Yes, survive possible. The cottonmouth, water moccasins in United States parts, is a venomous North American pit viper found in the southeastern United States swamps, rivers, and lakes.
Although rare, the venom can be deadly. Seek medical attention immediately when bitten. The bites can kill humans.
Usually cottonmouth bite symptoms appear minutes to hours after. They include severe, immediate pain with swelling, skin discoloration, difficult or rapid breathing.
If left untreated, bodily functions break down over 2 or 3 days. Bite may result in severe organ damage or death.
Most victims survive bites. The remaining fraction represents people who never assumed they would. Like the copperhead, the moccasin is more hostile, yet biting is unusual unless disturbed or provoked.
A cottonmouth bite requires immediate medical attention. With treatment and precautions, the risk can be reduced significantly.
Avoid cottonmouth inhabited areas. Wear protective clothing like boots and long pants in high-risk areas. Stay alert and aware always. Seek prompt medical attention and follow advice. Most people make a full recovery with proper treatment.
Leave the snake alone. Give it plenty of space. Seek medical attention even if bite is minor. Proper treatment reduces infection risk. Treatments can include cleaning wound, applying pressure bandage to slow venom spread. Pain medications and antibiotics help reduce severity of symptoms. Note that antivenom may be necessary for serious bites.
The bite is dangerous and harmful to humans. But rarely leads to death. Biting isn’t common unless touched. If high body temperature, it will bite and follow prey until it succumbs to venom.
Cottonmouths rarely bite unless picked up or stepped on. When threatened, it will coil and open mouth to expose white inside as warning signal. They may spray foul-smelling musk.
While dangerous, rare for humans to be bitten. Even rarer to die from bite. But can have harmful effects. Cottonmouths have distinctive triangular, blocky head shape.
Emergency steps when bitten: Call for assistance, don’t suck venom, don’t cover bite, don’t apply tourniquet or pressure, treat for shock, get to hospital immediately.
Best way to survive is seek medical help right away. Sooner treatment received, better chance of avoiding damage. If suspect bite, get to hospital or call 911 immediately.
How poisonous are cottonmouths?
A cottonmouth is known as a water moccasin. Cottonmouths are venomous, not poisonous. Venomous animals inject toxins when attacked. Poisonous animals can’t be eaten or touched. A cottonmouth’s fangs are hollow and twice the size of other teeth.
Although rare, cottonmouth bites can be deadly. Seek medical help immediately after a bite. Cottonmouth venom is potent and can cause tissue damage, bleeding, and clotting issues. Bites can leave scars or lead to amputation.
Cottonmouths rarely bite unless disturbed or stepped on. They may stand their ground, including hissing. If bitten, call 911 and follow their instructions to get antivenom.
Cottonmouths have no special status. Humans kill them when cottonmouths move across drought-stricken locations. Bites are more hazardous than copperheads but death is rare. Cottonmouths are more aggressive than copperheads. When threatened, they often strike.
Cottonmouths live semi-aquatically. They have large, triangular heads with a dark eye line, elliptical pupils, and large venom glands. Their color varies from yellowish olive to black with about 13 crossbands, narrowing toward the backbone. Some crossbands may be broken.
About 7,000-8,000 Americans suffer venomous snakebites yearly, but few die. Cottonmouths cause less than 1% of deaths. Half of bites occur on lower extremities, often when barefoot. In 2017, 242 cottonmouth bites were treated professionally. 10 patients had severe symptoms, but none died.
What should I do if I see a cottonmouth snake?
Back away. Give the snake room to flee, preferably to water. If bitten, expect extreme pain and swelling.
Cottonmouths live in or near water, like some other snakes. They may bite underwater. Over 20 venomous snake species live in the US. Cottonmouths aggressively defend themselves if threatened. Regardless, avoid getting close. Simply give cottonmouths space to leave you alone.
Identify cottonmouths by their thick body, wide gape when threatened, and white mouth lining resembling cotton. They live near fresh water. If bitten, expect tissue damage and inflammation. In the US, they’re responsible for many snakebite deaths. So recognize them, and walk away if seen. If one must be removed from your property, call wildlife services. Leave snakes on trails alone – they avoid us.
Is a cottonmouth and water moccasin the same?
Water moccasins and cottonmouths are the same snake species, scientifically known as Agkistrodon piscivorus. This species is native to the southeastern United States. The names “water moccasin” and “cottonmouth” can vary regionally, but refer to the same species.
Cottonmouth snakes typically have dark bodies and distinctive head markings. They are the only venomous water snake in North America. When threatened, they open their mouths showing the white interior, resembling cotton, hence the name.
Average size is 31.5 inches long. Some reach over 70 inches and weigh up to 10 pounds. In addition to color and size, identifying features include vertical pupils and a triangular head shape.
Juvenile cottonmouths have yellow or green tails used to attract prey. They tend to be more aggressive than adults. When threatened, adults coil and display an open mouth. This serves as a defensive warning rather than an intent to bite.
The white “cotton” interior of the mouth is where the name comes from. It contrasts sharply when mouths open in threat displays. So while called the same species, regional names highlight key identifying traits.