Physically, water snake bodies grow anywhere from three to six feet in length. The Water Moccasin does NOT live naturally in Ohio. The water moccasin has a brownish color, but this will also go darker as they age more. Their dark, often blotched skin, helps them blend into their environment. (2) There are captive maintenance regulations for any boa, python, or anaconda. The closest that it comes to this state is southernmost Illinois. The adult is as much as 20 inches longer than the harmless Water Snakes, and its body is much heavier than those of either of Ohio's Water Snakes. Cottonmouth Background Information.
The venomous Water Moccasin shares a similar habitat and slightly resembles a few water snake species. Their moniker is derived from one of their protective mechanisms, which is opening their jaws up wide to reveal stark white oral chambers. In the very unlikely event that you should see a Water Moccasin in Ohio, the snake would have escaped from captivity. The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) in the picture is the most common Illinois species. In any case, this is one of the most deadly snakes in North America, so don't take chances. However, by killing the snake they greatly increased their chances of being bitten--it is always best to leave snakes alone!) As a pit viper, the water moccasin has the distinctive, wide-jawed, wedge-shaped head, and water snakes do not.
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Also referred to as the water moccasin, this Southern Illinois snake has a far smaller range than the copperhead. The Water Moccasin looks a lot like the Northern Water Snake and the Lake Erie Water Snake. According to the Illinois Natural History Survey, this is how to idenitify: Large (up to 159 cm TL), stout-bodied venomous snake. Southern Copperhead and Northern Copperhead (Highland Moccasin) Western Coppermouth (Water Moccasin) Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake) Eastern Massasauga; Common Snakes of Illinois : Illinois ranges from high and rugged, mountain peaks to massive water-logged areas, 2325 square miles covered by water such as Lake Michigan. Their heads are also much larger than the normal water snake and they have a diamond-like shape that almost seems like a large block. This creates the perfect home for many semi … This venomous Water Moccasin has an obviously thick, (top to bottom) blocky head. These venomous reptiles also often are known by the name "water moccasin."
Cottonmouths are large, hefty snakes that usually are deep brown or black in coloration. The difference is most notable when comparing the heads of both snakes. (Note: this photo was sent to us by an Extension client who needlessly killed the snake and asked that we confirm that it was a venomous species.
They are known for their thick bodies and shorter tails compared to the slender water snake. Its habitat is mainly around swamps, ox-bow lakes, and sloughs. WATER MOCCASIN TIMBER RATTLESNAKE EASTERN MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE SNAKES AND THE LAW IN ILLINOIS If you wish to do research on or keep snakes as pets in Illinois, there are some regulations you should be aware of: (1) Permits are required to study, work with, or maintain venomous snakes. water moccasin: Viperidae: Yes: Locally abundant Carphophis amoenus helenae: midwestern worm snake: Colubridae: No: Locally abundant Carphophis vermis: midwestern worm snake: Colubridae : No: Locally abundant Clonophis kirtlandii: Kirtland's snake: Colubridae: No: State Threatened Cemophora coccinea copei: northern scarlet snake: Colubridae: No: Current existence in IL uncertain.
The water moccasin, North America's only venomous water snake, has a distinctive blocky, triangular head; a thick body; and a dangerous bite. Water moccasins thrive in the southeastern parts of the U.S. but often get confused with non-poisonous water snakes. Its large body is darkly colored, and it lives around water and wet places.