Which is worse cottonmouth or copperhead?

Cottonmouth snakes are generally considered to have more potent venom. Copperheads are considered less venomous and there is some controversy as to whether or not bites from copperhead snakes need to be treated with antivenom.

What animal will kill a copperhead snake?

Yes, copperheads are mainly preyed on by large birds such as owls and hawks, but sometimes raccoons and other snakes also prey on them. Foxes, owls, hawks, bobcats, weasels, and raccoons prey on rat snakes.

How aggressive are cottonmouth snakes?

The most common behaviors displayed by cottonmouths during interactions with people are gaping, attempting to escape, and/or vibrating their tails (Gibbons and Dorcas 2002). Despite these examples of relatively benign defensive behaviors, cottonmouths maintain a reputation of being ‘aggressive’ or ‘mean’.

Do copperheads and cottonmouths mate?

Kissing Cousins. Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are members of the same genus, which means they are closely related species, and have even been known to mate and produce hybrid babies in captivity.

Is a water moccasin a copperhead?

Water moccasins (cottonmouths), radiated rat snakes, Australian copperheads and sharp-nosed pit vipers are all sometimes called copperheads, but these are different species from the North American copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Copperheads are pit vipers, like rattlesnakes and water moccasins.

Do possums eat copperheads?

Opossums are also resistant to snake venom and actually prey on snakes, including venomous species such as copperheads and rattlesnakes.

Are water moccasins more poisonous than copperheads?

Cottonmouth Snake The cottonmouth (also known as the water moccasin) bite is much more dangerous and harmful to humans than the bite of the closely related copperhead, but rarely leads to death.

Can a copperhead bite you in the water?

Snakes can bite you underwater, but usually only if they’re provoked or if they feel threatened. Since bites were on their lower limbs, researchers concluded that they were bitten after stepping on a snake in the water. Regardless of whether the snake is venomous, it can still bite.