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Water Moccasin

What is water moccasin?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Agkistrodon piscivorus[2]
Common name cottonmouth[2]
Type venomous semiaquatic pit viper[2]
Region southeastern United States[2]
Related group subfamily Crotalinae[3]
Harmless look-alikes genus Nerodia[1]

A water moccasin is the cottonmouth, a venomous semiaquatic pit viper (*Agkistrodon piscivorus*) found chiefly in the southeastern United States. The name can also refer to harmless water snakes, especially *Nerodia* species, that resemble it. [2] [3] [1]

Context

A water moccasin is the cottonmouth, a venomous semiaquatic pit viper (*Agkistrodon piscivorus*) found chiefly in the southeastern United States. [2] Some dictionaries also use the name for harmless water snakes that resemble it, especially *Nerodia* species. [1] The cottonmouth name comes from the bright white coloration of the inside of its mouth. [3] It is classified with rattlesnakes and copperheads in the pit viper group. [3] The broader term moccasin can refer to either the water moccasin or the Mexican moccasin (*A. bilineatus*). [1]

Documented claims

  • The cottonmouth name comes from the bright white coloration of the inside of its mouth. [3]
  • It is classified with rattlesnakes and copperheads in the pit viper group. [3]
  • The broader term moccasin can refer to either the water moccasin or the Mexican moccasin (*A. bilineatus*). [1]

Questions and answers

Is a water moccasin the same as a cottonmouth?

Yes, water moccasin is another name for the cottonmouth, a venomous semiaquatic pit viper. [2]

What happens when you get bit by a water moccasin?

The sources do not describe bite effects in detail.

Do cottonmouth snakes live in Canada?

No, they are found chiefly in the southeastern United States. [2]

Are Canadian water snakes venomous?

The sources do not address Canadian water snakes.

Sources

  1. Water moccasin | Bite, Diet, Size, & Facts | Britannica — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) – Venomous — srelherp.uga.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. WATER MOCCASIN Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things