Recently, a personal Facebook page named Chad Payne shared images of a massive snake captured in Lowndes County, Alabama, USA.
The images were posted on April 7 and quickly garnered 1,000 likes and 12,000 shares within a few days.
The snake is of an enormous size.
In reality, the snake measures only about 1.1 meters in length and is slightly larger than average for its species. However, the visual effect created by placing it close to the camera made it appear much larger than usual. At first glance, it resembles a python due to its large, plump body.
What species of snake is this?
The snake in the image is a Cottonmouth (scientific name: Agkistrodon piscivorus) – a venomous snake in the pit viper family that inhabits the southeastern United States. It is also the only semi-aquatic species within the pit viper family, often found near water sources.
This species is an excellent swimmer and can travel long distances in the ocean. Their venom is quite dangerous, capable of causing severe pain and potentially life-threatening situations. When threatened, they will coil up and display their sharp fangs in a threatening manner.
Adult Cottonmouths typically range from 65 to 90 cm in length, with an average weight between 201g and 560g. Therefore, the individual in the image is indeed a larger than usual Cottonmouth. However, the largest recorded individual measured up to 1.88 meters (found in Dismal Swamp, Carolina).
Although their venom rarely results in fatalities, Cottonmouths are still considered a dangerous venomous snake to humans. The conservation status of this species is classified as Least Concern (stable).
