The name cotton mouth is originate from the cotton like color in its mouth.It is a widespread misunderstanding that the Cottonmouth snake is aggressive compared to other snakes.
In a study by Gibbons and Dorcas (1998)1, this misunderstanding was challenged when data suggested that the Cottonmouth is not as aggressive as people believe.
Cottonmouth snake like to eat reptiles, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and mammals.
The Cottonmouth produces its venom in glands close to where the jaws join. When it bites, the muscles around the glands squeeze venom from the glands through ducts through to the fangs. The venom destroys blood cells and reduces the normal coagulation and clotting abilities of the blood. This results in hemorrhaging where the poison has penetrated into the prey.
Dear Sir/Madam,
ReplyDeleteSince this post is meant to disseminate information, I suggest the first sentence be edited to read, "The name cottonmouth originates from the cotton like color of its mouth."
Thank you.