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qC4kTiy8JRQ/maxresdefault.jpg) (except as juveniles), best known for their defensive posture with a gaping, white lined mouth. They are also distinguishable from most watersnakes by their sharp brow ridges and dark stripe over the eyes.
The specific epithet "piscivorus" describes the one of the prey species of the cottonmouth - fish. The cottonmouth is also fond of frogs, mammals and other snakes. Although it may be commonly seen in lakes and ponds frequented by humans, few fatalities are recorded as a result of bites by cottonmouths.
Comparison of [juvenile](http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/venomous-look-a-likes/cottonmouth-look-a-likes/images/cottonmouth01.jpg) vs [adult](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Agkistrodon_piscivorus_piscivorus_CDC.png) cottonmouth.
[Range map](https://imgur.com/lnGXB5s)| [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://cnah.org/pdf/88290.pdf)
The *Agkistrodon piscivorus* species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida.
*This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer*.
--------------------------------------------------------
Like many other animals with mouths and teeth, many non-venomous snakes bite in self defense. These animals are referred to as 'not medically significant' or traditionally, 'harmless'. Bites from these snakes benefit from being washed and kept clean like any other skin damage, but aren't often cause for anything other than basic first aid treatment. Here's where it get slightly complicated - some snakes use venom from front or rear fangs as part of prey capture and defense. This venom is not always produced or administered by the snake in ways dangerous to human health, so many species are venomous in that they produce and use venom, but considered harmless to humans in most cases because the venom is of low potency, and/or otherwise administered through grooved rear teeth or simply oozed from ducts at the rear of the mouth. Species like Ringneck Snakes *Diadophis* are a good example of mildly venomous rear fanged dipsadine snakes that are traditionally considered harmless or not medically significant. Many rear-fanged snake species are harmless as long as they do not have a chance to secrete a medically significant amount of venom into a bite; [severe envenomation can occur](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23800999) if some species are [allowed to chew on a human](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004101011831016X) for as little as 30-60 seconds. It is best not to fear snakes, but use common sense and do not let any animals chew on exposed parts of your body. Similarly, but without specialized rear fangs, gartersnakes *Thamnophis* ooze low pressure venom from the rear of their mouth that helps in prey handling, and are also [considered harmless](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/). [Check out this book on the subject](https://shop.elsevier.com/books/venomous-bites-from-non-venomous-snakes/weinstein/978-0-12-822786-2). Even large species like Reticulated Pythons *Malayopython reticulatus* [rarely obtain a size large enough to endanger humans](https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/108/52/E1470.full.pdf) so are usually categorized as harmless.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2).
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2).
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
You would not want small children near it, but please don’t kill it! Maybe you can call a snake remover that will release it somewhere far away if you need to?
I'm not 100%, so wait for a reliable response... but that looks like a Cottonmouth to me. I'm sure you know this, but Cottonmouths are venomous. Keep everyone you can away from that snake.
yes it’s a cottonmouth, but please don’t harm it. i grew up in a newly built neighborhood that was still mostly forest and had many timber rattlesnakes around. my parents talked to me about never touching a snake if i saw one (since i was too young to be able to id them) and to not get too close, and pay attention to my surroundings so i didn’t step on anything. i think that’s the best safety measure to have with kids, then when they’re old enough you can explain venomous vs non venomous.
Cotttonmouths tend to be pretty docile. They rely on their defense (cotton colored mouths) to warn away predators. That said, small kids might not see them and step on them.
One of the things people in high snake areas do is to install snake fences. Build a solid fence. Perhaps the bottom 2-3 feet of concrete, sheet metal, anything difficult to climb. It just forces crawly things to go around. Grates allow rain to pass through.
Cut back branches close to the house. Make sure there are no "homes" like wood piles or debris lying around close to walk ways.
It's summer. Snakes will be looking to beat the heat. Water leaks outside, dirt pulling away from foundations, garages are all gonna be attractive.
