Cottonmouths are the ONLY venomous water snake in Alabama.
Are there water moccasins in Alabama?
Agkistrodon piscivorus is found in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and east Texas. There are three subspecies: the eastern, Florida, and western cottonmouths. HABITAT: Any wetlands or waterways within their range.
Are there water snakes in Alabama?
Cottonmouth. A large, heavy-bodied, aquatic snake. In Alabama, the cottonmouth may attain a maximum length of about 5 feet. Adults are variable in color, ranging from a solid dark gray to tan with brown bands.
Is a Southern water snake poisonous?
Southern watersnakes are not venomous, but when threatened, will strike repeatedly and emit a foul-smelling musk mixed with feces.
How can you tell if water snakes are poisonous?
— With practice, you can learn to tell the difference between watersnakes and Water Moccasins.
Harmless Watersnake or Venomous Water Moccasin?
| Harmless Watersnake | Venomous Water Moccasin | |
|---|---|---|
| Body dark, often with bands? | YES | YES |
| Rough-looking, keeled scales? | YES | YES |
| Head shape is… | SLENDER or FLATTENED | THICK, BLOCKY |
| Neck is… | NOT DISTINCT | NARROWER THAN HEAD |
What is the most deadliest snake in Alabama?
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
It has facial pits and elliptical pupils like the other pit vipers. This snake is the most dangerous of venomous snakes in Alabama.
What do you do if you get bit by a water moccasin?
Most of them are not dangerous to humans. Some snakes, however, are venomous, and their bites can be life threatening. These dangerous snakes include the copperhead, rattlesnake, cottonmouth (water moccasin) and coral snake. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, call 911 immediately.
Do venomous snakes swim on top of the water?
It is visible here . Reuters contacted a few herpetologists, or reptile and amphibian experts, to address the veracity of this claim. John Maerz, Professor of Vertebrate Ecology at the University of Georgia, told Reuters that all snakes can swim, and most swim below the water, or partially submerged.
Does Alabama have a lot of snakes?
Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the United States. Although we have 66 known species and subspecies of snakes, only 6 are venomous. Learn more about Alabama’s 6 venomous snakes and how to react if you encounter one in the wild.
Is the midland water snake poisonous?
Fun Facts – The midland water snake is not poisonous (non-venomous), but like all wild animals, will bite if handled. They also will discharge a foul smelling musk from glands at the base of the tail. They nearly always make a hasty retreat into the water when approached.
How can you tell a water snake from a water moccasin?
Water Snakes, like this Northern Water Snake, have bands that are widest on top, whereas Water Moccasins have bands that are widest on the sides. A Northern Water Snake in a threat posture, with the head flared. A juvenile Water Moccasin swimming. Also illustrated is the typical “hourglass” banding pattern.
Can a banded water snake hurt you?
If cornered, the banded water snake flattens its body and head. This makes them appear larger, mimicking a dangerously venomous snake. If the threat doesn’t go away, the snake goes aggressive. They attack viciously, tearing the skin with their bite.
Do water snake bites hurt?
Most water snake bites result in pain and swelling around the wound. In some cases, bites might even produce an allergic reaction. You can seek medical advice if this happens. Many water snakes look like venomous snakes.
Do water snakes bite humans?
Even though water snakes are nonvenomous, they can still bite and are often killed by humans out of fear that they are cottonmouths. There are a few ways you can tell a nonvenomous water snake from a venomous water moccasin, or cottonmouth, according to the University of Florida (opens in new tab).
How many water moccasin bites a year?
How Many People Are Bitten by Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) Every Year? Juvenile Cottonmouth Snake swimming in a pond. They have even stronger contrasting bands of colors. 7,000 to 8,000 people suffer a venomous snakebite per year, but only a few die.
How do you keep water moccasins away?
How to Keep Water Moccasins Away
- Mow your lawn.
- Start by lightly sprinkling the snake repellent granules over the surface area of your yard, taking care to avoid garden areas.
- Create a perimeter around your yard by spreading an additional helping of snake repellent around the boundaries of your property.
Can you shoot snakes in Alabama?
Is it illegal to kill snakes in Alabama? You are not allowed to capture, kill, sell or trade any of the following species in Alabama: Eastern Indigo, Eastern King, Eastern Coral, Gulf Salt Marsh, Prairie King, Rainbow, Speckled King or Southern Hognose snake.
What snakes climb trees in Alabama?
“Oak snake” is another colloquial name for the rat snake and is believed to refer to the color of the snake. The name could also refer to its habit climbing the rough barked tree. Given any rough surface, a rat snake can easily climb up a tree where it searches for bird nests and their contents.
How common are copperheads in Alabama?
Copperheads are the most frequently encountered snake in Alabama. Their mating season runs from late spring into summer, and that means you’re more likely to see a copperhead outdoors over the next few months. Two of the five subspecies of copperheads can be found in the Yellowhammer state.
How long do you have to live after a cottonmouth bite?
Patients presenting after a cottonmouth bite should undergo observation for eight hours post-envenomation. If there are no physical or hematologic signs within eight hours, then the patient can be discharged home.
Are water moccasins aggressive?
Water moccasins are not aggressive, even though most people say so. The best way to avoid them is to try your best to keep out of their way. Once you accidentally step on them, they may lash out and bite as a self-defense instinct.