How Dangerous Is The Florida Cottonmouth?

Almost equal parts widely known and misunderstood, in this episode of The Wild Report we head out into the wetlands of Florida to search for the cottonmouth snake!

If you enjoyed this video, please be sure to leave a like and share it with your friends. If you didn't, please leave a comment telling me what I could improve on. For more educational wildlife content, subscribe to my channel. New videos go up on Saturday mornings!

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If you've made it this far in the description, remember to be safe when creature adventuring! Most wild animals can cause injury if harassed, and I do not recommend attempting to capture any creatures without purpose and practice. The reason that I interact with wildlife is to produce these educational videos, and I have years of zoology experience under my belt. Also, I always ask permission from a land owner before exploring on their property, and you should do the same.

Keep adventuring everywhere, and keep your adventures safe at all times!

-Ben Zino

"How many are your works, Lord? In wisdom you made them all, the earth is full of your creatures."
Psalms 104:24

#exploring​ #wildlife​ #snake

[annabobanaasmr]

I hope your channel blows up my guy! We always need more people with a passion for wildlife and ecosystems. I lived in florida half my life, and I love this channel

[hikewithmike]

I swamp hike all the time in Florida and rarely come across cottonmouths the few times I have they just wanted to flee from me were not aggressive at all!

[nocotton]

I've had a much different experience with cottonmouth snakes over decades--sure, if you don't have any interaction at all they'll likely play nice. Inadvertent encounters can be much more aggressive! Been there and done that.

[loquat-]

I do fear stepping on them when they start living close to the house. They are quite capable of leaving water and taking permanent residence up on land well away from the water.

[brookszino]

Great editing and filming! This is a great video

[ROTALOT]

Best vid on viper appreciation I have ever seen. The trail head hiding place intro could not have been more perfect.

[_twenty]

I've had these guys latch onto fish I've caught when I was a kid. That got my mom goin😂
I can say I almost stepped on one barefoot. I looked down and it was coiled up next to my feet but never struck. Sooo greatful! Haven't seen many lately but I see skin

[willy]

I was born in Florida, but my memory serves me that, the Florida Cottonmouth-Moccasin, turns a Blackish color as they get bigger. I've seen HUGE moccasins that are very fat and healthy in Florida lakes among the water's edge, within the Cat Tails.

[michael-lynn]

They ought to be feared, so as to not play with them, unless you want to risk life, limb, or several thousand dollars in medical costs. Let's not be stupid. They fear people for the same reasons people ought to fear them and leave them alone.

[MyWildBackyard]

I really gotta get a more stable travel budget- keep seeing the stuff from Florida and Texas and the wildlife is incredible. Awesome finds and great message man.

[silverstar]

What? Cottonmouth are mean ass snakes. To say they need provocation is not true

[TheMnimatt]

Alright it's official. One of my favorite channels. I see that passion

[misterhorn]

I love cottonmouths because I feel they're the most misunderstood snake. Such a bad reputation for such a docile and timid animal.

[coltdickson]

Love the videos. Really love how you handle those guys with minimal stress to the snake 👍🏼🤙🏼

[satchelsnowgw]

Ben! Ben! Ben! Awesome video as always!!! I love your knowledge and enthusiasm for herps and the fact that you go in depth on the surrounding habitat, ecosystem, etc. absolutely amazing job and as always I learned a lot which is always the goal! Keep up the great work and love how your preaching that snakes aren’t dangerous as long as you respect them!

[Ecotasia]

Cottonmouths are such interesting snakes, interesting to see snake diversity outside of the deserts I am used to.
-JJ

[ForeverChanged]

Very good content. I am fascinated by snakes but don't want to be around them. I do want knowledge of identification and what to do if one has an accidental run in with a venomous snake such as those that call the middle west home. Great video.

[TheWildlifeBrothers]

Florida Cottonmouths are always exciting finds for me, and I’ve come to really enjoy their charisma and personality. That neonate was absolutely gorgeous, he had some stunning coloration. Great stuff Ben!
- Harrison and Evan

[creapycritters]

Let me test your knowledge: true or false a coral snake makes a FARTING noise? I'm in NC as well and handled a coral snake so I know the answer!

[scubadiverderek]

Great video Ben! Cottonmouths are amazing, and the Florida cottonmouth is definitely a very cool subspecies! As always you put a lot of great information in your videos, and you do a good job at dispelling fear about these animals. Super nice work as always!