| Size |
Normally exceed lengths of 3 feet with males being larger than females on average. |
| Weight |
The animal in our collection weighs about 2 lbs. |
| Conservation Status |
|
| Diet |
Cottonmouth snakes are carnivorous. In the wild these snakes will eat almost anything including: fish, amphibians, small reptiles, birds and small mammals. The cottonmouth is very aggressive and attacks at lightning speed. The snake uses its speed to quickly strike its prey, injecting venum. The snake will allow the venum to kill the prey before attempting to consume it. This technique helps the snake avoid being bitten by its prey. At the Zoo the cottonmouth are offered mice appropriate to the size of the snake. |
| Geographic Range |
Southeastern United States and west to central Texas. |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
Reptile and Amphibian House |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
The cottonmouth is a heavy bodied snake that can be dark brown, have a dark cross-banding pattern with some yellow coloration, or be completely black. They also have a large triangular head with a dark line through the eye and elliptical pupils.
Behavior
The cottonmouth can be found day or night, but hunts primarily at night during the hottest parts of the year. Almost always found near aquatic habitats, this snake will enter fresh and saltwater environments.
Reproduction
Cottonmouths are oviviparous, meaning that the young develop inside the female in a shell-less egg. The female gives birth to as many as 12 offspring every two to three years.
The Zoo has one male cottonmouth on exhibit whose age is unknown. The snake was donated to the Zoo by a private owner who realized that the venomous snake was not a safe or suitable house pet. See the Zoo's
Best Bets for Pets brochure for choosing pets wisely
.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
Featured Foster Parent
Fun Facts
- The venom of the cottonmouth is produced by glands that are located near the point where the upper and lower jaws meet.
- The venom of the cottonmouth is hemotoxic meaning the venom breaks down and destroys blood cells and other tissues and reduces the ability of blood to coagulate or clot.
- These snakes are also called water moccasins.
Conservation
Introductions
Animal Lingo
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