Characteristics:
     This is a large venomous snake reaching an adult length of around 5ft in some instances. The body is thick and dark brown or black with little or no pattern as an adult. The juveniles have a patter that appears very similar to the copperhead's. Young cottonmouths have a light green to yellow tipped tail. There is a heat sensing pit between the eye and nostril. The eyes are eliptical and the inner lining of the mouth is almost white.

*Note: The subspecies in this area is considered to be the Western Cottonmouth (A. p. leucostoma)

Habitat:
    The cottonmouth is a watersnake. They prefer a swampy environment such as the cypress-tulepo swamps found in the southern portions of IL and MO. Often seen sunning on partially submerged logs.

Behavior:
    The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, gots its name from the "gaping" behivior they exhibit when threatened. The inner lining of the mouth is a striking white , like the color of cotton. Mating takes place in late spring to early summer and the young are born in late summer. Similar to the copperheads, the young use the brightly colored tail to attract potential prey. The cottonmouth feeds on a large variety of things, mostly wetland creatures. Anything from birds, rodents, and fish to lizards and amphibians. The cottonmouth has a rather sinister reputation. They are known for very aggressive behavior and territorial instincts. These have been blow out of proportion a bit. Still, the cottonmouth is a dangerous snake and should be treated with extreme caution.


Personal Remarks:
     We do not have a lot of cottonmouths here in IL. The only populations are down in the most southern counties. People very often tell me they have seen, or killed a cottonmouth in areas where they do not exist. Upon inspection they almost always point to some type of non-venomous watersnake. It is a shame how many snakes are killed each year because they are mistaken for the cottonmouth or copperhead.
    Cottonmouths are probably the most photogenic snake we have in this area. They will almost always sit still and pose very nicely. The adults can put on quite a show with all the mouth gaping. It is a shame that they are so restricted in habitat. The draining of  swamps has really put the pressure on them.