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Cottonmouth snakes, too known as water moccasin, are incredibly poisonous. Their venom can kill a human, so it’s understandable that so many people fear them — and often mistake harmless water snakes for the cotton swab. However, it’s important to know the difference for your own safety, as well as the safety of harmless water snakes – which are often killed for being confused with poisonous cottonmouths! Let’s take a look at what separates cottonmouth from water snakes!
Compare Water Hose to Cottonmouth
Water snakes, especially the northern water snake, can look very similar to cotton wool. They are both dark in color, with dark markings along their bodies.
Water snakes may be striped like cottonmouths, or have spots that resemble tires when observed. Both snakes tend to stay close to freshwater sources and can be found everywhere United States.
Cottonmouths, however, have some distinguishing features, including a larger body and head, prominent eyes, and dimples on the sides of their faces.
Water snakes and cottonmouths are very similar, possibly because they have both adapted to survive in the water. However, they are completely different snakes – they even belong to different families.
In addition, it is important to note that there are different types of water hoses, each slightly different in color and appearance.
Of which:
- Northern water snake: This is the most common water snake found in the United States. At five feet in length, they are most likely confused with Cottonmouths. They have dark spots on their scales, which are easily mistaken for the dark bands of a Cottonmouth. If you can’t tell the difference, it’s always best to keep your distance from these snakes rather than risk yourself getting closer.
- Southern water snake: Also known as striped water snakes, these snakes are found in the southern United States. They can be red, brown or black in color and are striped. Their color darkens as they age.
- Brown water hose: These snakes have light brown scales with dark spots. Their head is diamond shaped. Brown water snakes are found in the southeastern United States and are often seen in trees, as well as in the water.
- Yellow-bellied water hose: As the name suggests, these snakes have yellow undersides. The tips of their bodies are gray, green or black. They live around the Gulf Coast.
- Red-bellied water snake: These snakes are brown or gray with bright orange to red undersides. They are more commonly found on land than other types of water snakes.
| Waterhose | cottonmouth | |
| Lifespan | Unknown wild lifespan; up to 9 years in captivity | Less than 10 years in the wild; sometimes more than 20 years in captivity |
| head | Rounded, flat, sometimes has eye stripe | Big, square, always has an eye stripe |
| Body | long, thin body; no noticeable neck | Thick body with narrow neck |
| pupils | Round | oval |
| pita | Has no pit | has spunk |
The 5 Main Differences Between Cottonmouths and Water Snakes
1. Cottonmouths have big, boxy heads
Cottonmouth’s heads and necks are different from their bodies. While Cottonmouths have square heads, water snakes have round or flat heads that are no thicker than their bodies.
In addition, cottonmouths always have an eye stripe. Water snakes often have this feature, but not always.
2. Water hoses are thin with no defined neck
The bodies of water snakes are long and slender. Their heads are indistinguishable from their bodies, so they do not have a distinct neck.
Cottonmouths, on the other hand, are much thicker and heavier snakes. They also have large, blocky heads that are separate from their bodies, creating a distinctive neck.
3. Cottonmouths have oval pupils
Cottonmouths have oval, slit-like pupils, similar to a cat’s. Water snakes have round pupils.
4. Water hoses have no pits
Cottonmouth snakes have pits on each side of their heads, between their eyes and nostrils. These pits sense heat, allowing the snakes to detect and strike down prey.
Water snakes do not have these pits.
But by the time you see whether a snake has dimples or not, you’re often too close for comfort! So this is not a super reliable way for the common person to differentiate between these snakes.
5. Cottonmouths live longer
Finally, Cottonmouths can live about twice as long as water snakes in captivity. Some cottonmouths have lived for more than 20 years, although their lifespans in the wild are much shorter.
Captive water snakes only live up to 9-10 years. While we don’t know their average lifespan in the wild, we can guess it’s just as short. Animals rarely live longer in the wild than in captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should you do if you are bitten by a snake?
If you’ve been bitten by a snake, you should always seek medical attention right away, especially if you’re not sure if the snake was venomous.
Even water snake bites need to be watched signs of infection such as swelling, discoloration, or non-healing.
Can a Cottonmouth Kill a Human?
Yes, Cottonmouth poison can kill a human, but it’s not likely. While it’s rare to be bitten by one of these snakes, it’s definitely not something you should risk!
However, if you are bitten, don’t panic. In the United States, thousands of people are bitten by venomous snakes every year, but only a handful die from the bite.
You are more likely to experience symptoms such as pain, nausea, numbness, difficulty breathing, poor vision, or increased heart rate.
Will a Cottonmouth Snake chase you?
If you come across a wild cottonmouth (or any other wild snake), you should quietly retreat from the area. Cottonmouths do not tend to be aggressive. Although they will lash out and bite out of fear, they will not chase you.
Should I Kill Cottonmouth Snakes?
No, you shouldn’t try to kill Cottonmouths. You are much more likely to get bitten if you try to kill these snakes than if you just leave them alone.
It may also be illegal to kill cottonmouths in your state.
Are Water Snakes or Cottonmouths Good Pets?
New. Water snakes are very aggressive animals, despite the lack of venom. Although Cottonmouths are less aggressive, their venom makes them dangerous to keep.
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