Reptile

Agkistrodon piscivorus Facts

Reptile

Diet: Its diet includes mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, eggs, insects, other snakes, small turtles, and juvenile alligators.
Lifespan: Up to 24.5 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Classification

Family: Viperidae. Order: Squamata.

Agkistrodon piscivorus Conservation Status

Agkistrodon piscivorus is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Lifespan: Up to 24.5 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Fun facts

In the United States, especially in the south, A. piscivorus are often falsely characterized as aggressive.
None of the snakes attempted to bite when researchers stood next to them.
When approached by humans, cottonmouths seek the closest shelter possible.