Water moccasins, also known as cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus), are present in North Carolina. As one of the state’s six venomous snake species, accurate identification and knowing how to react to encounters are important for public safety.
Confirming Their Presence in North Carolina
Water moccasins are found predominantly in the eastern half of North Carolina, including the Coastal Plain and Sandhills regions. Their range extends across the southeastern portion of the state, with historical records from the lower Piedmont. Sightings reported in the western Piedmont or mountainous regions are typically misidentifications.
These semi-aquatic snakes are closely associated with water environments. Preferred habitats include swamps, marshes, slow-moving streams, rivers, ponds, and ditches. They are often observed basking on logs, stumps, or land near the water’s edge.
Accurate Identification
Distinguishing water moccasins from non-venomous water snakes is important. Water moccasins have a distinctly triangular or blocky head, appearing much wider than their neck due to large venom glands. Non-venomous water snakes possess a more slender head that blends smoothly into their body.
Water moccasins have vertical, cat-like pupils, while non-venomous water snakes have round pupils. Water moccasins also possess heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and eyes, a characteristic absent in non-venomous water snakes.
Their body is thick and stout, unlike the more slender build of most non-venomous water snakes. Adults range in color from dark brown to black or olive, sometimes displaying faint darker crossband markings. Younger water moccasins are lighter, with prominent reddish-brown crossbands and a yellow-tipped tail. When threatened, they open their mouths wide, revealing the stark white interior that gives them their “cottonmouth” name. When swimming, they keep their entire body afloat, while other water snakes usually swim with only their head visible.
Encountering a Water Moccasin
Water moccasins are not aggressive and usually attempt to escape or deter threats rather than bite. Most bites occur when individuals try to handle, harass, or kill the snake. If threatened, they may coil, vibrate their tail, flatten themselves to appear larger, or display the white interior of their mouth as a warning.
If you encounter a water moccasin, maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching, provoking, or handling it. Allowing the snake to move away undisturbed is the safest action. If a bite occurs, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
While waiting for medical help, remain calm and keep the bitten area still, ideally below heart level. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the affected limb before swelling begins. Clean the bite wound gently with soap and water, then cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
Do not apply a tourniquet, ice, attempt to suck out venom, or cut the wound, as these actions can worsen the injury. Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol, as these can accelerate venom absorption. If safe, note the snake’s appearance or take a photo, but do not attempt to capture or kill it. This information helps medical professionals determine appropriate antivenom treatment.