Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Cottonmouths live in my area?

In the Midwest, if you live in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio or Wisconsin, no. If you live in southern most Illinois, Missouri, or Indiana then maybe, but still probably not. In Indiana they may still live in a couple of places, including near the town of Jasper. However, 99.9% of the snakes thought to be (Western) Cottonomouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) in Indiana are either Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) or Diamondback Watersnakes (Nerodia rhombifer). Neither of the latter two species is venomous, or really dangerous, though the bite from a larger watersnake will hurt!!