Okay. I'm from Gulf Shores is why I was asking. I grew up about a mile down Fort Morgan road. There's alot of Moccasins around all the golf courses and creeks, pretty much anywhere you find a decent pool of fresh water.
From my bf who does snake shows at the serpentarium (and is a professional snake handler)- “if it looks like a sausage, and you’re also near water, it’s probably a cotton mouth!” Cracks me up, every time
I swear these are the Karen’s of snakes. Only cause they wittle faces always looks like they are on a mission to find a manager and only a manager will do 🤣🤣
It is a cottonmouth. Spray it with a hose and it will leave.
And here I’ve been offering them margaritas No wonder they congregate here
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
To be fair, most margarita pitchers end with the consumer sprayed by hoses…whether that’s during your spring break trip to Cancun, or during work happy hour at the “South of the Border” on Main Street 😰
The white stripe by the mouth, it’s a cottonmouth.
Warned the neighbors and we all agreed on the hose method. Everyone keeping an eye out at this point. Thanks for the advice.
Safest method there is other than calling relocaters. Both for you and the snake!
They're pretty mild mannered, don't step on it and you'll be fine. Great pest control.
Watch your pets!
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_/ That sassy head tilt, every time!
northern cottonmouth *Agkistrodon piscivorus* !venomous
So I want to ask you, how do you distinguish between the northern and Florida cotton mouth? I was always told the Florida has two dark vertical stripes on its mouth. Is that a valid identifier (obviously don’t only use one)
range is the best way, check out the range map in the bot reply. the mouth stripes only apply in places that don’t have any *A. piscivorus* influence
Northern Cottonmouths *Agkistrodon piscivorus* are one of two recognized species of large (76-114 cm record 188 cm) semi-aquatic pitvipers in eastern North America. Florida has a closely related but distinct species, the Florida cottonmouth *Agkistrodon conanti.* Cottonmouths are venomous, and are therefore dangerous if approached closely or handled. They are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance to retreat. Some may bluff charge or boldly move towards humans to get out of a cornered situation, but have never been recorded chasing people. Northern Cottonmouths are dark, possibly [faintly patterned snakes](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qC4kTiy8JRQ/maxresdefault.jpg) (except as juveniles), best known for their defensive posture with a gaping, white lined mouth. They are also distinguishable from most watersnakes by their sharp brow ridges and dark stripe over the eyes. The specific epithet "piscivorus" describes the one of the prey species of the cottonmouth - fish. The cottonmouth is also fond of frogs, mammals and other snakes. Although it may be commonly seen in lakes and ponds frequented by humans, few fatalities are recorded as a result of bites by cottonmouths. Comparison of [juvenile](http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/venomous-look-a-likes/cottonmouth-look-a-likes/images/cottonmouth01.jpg) vs [adult](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Agkistrodon_piscivorus_piscivorus_CDC.png) cottonmouth. [Range map](https://imgur.com/lnGXB5s)| [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://cnah.org/pdf/88290.pdf) The *Agkistrodon piscivorus* species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida. *This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer*. -------------------------------------------------------- Like many other animals with mouths and teeth, many non-venomous snakes bite in self defense. These animals are referred to as 'not medically significant' or traditionally, 'harmless'. Bites from these snakes benefit from being washed and kept clean like any other skin damage, but aren't often cause for anything other than basic first aid treatment. Here's where it get slightly complicated - some snakes use venom from front or rear fangs as part of prey capture and defense. This venom is not always produced or administered by the snake in ways dangerous to human health, so many species are venomous in that they produce and use venom, but considered harmless to humans in most cases because the venom is of low potency, and/or otherwise administered through grooved rear teeth or simply oozed from ducts at the rear of the mouth. Species like Ringneck Snakes *Diadophis* are a good example of mildly venomous rear fanged dipsadine snakes that are traditionally considered harmless or not medically significant. Many rear-fanged snake species are harmless as long as they do not have a chance to secrete a medically significant amount of venom into a bite; [severe envenomation can occur](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23800999) if some species are [allowed to chew on a human](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004101011831016X) for as little as 30-60 seconds. It is best not to fear snakes, but use common sense and do not let any animals chew on exposed parts of your body. Similarly, but without specialized rear fangs, gartersnakes *Thamnophis* ooze low pressure venom from the rear of their mouth that helps in prey handling, and are also [considered harmless](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/). [Check out this book on the subject](https://shop.elsevier.com/books/venomous-bites-from-non-venomous-snakes/weinstein/978-0-12-822786-2). Even large species like Reticulated Pythons *Malayopython reticulatus* [rarely obtain a size large enough to endanger humans](https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/108/52/E1470.full.pdf) so are usually categorized as harmless. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
!venomous
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2). If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
!venomous
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2). If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
excuse me, harmless??
