The Cottonmouth is one scary snake. No one wants to see it
slithering toward them at their favorite watering hole. Cottonmouth
snakes are usually around 2 ft in length, although some have grown
to a size of nearly 6 ft. Their brown, gray, tan, yellowish olive
or blackish coloring, is segmented by dark crossbands. When
threatened, cottonmouths will throw their head back and open their
mouth wide, displaying the white interior from whence it derives
the name “cottonmouth.”
The cottonmouth is an aquatic snake found in the south and
southeast part of the United States. Cottonmouths make creeks,
streams, marshes, and lakes their home, although they can also be
found on dry land. Because of their affinity to water, cottonmouths
are also known as water moccasins. Cottonmouths can be active
during the day and night. But when it’s hot, they are usually
found coiled or stretched out in the shade.
How mean are they? Despite their vicious reputation, in many
cases the cottonmouth’s hiss is worse than its bite.
Cottonmouths often engage in a showy threat display without
attacking. This routine includes shaking their tail and letting a
musky secretion rip from their anal glands. The scent of this snake
fart has been compared to that of a billy goat; so if you smell
goat, flee in the other direction..
This cache was placed by a member
of the
Florida Geocaching
Association