If you live in Florida, chances are you’ve encountered a snake near your home, in your backyard, or while hiking. One species that raises concern for many is the water moccasin, also known as the cottonmouth. This venomous snake is often confused with harmless water snakes, which leads to unnecessary panic—or worse, the killing of misunderstood animals that pose no threat.
Knowing how to identify a water moccasin is essential for your safety, for the well-being of other animals, and for keeping populations of Florida’s native wildlife in balance. This article provides a detailed breakdown to help you distinguish water moccasins from nonvenomous water snakes and other snake species.
What Is a Water Moccasin?
The water moccasin, or venomous cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), is a venomous snake native to the southeastern United States, including Florida. It prefers wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, lakes, and rivers. These snakes are strong swimmers and can often be spotted near the water’s edge hunting for fish, lizards, reptiles, and other animals.
There are two main subspecies:
- Northern cottonmouth
- Florida cottonmouth
Both are dangerous if provoked, but are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened. That said, water moccasin bites can be extremely dangerous. If you are bitten, you need to get to a hospital as soon as possible.
Key Features of Water Moccasin Snakes
1. Head Shape and Size
Water moccasins have triangular-shaped heads with large jowls, which house their venom glands. This gives their snake’s head a blocky, wide appearance. A triangular-shaped head is a telltale sign of a venomous snake.
Water moccasins have a distinct neck. The head is distinctly narrower at the neck, making the head stand out.
In contrast, harmless watersnakes tend to have more slender heads that blend into the body.
2. Eyes and Pupils
Water moccasins have vertical pupils, much like rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes. Nonvenomous snakes have round pupils.
Get close enough to check the eyes only with extreme caution, or better yet, use binoculars from a safe distance.
3. Facial Pit
These snakes are pit vipers, meaning they have heat-sensing pits (or a facial pit) located between the eye and nostril on each side of the head. These pits detect warm-blooded prey.
This is a critical feature that distinguishes them from other species.
4. Coloration and Patterns
Adults are usually uniformly dark—dark brown, black, or reddish brown. Juveniles may have greenish tail tips, which they use to lure prey.
Body patterns may feature dark crossbands, though these often fade as the snake ages.
Inside the mouth is a bright white color—hence the name “cottonmouth.”
5. Body Shape
Water moccasins have heavy bodies and appear thick for their length. The tail is short and thick, unlike the long, tapering, slender bodies of nonvenomous water snakes.
They move slowly and deliberately, often standing their ground when approached.
Commonly Confused: Water Moccasins vs. Brown Watersnakes
It’s easy to confuse a water moccasin with brown watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota), which are nonvenomous and common in Florida.
The main differences between water moccasins and brown watersnakes include:
- Head- Water moccasins have triangular and blocky heads, while brown watersnakes have slender and narrow heads.
- Pupils- a water moccasin’s pupils are vertical, and a brown watersnake’s pupils are round.
- Body- Water moccasins have thick and heavy bodies, and brown watersnakes have long and slender bodies.
- Pattern- Water moccasins have uniform dark or faded bands, while brown watersnakes have prominent dark crossbands.
- Behavior- water moccasins will stand their ground, while brown watersnakes are more likely to flee.
- Tail- Brown watersnakes have long tapering tails, and water moccasins have short and thick tails.
- Habitat- water moccasins live in still water and swamps, while brown watersnakes live in flowing water like rivers.
Behavior and Habitat Clues
Water moccasins are semi-aquatic and are commonly found basking on logs, in vegetation near water, or swimming with only their head above the surface.
Unlike harmless snakes, they often display a threat posture—coiling and opening their white mouth as a warning. Other snakes, like the northern watersnakes, may flatten their heads to mimic moccasins, but they lack the venom glands and facial pits.
The Risk to Humans
While water moccasins are venomous, they rarely bite unless provoked. In Florida, snake bites are relatively rare and typically occur when someone attempts to handle or kill the snake.
Always keep a safe distance from any snake. Even if you’re not sure whether it’s a moccasin, err on the side of caution.
The Importance of Not Killing Snakes
Many people react to snakes with fear, but most snakes—including nonvenomous water snakes—are harmless and even beneficial. They help control populations of fish, rodents, and insects.
Unfortunately, misunderstood animals like water snakes are often needlessly killed, sometimes mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth. This disrupts the ecosystem and can actually increase pests in your area.
If you’re unsure about a snake on your property, do not try to handle it yourself. Instead, call a licensed wildlife removal expert.
Wildlife Removal in Florida
If you live in Florida and suspect a water moccasin or other snakes are living near your home, it’s best to contact a professional. Wildlife removal services can:
- Properly identify the snake species
- Relocate it safely if necessary
- Help secure your property to prevent future encounters
Make sure the provider is certified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and follows humane removal practices.
Get Connected to Water Moccasin and Other Snake Removal
Knowing how to identify a water moccasin could save you, your pets, and other animals from a dangerous encounter—or prevent the needless killing of harmless snakes. Focus on identifying the key features:
- Triangular head with a distinct neck
- Vertical pupils and facial pits
- Heavy body, thick tail, and dark coloration
- Defensive posture and a visible white mouth
Stay informed, stay cautious, and when in doubt, call in the pros. Your best protection is education and keeping a safe distance from any wildlife that you’re unsure about.
Contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers today if you believe there is a water moccasin on your property. We can safely remove the snake, preventing you and the local ecosystem from harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can water moccasins climb trees or enter homes?
Yes, water moccasins can climb low vegetation or brush piles, but they are not known for extensive climbing like some other snake species. It’s rare for them to enter homes, but they may seek shelter in sheds, garages, or crawl spaces if these areas are cool and moist. Keeping these areas clean and sealed reduces the chance of any snake finding its way inside.
2. What should I do if my pet encounters a snake near water?
If your pet approaches or is bitten by a snake near a water source, do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Move your pet away safely and seek immediate veterinary attention, especially if symptoms like swelling, lethargy, or limping occur. Try to remember key features of the snake for identification, but avoid getting too close to it.
3. Are water moccasins active year-round in Florida?
In Florida’s warm climate, water moccasins may be active throughout the year, although their activity peaks during spring and summer when temperatures rise and the breeding season occurs. They are often more active at dawn, dusk, or during the night when it’s cooler.
4. How can I deter snakes from my yard or property?
To reduce the risk of snake encounters:
- Keep grass trimmed short.
- Remove debris, brush piles, and standing water.
- Seal cracks and openings in foundations and around doors.
- Eliminate food sources like rodents and excess bird seed.
You can also install snake-proof fencing or contact a professional to assess your property for vulnerabilities.
5. Do water moccasins always swim in water, or can they be found on land too?
While they are semi-aquatic, water moccasins spend time on land, especially when searching for food or basking. You may find them resting on trails, in tall grass, or near wooded areas adjacent to water. Always exercise caution when walking near wetland edges, even if you’re not directly near water.
6. Are there any legal protections for water moccasins in Florida?
Although water moccasins are not endangered, all native snakes in Florida are protected under state wildlife laws from unnecessary killing. Lethal removal is only permitted when there’s a direct threat to human safety, and even then, non-lethal removal by a licensed professional is the preferred and legal approach in most cases.
