Reptile & Amphibian Forums

LEDGER-ENQUIRER (Columbus, Georgia) 15 May 05 Snake-bit - Cottonmouths are very dangerous; bites can cause long-term problems, death (Bryan Brasher)
From a boat on Lake Harding last Wednesday afternoon, fishermen had a chilling view of what could someday be the site of a dangerous or even deadly situation.
At the steps of a spacious lake-front home was a child's toy, the kind of colorful bouncing ball usually purchased for preschoolers. Near the water's edge was a pair of children's sandals, perhaps left there after a day of playing with the ball in the soft, green grass. On the pier were two colorful floats ready for swimmers and the upcoming summer play days.
But on the steps leading to the pier was a cottonmouth water moccasin -- a dangerous venomous snake about 4 feet long and as big around as most people's wrists.
"Make no mistake about it, cottonmouths are dangerous snakes," said John Jensen, a senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "Deaths from cottonmouth bites are rare, but they can cause a lot of long-term problems like tissue loss and disfigurement. They're certainly something to watch out for during the warm-weather months."
Is it a cottonmouth?
With the giant Chattahoochee River flowing through many people's backyards, cottonmouth sightings are abundant in this region. But five other species of water snakes, which are non-venomous, are sometimes mistaken for cottonmouths and killed unnecessarily.
Juvenile cottonmouths have pronounced brown crossbands that help them blend into the scenery. Their color scheme darkens as they grow until they finally become almost-black, thick-bodied adults.
Cottonmouths' heads are distinctly wider than their necks, giving them the infamous "diamond-shaped" appearance. But their most distinguishing characteristic is the white inner portion of their mouths for which they were named.
Cottonmouths are more aggressive than many snakes found in the Valley. They have been known to stand their ground or even slither toward a predator when threatened.
Despite that aggressive nature, swimmers shouldn't let the thought of cottonmouths worry them while they're basking on floats or in inner tubes.
"Out in the water is probably the safest place to be," said Roger Birkhead, a doctoral student of herpetology at Auburn University. "Cottonmouths are unlikely to be out in deeper water. They actually are very vulnerable swimming in open water because they can be eaten by anything from large bass to alligators."
Birkhead said cottonmouths catch fish to eat by sitting along the bank and waiting for them to swim by. A large portion of their diet, he said, consists of frogs, the occasional small mammal and other snakes.
Birkhead said the area where people are most likely to have surprise encounters with cottonmouths is along the shoreline. He recommends keeping shoreline areas clear of grass and brush.
"That will eliminate cover for the snakes and their prey items," he said. "It should also render them more visible should they decide to come out and bask."
Encountering a cottonmouth by mistake doesn't usually result in a bite. Many people get bitten while harassing cottonmouths -- believe it or not, some folks love to jab at the snakes to make them open their mouths. Others sometimes get bitten while trying to kill cottonmouths at close range with sticks or garden rakes.
After being bitten, a person generally develops symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Symptoms often include burning pain and swelling at the bite site, nausea, vomiting, tingling of the mouth, scalp or feet and general weakness. The symptoms can be more severe in young or elderly victims.
Bite victims can be treated easily with antibiotics or antivenom, but immediate medical help is a must.
It is legal to kill venomous snakes in Georgia and Alabama. However, non-venomous snakes are protected in Georgia and certain non-venomous snakes are considered endangered species in Alabama. Those who kill the protected non-venomous variety could face legal recourse from fines to jail time -- so it's best to know the difference.
"A lot of time people see a snake swimming along the shoreline and just assume it's a water moccasin," Jensen said. "More times than not, it's a different snake that's completely harmless. Honestly, it's best just to leave snakes alone if at all possible."
A guide for identifying cottonmouths is available at parcplace.org/cmflier.pdf.
Cottonmouths are very dangerous; bites can cause long-term problems, death

Here's another site on Cottonmouths if anyone is interested. ~~Greg~~
Cottonmouth

Good to see two accurate depictations of Moccasins (thanks guys). I never use the words "Cotton Mouth" because there are harmless snakes that are easily mis-IDed because of that.

My own experience with them has again and again proved that the first negative impression I had of them was wrong. I have never seen a agressive moccasin. Even the scar I recieved from one is a result of a bagging accident.

By the way, Greg's site has a lot more in it than just this. I recommend it.

Frank
-----
"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

***By the way, Greg's site has a lot more in it than just this. I recommend it.***
Not surprising at all.

Bill Huseth

Thanks, guys. That site represents over thirty years of working with & learning from Florida's venomous snakes. I did that presentation for over twenty years in person instead of on the web to scout groups, civic organizations, schools & herp groups. My wife asked me to quit keeping the hot stuff six years ago when she was diagnosed with lymphoma in her thyroid. She has since beaten that, but I have not gotten back into it yet. Not having to clean cages after so many years of doing so is kinda nice.

~~Greg~~

Greg,
Glad that Mrs. Longhurst is doing better. Only a matter of time 'til you're back into hots, I bet.

Bill H.