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Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus
Dark-colored, heavy-bodied snake. Average adult size is 20-48 inches in length. This one was about 30 inches in length. The dark crossbands contain many dark spots and speckles. The pattern darkens with age so adults retain only a hint of the former banding or are a uniform black. The scales are keeled. The eye is camouflaged by a broad, dark, facial stripe. The tip of the snout has two vertical dark lines. The head is thick and distinctly broader than the neck, and when viewed from above, the eyes cannot be seen. The top of head in front of the eyes is covered with large plate-like scales. The pupil is vertical (catlike).
Found near wet areas, swamps, streams, rivers and ponds. This one was photographed at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park near Augusta, GA.
Venomous pit viper. The exposed white interior of the mouth is what gave rise to the common name, 'cottonmouth.' Given the chance, the cottonmouth usually will retreat. This open mouth threat display has led to the widespread belief that cottonmouths are aggressive snakes.
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