Eastern Cottonmouth Moccasin | Cartwheel Bay (S.C.)

• Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus
• Very poisonous, large semi-aquatic relative of the copperhead and rattlesnake
• Olive, brown, or black above; belly lighter color
• Crossbands with dark borders
• Coils, flattens, vibrates tail
• Tip of tail yellow
• Broad dark band through eye
• Single anal plate and row of scales under tail
• When alarmed, holds mouth open revealing cottony-white interior
• Habitats include swamps, lakes, rivers, rice fields and ditches