Species group · Reptiles

Moccasins

WAnimals has 2 species of moccasin, all in the family Viperidae.

2 species
1 family
2 countries
15 parks
Weight
300 g – 2 kg
Length
60 cm – 1.4 m
Lifespan
7 – 20 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 2.

All 2 species of moccasins on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

2 Least Concern

No species documented in this group is genuinely at risk according to the IUCN, with the data available today.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 2 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • It gapes to show the white lining of its mouth as a warning, which is where the name cottonmouth comes from.

    From Cottonmouth

  • It is the only semi-aquatic viper in the world: it hunts fish, frogs and other snakes under water and can stay submerged for long spells, something no other viper does as a matter of course.

    From Cottonmouth

  • Its reputation for aggression is false: a classic study deliberately trod on dozens of individuals in boots and only a minority tried to bite; most fled or merely gaped in warning.

    From Cottonmouth

  • It accounts for more recorded bites than any other snake in the United States.

    From Copperhead

  • It would rather stay still than flee when threatened.

    From Copperhead

  • It is born live and already fully venomous, with no external egg.

    From Copperhead

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one