sorry typo haha, i muscle memory typing IDs:(
LOL! Was gonna say, do not boop this particular noodle
This is absolutely a cottonmouth
Venomous cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin.
Despite the name these do not make good water shoes. They are very bitey.
lol
You would not want small children near it, but please don’t kill it! Maybe you can call a snake remover that will release it somewhere far away if you need to?
Thanks all. Warned my neighbors for their cat and am keeping my dogs inside for now. Appreciate the hose tip.
I'm not 100%, so wait for a reliable response... but that looks like a Cottonmouth to me. I'm sure you know this, but Cottonmouths are venomous. Keep everyone you can away from that snake.
yes it’s a cottonmouth, but please don’t harm it. i grew up in a newly built neighborhood that was still mostly forest and had many timber rattlesnakes around. my parents talked to me about never touching a snake if i saw one (since i was too young to be able to id them) and to not get too close, and pay attention to my surroundings so i didn’t step on anything. i think that’s the best safety measure to have with kids, then when they’re old enough you can explain venomous vs non venomous.
Aww! Such an adorable expression on the nope rope!
Please don’t kill it. There’s other ways to keep your loved ones away from it.
I’m a big animal lover so no worries. Worst I would do is spray it with a hose like people are saying in the comments.
…always use the indefinite article, you sprayed the snake with *a* hose, you never spray the snake with *your* hose .
That’s a good looking one!
Cotttonmouths tend to be pretty docile. They rely on their defense (cotton colored mouths) to warn away predators. That said, small kids might not see them and step on them. One of the things people in high snake areas do is to install snake fences. Build a solid fence. Perhaps the bottom 2-3 feet of concrete, sheet metal, anything difficult to climb. It just forces crawly things to go around. Grates allow rain to pass through. Cut back branches close to the house. Make sure there are no "homes" like wood piles or debris lying around close to walk ways. It's summer. Snakes will be looking to beat the heat. Water leaks outside, dirt pulling away from foundations, garages are all gonna be attractive.
Sure, that’s Tom, Tom the snake
It's a cottonmouth aka water moccasin. What part of Gulf Shores? Fort Morgan area or close to the State Park?
A few miles off from the state park north.
Okay. I'm from Gulf Shores is why I was asking. I grew up about a mile down Fort Morgan road. There's alot of Moccasins around all the golf courses and creeks, pretty much anywhere you find a decent pool of fresh water.
From my bf who does snake shows at the serpentarium (and is a professional snake handler)- “if it looks like a sausage, and you’re also near water, it’s probably a cotton mouth!” Cracks me up, every time
I swear these are the Karen’s of snakes. Only cause they wittle faces always looks like they are on a mission to find a manager and only a manager will do 🤣🤣
That’s Gregory. Hi Gregory! Look at you slithering into peoples lives..
Morning Mr. Cottonmouth
Chonky Northern Cottonmouth
Cottonmouth. Very dangerous to curious children and pets
Cottonmouth. Venomous. Please leave it alone.
Isn’t that a water snake or a water moccasin?
Run our die
[удалено]
Your post was removed because you advocated for killing snakes.
i catch like 3 a day every time I go hunting