Are there water moccasins in South Texas?

The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, rarely strays far from water. It can be found in marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, ditches, and canals in East and Central Texas and along the Gulf coast.

How long do you have after a water moccasin bite?

Patients presenting after a cottonmouth bite should undergo observation for eight hours post-envenomation. If there are no physical or hematologic signs within eight hours, then the patient can be discharged home.

How can you tell a black racer from a water moccasin?

Where water moccasins are large, heavy-bodied snakes with big heads, black racers are thin, graceful snakes with narrow heads. As their name suggests, adult black racers are almost entirely black, or bluish-black. They have white markings on their chins and throats, and red eyes with round pupils.

What’s the difference between a cottonmouth and a water moccasin?

Cottonmouth, Water Moccasin – One and the Same Although many people believe that water moccasins are distinct from cottonmouth snakes, the truth is that they are one and the same. Regardless of what it’s called, all subspecies of this snake are venomous but not particularly aggressive.

Can a water moccasin bite you underwater?

Besides sea-snakes, there are two common snakes that can live in or near water – the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and the water snake. Not only can snakes bite underwater, but water moccasins join a list of more than 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States making them even more of a threat.

How can you tell a Texas water moccasin?

Look for dark colors. It often appears as a banded water snake, however adults can be all black. Texas Water Moccasin scales will be rough looking and keeled. Keeled means that instead of smooth scales, there are little ridges that run down the center of each scale.

How do you identify a cottonmouth snake in Texas?

Cottonmouths have wide bodies like copperheads, but are a dark brown color with dark patterning. On some individuals, the pattern may be difficult to see. Their appearance is similar to some species of nonvenomous water snakes (see ‘Similar snakes’ section), but note the difference in head shape.

Can you survive a water moccasin bite?

Some snakes, however, are venomous, and their bites can be life threatening. These dangerous snakes include the copperhead, rattlesnake, cottonmouth (water moccasin) and coral snake. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, call 911 immediately.

What is the difference between a cottonmouth and a water moccasin?

Water moccasins have vertical, “cat-eye” pupils, and dark stripes extend out near each nostril. The snout is pale in comparison with the rest of the head. Cottonmouth snakes have triangular heads, thin necks, and “cat-eye” pupils.