Are there water moccasins in Richmond VA?

Are there water moccasins in Richmond VA?

The venomous cottonmouth inhabits isolated spots south and southeast of Richmond. The closest cottonmouth population to Richmond is near the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers in the Hopewell area. That is the northernmost realm of the eastern cottonmouth. The snakes are much more common south of Virginia.

Are there water snakes in Virginia?

In Virginia, there are three species of watersnake: brown watersnake, northern watersnake and plain-bellied watersnake. Northern Watersnake (nonvenomous). Photo credit: J.D. Willson. Northern Cottonmouth (venomous).

Are there snakes in Richmond VA?

Poisonous Snakes The only poisonous snake you will run into in the Richmond area is the copperhead. We do have rattlesnakes in Virginia, both in the mountains and along the coast, but not around here. On rare occasions a cottonmouth (water moccasin) turns up in southern Chesterfield County, but this is very uncommon.

Are water snakes in Virginia poisonous?

Three are venomous — rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads. They can indeed be dangerous if you get too close. The other three are harmless but common — watersnakes, gartersnakes and blacksnakes. They are the ones you are more likely to meet in the park or yard.

Where are water moccasins located?

Cottonmouths are native to the U.S. and range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the IUCN. They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams.

Where are water moccasins in Virginia?

The northern cottonmouth, or “water moccasin:” A thick-bodied, venomous bruiser, the cottonmouth hangs out in the swamps and streams of far southern and southeastern Virginia. An isolated population lives near the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers in the Hopewell area.

Are water moccasins found in Virginia?

What is a water snake look like?

Water snake characteristics The markings and coloration of water snakes vary somewhat from species to species, but for the most part they are brown, gray, olive green or reddish with dark splotches or bands on their backs. Sometimes they look solid brown or black when wet.

Do water moccasins live in Virginia?

There are more than 30 types of snakes in Virginia, but only three are venomous: northern copperheads, rattlesnakes and eastern cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins).