The Great Moccasin Migration (continued)

On the levee road.

Out on a rainy May night.

Juvenile, on a wooded hillside far from water.

The juvenile Cottonmouth in this picture was about six inches from my right shoe.

The Cottonmouth probably has more common names than any other North American snake. In the various parts of its range it is referred to as "swamp adder", "gapper", "trapjaw", "chunkhead", "water moccasin", "lowland moccasin", and others. Many harmless water snakes have gone to their deaths as a result of mistaken identity; to many people, all snakes in the water are "water moccasins". Many also believe that "cottonmouths" and "water moccasins" are two different kinds of snakes, water moccasins of course being "in the water". 

Why it's called a Cottonmouth.

These snakes are also the subjects of a number of myths and urban legends. Many people believe the Cottonmouth will "come after you". While it is true that this snake will stand its ground when cornered, it generally avoids people and will crawl away if given an avenue of escape. One of the most popular urban legends concerning Cottonmouths is the "nest" story. In one version, a water skier skis into a "nest of Cottonmouths"; in the dry land version, a hunter falls into a "nest". A recent installment of "Lonesome Dove" featured a ridiculous version of the nest legend. In truth, Cottonmouths are solitary creatures that only congregate when hibernating.

The Shawnee Moccasin is the subspecies known as the Western Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma. It can reach a length of five feet, although three foot specimens are more common. Older specimens tend to have a reduced color pattern, and an overall dark color. Young Cottonmouths are boldly patterned, and are sometimes mistaken for Copperheads. The pattern serves as camouflage, enabling the serpents to blend in with fallen leaves and vegetation. Whether juveniles or adults, these snakes can effectively blend into the landscape, and great care must be taken when moving through their world.