Cottonmouth

**Cottonmouth**

The Cottonmouth, *Agkistrodon piscivorus*, is one of two recognized species of cottonmouth; the other being the Florida cottonmouth, *Agkistrodon conanti.* Average adult size is 20-48 inches (51-121 cm), record is 74.5 inches (189 cm). Cottonmouths are venomous, and are therefore highly dangerous if approached too closely or handled. They are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance to retreat.

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 characterized from other snakes by their jagged pattern and dark band over the eyes.

Cool fact- The specific epithet piscivorus describes the one of the prey species of the cottonmouth fairly accurately: fish. The cottonmouth is also fond of frogs, mammals and other snakes. Although it may be commonly seen in lakes and ponds, areas frequented by humans, few human 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://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jason_Strickland/publication/268513522/figure/fig1/AS:295528849002496@1447470976465/Distribution-map-of-the-Cottonmouth-Agkistrodon-piscivorus-showing-the-two-current.png). Please note that the subspecies *leucostoma* has been grouped with *piscivorus.*