no photo — written note
AnimalsSensitive species
A thick dark water-loving pit viper that gapes to show a white mouth lining. In Indiana it survives at one small southwestern area.
Field facts
HabitatCypress swamps and adjoining rocky hills
RangeExtreme southwestern Indiana only
When to lookApril to October
StatusState endangered; venomous (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesNorthern Watersnake — slimmer head, round pupils
Field note: It swims high on the surface, while watersnakes swim mostly submerged.
Lesson
Watching responsibly
Nearly every 'cottonmouth' reported in Indiana is a harmless watersnake. Learn the difference before reacting.
Venomous. Do not approach any snake that gapes; back away and seek medical care after a bite.
This species is treated as sensitive: locations are generalised to county level and never routed to directly.
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