Through the Eyes of a Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is named for the white lining of its mouth. When threatened, the snake performs a very unique defensive display, coiling up and exposing its fangs and the white lining of its mouth to intruders, predators or other threats--thus the name, cottonmouth. Found in marsh wetlands, gentle streams, cypress swamps, ponds and lakes, this snake is equipped with a large, buoyant body and a potent, hemotoxic venom.
Dark in pigmentation, these predators are known for their boldness. Rather than fleeing at the first site of danger, the cottonmouth will stand its ground, possibly slithering glacially away, or advancing on would be threats. It has even been said that these snakes have approached occupied boats; however, don’t be afraid to take that long-awaited air boat tour just yet--like most creatures, these snakes won’t harm you, unless they’re seriously agitated or provoked.
The cottonmouth is a fierce and robust predator. They are opportunistic and ambush hunters, but they will also scavenge from time to time. Typically feeding on small mammals, frogs, fish, reptiles (including other Cottonmouths), and even baby alligators; the cottonmouth uses a pair of heat-sensing pits between its eyes and nostrils to locate its prey. But pit vipers--such as the Cottonmouth, rattlesnakes, etcetera--don’t always see things in infrared. They actually have the ability to see the world two completely different ways.
A living organism's visual perception depends on how their eyes process light. Pit vipers can see the world just like humans or, in predatory situations, they can use their sensitive infrared sensors. The Cottonmouth also has the impressive ability to use both forms of vision simultaneously, allowing them to see their prey more clearly.
Let’s be honest, most people think to themselves, “How can a creature survive without arms--it must really stink to not have any appendages.” It’s no surprise that the Cottonmouth and other snakes are perfectly happy to not have arms or legs. While hunting through a dense forest at dusk, they can activate their infrared vision, along with their standard vision, and see a bright orange body, perfectly contrasted in a sea of blue shrubbery. And in the event that their prey is quick and mobile, extending their hunt into the night, the snake can rely strictly on its infrared vision. Unfortunately for the fleeing critter, the heat-sensing apparatus is most efficient at night when the menu item is much warmer than the surrounding air. Cottonmouths can detect temperature differences as low as 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree C) from the surrounding environment, making it extremely difficult to hide from the hungry Cottonmouth.
Try to run and it’ll track you down with its amazing sense of sight and smell; try to confront it, and it’ll strike with precision accuracy. Referred to as the “bad boys of the south,” these snakes have serious attitudes and a serious bite to go along with it. The next time you’re on an air boat tour, and you see a Cottonmouth, respect its space and observe its natural beauty as it glides across the waters surface. If you’re looking to have up-close and personal interactions with a variety of Florida wildlife, visit Wild Florida. This does not include interactions with a Cottonmouth--we will NOT let you touch one!
