As more of us are beginning to enjoy recreational time near the water, we will undoubtedly start getting false reports of venomous Cottonmouth Water Moccasins in our region of Maryland and states to the northeast of us. There has never been a confirmed, documented natural occurance of this species in the northeast despite multiple generations passing down incorrect reports that have always turned out to be other native species, usually the harmless (although sometimes defensive) Northern / Common Water Snake which is not only found in and around water but can vary in size and coloration, creating some confusion.
That doesn’t mean you should ever handle a snake unless you are absolutely sure of the ID. Any animal can bite if it feels threatened but all, especially snakes, are a valuable part of the ecosystem. While we only have have two venomous snakes in Maryland capable of injecting any medically significant venom in humans, the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Copperhead, the rarely encountered Copperhead is the only species remaining where we are based in Harford County. Regardless of whether they are venomous or not, it is illegal to kill snakes in Maryland and even venomous snakes deserve a chance to live their lives and contribute to the health of our wildlife communities.
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