Texas is home to a variety of snakes, and knowing how to identify venomous species like the water moccasin, also known as the cottonmouth, is crucial for safety. This guide will help you confidently distinguish a cottonmouth from other non-venomous snakes often mistaken for them.
Key Features of a Texas Water Moccasin
The water moccasin, or cottonmouth, is a venomous pit viper with several distinct characteristics. While variations exist, these features are generally reliable for identification:
1. Heavily Built Body:
Cottonmouths are noticeably thick-bodied snakes compared to many other water snakes. They have a robust build, appearing almost stocky. This is a key differentiator.
2. Heat-Sensing Pits:
Like other pit vipers, cottonmouths possess heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils. These pits allow them to detect the infrared radiation emitted by warm-blooded prey. While difficult to see without close examination, their presence is a strong indicator.
3. Keeled Scales:
The scales on a cottonmouth's body are keeled, meaning they have a ridge down the center. This gives the snake a slightly rough texture.
4. Dark, often black or brown, color:
Water moccasins exhibit a dark, often black or dark brown coloration. They may have darker bands or cross-bands, but these are not always distinct. Young cottonmouths can have a more yellowish or tan base color with darker bands.
5. The "Cottonmouth" – a Misleading Feature:
The name "cottonmouth" comes from the white interior of their mouth. However, this is only reliably visible when the snake feels threatened and opens its mouth in a defensive display. Relying solely on this characteristic is unreliable and dangerous. Many harmless snakes will open their mouths, showing a pink or white interior as well, when threatened.
Snakes Often Mistaken for Cottonmouths in Texas
Several non-venomous snakes share characteristics with water moccasins, leading to misidentification. These include:
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Brown Water Snake: These snakes are often confused with cottonmouths due to their similar coloration and habitat. However, they are generally slenderer than cottonmouths and lack the heavy build. Their head shape is also typically more elongated and less triangular.
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Banded Water Snake: These snakes have distinctive bands across their bodies, which may resemble the markings sometimes seen on cottonmouths. However, they are typically more slender and lack the robust build of a cottonmouth.
Safety Precautions When Encountering Snakes in Texas
Always maintain a safe distance from any snake you cannot confidently identify as harmless. Never attempt to handle a snake you suspect might be venomous.
- Give the snake space: Allow it to move away from you naturally.
- Inform others: If you see a snake in a frequently used area, notify the appropriate authorities or local wildlife control.
- Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with the common snakes in your area through reliable sources like field guides and reputable websites.
Remember: If you are bitten by a snake, seek immediate medical attention. Try to remember the snake's appearance to assist medical professionals in providing the appropriate antivenom.
This guide provides valuable information on identifying water moccasins in Texas, but it is not a substitute for expert knowledge. If unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and treat any unknown snake as potentially dangerous.
