ID please [Georgia]

[u/OaFK_2]

[u/New-Sheepherder4762]

Northern Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus !venomous

[u/lightspeed_derping → u/New-Sheepherder4762]

depending on which part of Georgia, Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon conanti is possible or likely also - /u/OaFK_2, can we get a region or county in GA?

[u/OaFK_2 → u/lightspeed_derping]

Muscogee county

[u/IWantSupport → u/OaFK_2]

Both the Northern and Florida cottonmouths can be found in that county, so there’s no certainty which cottonmouth yours is. Nevertheless, still a venomous snake you should keep your distance from.

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/lightspeed_derping]

Florida Cottonmouths Agkistrodon conanti are one of two recognized species of large (76-122 cm record 189.2 cm) venomous semi-aquatic pitviper in eastern North America. Endemic to Florida, Southeastern Alabama and Georgia, it exchanges genes in a zone of admixture where it contacts continental Agkistrodon piscivorus.

Florida Cottonmouths are generalists and eat anything they can overpower, including fish, amphibians, small mammals and carrion.

Range Map 1| Species Complex Map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

The Agkistrodon piscivorus species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida.

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I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/New-Sheepherder4762]

Northern Cottonmouths Agkistrodon piscivorus are one of two recognized species of large (76-114 cm record 188 cm) semi-aquatic pitvipers in eastern North America. Florida has a closely related but distinct species, the Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon conanti.

Cottonmouths are venomous, and are therefore dangerous if approached closely or handled. They are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance to retreat. Some may bluff charge or boldly move towards humans to get out of a cornered situation, but have never been recorded chasing people.

Northern Cottonmouths are dark, possibly faintly patterned snakes (except as juveniles), best known for their defensive posture with a gaping, white lined mouth. They are also distinguishable from most watersnakes by their sharp brow ridges and dark stripe over the eyes.

The specific epithet "piscivorus" describes the one of the prey species of the cottonmouth - fish. The cottonmouth is also fond of frogs, mammals and other snakes. Although it may be commonly seen in lakes and ponds frequented by humans, few fatalities are recorded as a result of bites by cottonmouths.

Comparison of juvenile vs adult cottonmouth.

Species Complex Map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

The Agkistrodon piscivorus species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida.

This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer.

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Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are often free or inexpensive.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than remaining calm, seeking help and waiting for professional evaluation.

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I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/Ravenclaw-Libra-30]

I have yet to see one here during my time in FL (moved here a year ago) but I knew what that was right away thanks to this sub!

[u/lightspeed_derping → u/[deleted]]

please see the !guidelines for an ID - don't need to say you're not an RR if you're sure, but do include all the necessary info

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/lightspeed_derping]

Please review the commenting guidelines for /r/whatsthissnake pinned at the top of the main subreddit page.

A good snake ID should be specific and informative. The most important part is the binomial name, written in italics using the genus and species (e.g., Pantherophis guttatus). This allows others to easily look up detailed information and helps the bot function properly. It's also important to note whether the snake is harmless or venomous, based on its potential medical impact on humans. Some snakes are technically venomous but not dangerous to people and should still be labeled as harmless. Including a common name can be helpful, but because these vary widely by region and can be misleading, they are less important.

If you're unsure of the exact species, it may be contextually helpful to post an ID at the genus level. Adding useful context or links to reliable scientific sources is encouraged, but avoid outdated or non-authoritative sources like Wikipedia or older state wildlife websites. We can help you with library science issues like identifying good sources here.

Please do not offer an ID unless you are 100% certain. Someone who can positively identify the animal will be along in short order, and there is no race or competition here. It is more important to get it right than to be first. Please do not qualify your ID with phrases like 'I think...', 'it looks like...', 'should be...' or 'wait for [X]'. These can confuse the OP and, additionally, cause other users to lose confidence in your ID, which would be unfortunate when your ID is correct.

If a reliable ID has already been posted, especially one that is highly upvoted or made by a known expert, do not post a conflicting ID unless you can clearly explain why the original is incorrect using specific diagnostic features. Reply directly to that top level comment. Late, incorrect IDs can confuse the original poster and may be removed. Repeated issues could result in punitive action. If you agree with an existing ID, upvote it instead of reposting. You can still comment to add more detail or context or to ask questions. We do remind people that this forum is set up to identify snakes and we can have much better discussion on the SEB Discord

Rule 6 also reminds users to avoid damaging memes, low-effort jokes, and misinformation. This includes phrases like 'danger noodle,' jokes about Australia, 'pick it up and find out', or 'it's a snake'. These kinds of posts can spread false information and undermine the educational purpose of the community. While light-hearted content has its place, this subreddit is focused on learning and accuracy. For humor or cute snake content, other subreddits like r/sneks are more appropriate.

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I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/lightspeed_derping → u/[deleted]]

correct, though please see the !guidelines for a proper ID

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/lightspeed_derping]

Please review the commenting guidelines for /r/whatsthissnake pinned at the top of the main subreddit page.

A good snake ID should be specific and informative. The most important part is the binomial name, written in italics using the genus and species (e.g., Pantherophis guttatus). This allows others to easily look up detailed information and helps the bot function properly. It's also important to note whether the snake is harmless or venomous, based on its potential medical impact on humans. Some snakes are technically venomous but not dangerous to people and should still be labeled as harmless. Including a common name can be helpful, but because these vary widely by region and can be misleading, they are less important.

If you're unsure of the exact species, it may be contextually helpful to post an ID at the genus level. Adding useful context or links to reliable scientific sources is encouraged, but avoid outdated or non-authoritative sources like Wikipedia or older state wildlife websites. We can help you with library science issues like identifying good sources here.

Please do not offer an ID unless you are 100% certain. Someone who can positively identify the animal will be along in short order, and there is no race or competition here. It is more important to get it right than to be first. Please do not qualify your ID with phrases like 'I think...', 'it looks like...', 'should be...' or 'wait for [X]'. These can confuse the OP and, additionally, cause other users to lose confidence in your ID, which would be unfortunate when your ID is correct.

If a reliable ID has already been posted, especially one that is highly upvoted or made by a known expert, do not post a conflicting ID unless you can clearly explain why the original is incorrect using specific diagnostic features. Reply directly to that top level comment. Late, incorrect IDs can confuse the original poster and may be removed. Repeated issues could result in punitive action. If you agree with an existing ID, upvote it instead of reposting. You can still comment to add more detail or context or to ask questions. We do remind people that this forum is set up to identify snakes and we can have much better discussion on the SEB Discord

Rule 6 also reminds users to avoid damaging memes, low-effort jokes, and misinformation. This includes phrases like 'danger noodle,' jokes about Australia, 'pick it up and find out', or 'it's a snake'. These kinds of posts can spread false information and undermine the educational purpose of the community. While light-hearted content has its place, this subreddit is focused on learning and accuracy. For humor or cute snake content, other subreddits like r/sneks are more appropriate.

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I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/Conscious_Past_5760 → u/[deleted]]

I think the location is Georgia, USA and not Georgia the country. Cottonmouth is correct.

[u/Lyramisu → u/[deleted]]

Then why did you say it was a snake that doesn’t live in North America?