The western cottonmouth (also commonly called a water moccasin), Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma, is a relatively large (maximum length 158 cm), heavily bodied, semiaquatic viperid that occurs throughout most of Arkansas.
Are there poisonous water snakes in Arkansas?
Cottonmouths are the ONLY venomous water snake in Arkansas.
Be on the lookout for these water snakes near swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams and rivers, as well as flooded fields and drainage ditches. But they aren’t limited to just aquatic habitats.
Where are cottonmouths found in Arkansas?
Cottonmouths can be found statewide, but are uncommon in upland streams of the Ozark Highlands and Ouachita mountains, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission snake guide. These snakes are described as being heavy-bodied; keeled scaled; dark, olive-brown to black with indistinct dark crossbands.
Are there water snakes in Arkansas?
The Northern Water Snake, Nerodia sipedon sipedon, is a common creek runner in Arkansas. This shot was flashed to show the true cream and chocolate color. They appear darker when wet and in shadow but the bands still show. They are generally docile.
Are there cottonmouth snakes in Arkansas?
Occurring statewide, the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous) is most commonly seen near water. It is one of the more aggressive of the venomous snakes found in Arkansas.
What is the most deadliest snake in Arkansas?
Table 1. Venomous snakes of Arkansas
| Species | Habitat |
|---|---|
| Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) | Occurs statewide in variety of wetland habitats: swamps, oxbow lakes, sloughs, drainage ditches and streams. |
How do you identify a water moccasin?
The quick and easy way to identify a water moccasin is to look for its wedge-shaped, blocky head (from above, as in a boat, you can’t see its eyes), check for the heat-sensing slits beneath and between its eyes and nose, and note its olive, dark tan, dark brown or an almost black body, thick and python-like in its
Is killing snakes illegal in Arkansas?
It is illegal to kill snakes in Arkansas unless they pose an immediate threat to people, pets or property, and most cases of snakebites are the result of people accidentally stepping on an unseen snake or purposefully agitating or trying to kill it.
How many snake bites a year in Arkansas?
Comparative Risks
| Environmental Hazard | Frequency | Fatalities per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bee, Wasp Stings | 1 million | 30-120 |
| Dog Bites / Attacks | 1-3 million | 10-20 |
| Snake Envenomation | 7,000 | 5.5 |
| Spider Envenomation | N/A | 4 |
What is the deadliest snake?
The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) may be the deadliest of all snakes, since scientists believe it to be responsible for more human deaths than all other snake species combined. Its venom, however, is lethal in less than 10 percent of untreated victims, but the snake’s aggressiveness means it bites early and often.
What snake in Arkansas has a yellow belly?
Description. The general coloration of the Plain-bellied Watersnake can be brown, green, or gray. In Arkansas, the belly color is a plain yellow or cream. Like other nonvenomous watersnakes, it has several dark, vertical lines that outline the upper lip scales.
Are king snakes in Arkansas?
We have two kingsnakes common in Northwest Arkansas: the prairie kingsnake and the speckled kingsnake, neither of which are venomous. But they might fool you: don’t be alarmed if you think you hear rattling or see their tails shaking like a rattlesnake.
What snakes are found in Arkansas?
Top 10 Snakes Found in Arkansas:
- Copperhead.
- Cottonmouth.
- Eastern Hognose.
- Black Rat Snake.
- Speckled Kingsnake.
- Common Watersnake.
- DeKay’s Brownsnake.
- Rough Earth Snake.
Are snakes a problem in Arkansas?
There are three rattlesnakes common to Arkansas – the Western Diamond Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake and the Western Pigmy Rattlesnake. The last venomous snake is the Texas Coral Snake. “If it’s red, yellow and black, you don’t want to mess with it,” commented Curry regarding the Coral snake.
Where are cottonmouth snakes found?
They can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats but are most common in cypress swamps, river floodplains, and heavily-vegetated wetlands. Cottonmouths will venture overland and are sometimes found far from permanent water.
Are there diamondback rattlesnakes in Arkansas?
Rebecca McPeake, a professor of Wildlife Extension at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said in a study that the state is home to a variety of deadly venomous snakes, including the copperhead, cottonmouth, western diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, Texas coral snake and western pigmy
Can snakes come in your house?
Georgia DNR Biologist Daniel Sollenberger said it’s not uncommon for snakes to get into homes. “Being small, means they can get in small cracks at times and sometimes wind up in houses and garages,” he said. “Snakes can get into some small spaces but they are not magicians.”
How many venomous snakes are in AR?
6 species
Arkansas is home to 6 species of venomous snakes.
Are there pygmy rattlesnakes in Arkansas?
The young snakes twitch their colored tails to lure in prey like lizards and frogs. Western pygmy rattlesnakes are the smallest of Arkansas’ venomous snakes. These snakes are usually between 15-20 inches long with small, slender tails. Their small tails are tipped with a small rattle.
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.
Are water moccasins aggressive?
Water moccasins are not aggressive, even though most people say so. The best way to avoid them is to try your best to keep out of their way. Once you accidentally step on them, they may lash out and bite as a self-defense instinct.
