21 Striking Facts About Cottonmouth Snakes

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Published 2018-11-14
From fearsome threat displays ... to smooching snakes on the mouth ... Here are 21 fascinating facts about Cottonmouth Snakes




#21 By Any Other Name
How do you tell the difference between a Cottonmouth Snake and a Water Moccasin? The difference is all in their names … because both names apply to the same critter. Their scientific name is “Agkistrodon piscivorus” (ah-KIS-truh-dahn Pih-sih-VORE-us), which translates as ‘hooked-tooth fish-eater’. These reptiles actually go by a number of common names … including gaper, trap jaw, Water Copperhead, Swamp Lion, and River Rattler.
Know any others?




#20 Name of the Game
So why is this beast known as a Cottonmouth? It’s actually a reference to the snake’s threat display …in it’s known to stand its ground, throw back its head, and gape at its aggressor … which exposes its fangs and the cotton-like white lining of its mouth. It’s another reason why they’re called Gapers.




#19 Wet & Dry
In addition to being the only venomous water snake found in North America, these creatures are also the only semi aquatic vipers found in the world As such, they equally at home whether basking in the sunshine or swimming in water … experts say that contrary to popular belief, the snakes can even bite while underwater.


#18 Are They Endangered?
Cottonmouths are actually classified as of Least Concern on the Red List of Endangered Species published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Even though drainage of their wetland habitats have taken their toll on local Cottonmouth populations, the species is commonly found in many locations. But they are listed as an endangered species in one state -- Indiana.


#17 Live by Night
They can be active during the night or day. During the day they’ll bask in the sun as a means to regulate their body temperature. But most of their activities, including hunting, take place at night. While Cottonmouths are known to swim with their heads out as they stay close to the top of the water, they’re still capable of attacking while underwater.