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Navigating Waters Safely: How to Identify a Water Moccasin

Identifying a water moccasin, also known as a cottonmouth snake, is crucial for those venturing into regions where these venomous reptiles are found. Water moccasins are typically found in or near bodies of water, and recognizing their distinctive features can help avoid potential encounters.

One key identifier is the snake's appearance. Adult water moccasins have dark, olive-brown bodies with distinctive, lighter crossbands. Their heads are often blocky and distinct from their bodies, and their eyes have vertical pupils, a characteristic feature of pit vipers. Additionally, water moccasins tend to exhibit a defensive posture, displaying their white mouths when feeling threatened—a behavior from which they derive their common name.

It's essential to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance when encountering snakes in or around water. Familiarizing oneself with the visual cues unique to water moccasins can contribute to safer outdoor experiences and reduce the risk of accidental snake bites.

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