Cottonmouth Snake/ Water Moccasin Florida Water Snake

Snake Mimicry?
One half of this bike rack resembles a Cottonmouth Snake and the other half a Florida Water
Snake. Can you identify these snakes in the wild? You could encounter either snake on the trail,
so watch where you step!
Cottonmouth Snake/ Water Moccasin
(Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti)
Venomous: Yes
Size: 20 – 48 inches
Head: Distinctly broad and triangular in comparison to the neck with
ridges over eyes. A broad, dark, facial stripe extends from nose
through eye to the back of head. Along jawline on each side of the
head, are 3-4 dark colored blotches.
Eyes: Vertical pupil
Color: An array of earth tones. Juveniles are more brightly
colored and very young snakes have a bright yellowcolored tail. Old snakes may be black.
Pattern: Variable. Crossbands on body typically become
narrower toward the backbone with dark blotches
inside & between crossbands.
Range: Southeastern United States (3 subspecies)
Behavior: Head often tilted upward & swims with head above the water surface. When alarmed, coils body
and opens mouth revealing the bright white “cotton mouth”. Stands ground when threatened,
but normally does not bite unless molested.
Diet: Other water snakes, fish, frogs, salamanders, lizards, baby gators, baby turtles, birds, eggs and small
mammals.
Florida Water Snake
(Nerodia fasciata pictiventris)
Venomous: No
Size: 24 - 42 inches
Head: Narrow, similar in width to neck. Upper & lower jaws have
thin dark vertical stripes. If dark
horizontal eye stripe is present, it
extends only from the eye to the back
of the head.
Eyes: Round Pupil
Color: An array of earth
tones. With age, color
darkens to black.
Pattern: Variable. Darker crossbands increasing in width as
they approach the backbone.
Range: Peninsular Florida (excluding panhandle) & southeastern Georgia.
Behavior: Active mainly at night and suns close to water daily. When threatened, may flatten head and
emit a stinky musk. Swims with head and body below the water surface.
Diet: Fish (live or dead) frogs, crayfish, tadpoles, toads and salamanders
The Florida Water Snake closely resembles the Cottonmouth Snake. Is this similarity of appearance
coincidence or is the Florida Water Snake mimicking the Cottonmouth Snake to protect itself from predators?
What do you think?
Actual sign