615-357-7797Open 24 hours for emergencies
Nashville, TN · Serving Middle TennesseeFacebookInstagram
A Tennessee hardwood forest trail in soft morning light with mist between the trees, ferns, oak and hickory trunks, a creek in the distance.

Wildlife of Tennessee · Snakes

Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) in Tennessee

Venomous, and it is often mistaken for harmless water snakes. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797
A cottonmouth snake with open white mouth on a muddy bank of a Tennessee slough, sharp detail.

At a Glance

About the Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

Most Tennessee snakes are harmless, but four are venomous. Snakes come after mice, shelter and cool places, so reducing rodents and clutter helps keep them away.

We Remove It

Risk: Venomous, and it is often mistaken for harmless water snakes.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameAgkistrodon piscivorus
Size2 to 4 feet
Where it shows upPonds, creeks, swamps and wet ditches in West and Middle Tennessee
When it is activeDay and night in warm months

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a cottonmouth (water moccasin).

  • Thick dark snake near ponds and sloughs
  • White mouth displayed when threatened
  • Floats high on the water with the head up

How We Handle It

What We Do About the Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Keep grass short and remove brush piles
  • Raise woodpiles off the ground
  • Seal gaps and control rodents
  • Never try to catch or kill a snake

Similar Animals

More Snakes

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

Open the Tool

Good to Know

Questions About Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a cottonmouth (water moccasin)?

Common signs: thick dark snake near ponds and sloughs; white mouth displayed when threatened; floats high on the water with the head up.

Is a cottonmouth (water moccasin) dangerous?

Venomous, and it is often mistaken for harmless water snakes. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a cottonmouth (water moccasin)?

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797

Get Your Free Estimate