The moccasin water snake, or shieldsnake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a venomous snake from North America, known for its fearsome appearance and excellent swimming ability. It is often called a "water moccasin" or simply "moccasin" because of its characteristic behavior and coloration.
Classification and scientific name
• Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
- Type: Chordate
- Class: Reptilia
- Family: Squamata
- Family: Viperidae
- Genus: Agkistrodon
- Species: Agkistrodon piscivorus
Physical characteristics
📏 Sizes
- Length: 60-120 cm (sometimes up to 180 cm)
- Weight: 250-600 g
🎨 Appearance.
- Thick body, triangular head
- Color: dark brown or olive, with stripes or spots
- It has a pale, light "inner" palate - when threatened, it opens its mouth, showing it (hence the other name - cottonmouth, "cotton mouth")
Habitat and lifestyle
📍 Where he lives.
- South and East of the USA - from Florida to Texas
- Swamps, ponds, lakes, slow rivers
🌾 Environment.
- Chooses moist areas, often basks on stones or branches near water
- Swims well and can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes
🧠 Behavior
- Active day and night, especially after rain
- Aggressive only in case of threat - warns by hissing and "gaping" mouth
- Often pretends to be dead if she cannot escape
Food
🐟 What he eats
- Diet: fish, frogs, crayfish, birds, small mammals, other snakes
- A good hunter in the water - dives for prey, swallows it whole
- Can hunt even on land
☠️ Poison
- It has cytotoxic venom - dangerous, but rarely fatal for humans
- Bites only when threatened
- The bite is painful and requires medical attention
Reproduction and life expectancy
🍼 Offspring
- Fertile - gives birth to 6-10 cubs
- Babies are already poisonous from birth
⏳ How long does he live
- Up to 10-15 years in the wild
Interesting facts
✔ The only venomous water snake in North America
✔ Often confused with the non-poisonous water snake (Nerodia) - similar appearance
✔ The name "moccasin" was given for its dark color and soft glide on water
✔ Can lift the body partially out of the water while swimming - looks impressive
Conclusion
The moccasin water snake is a skilled hunter that has perfectly adapted to life in water. Its mysterious appearance and calm but protective behavior inspire respect. It plays an important role in nature, so it is better to admire it from afar - and not to annoy it!
