Range
Ranges throughout Florida, southern Georgia, southern Alabama, and southeastern Mississippi.
Habitats
This species is found in wetland habitats, near all types of natural or manmade water bodies. It will rarely travel far from water. They like to hide in thick vegetation around water.
Identification
A venomous pitviper that averages 20-48 inches and has a thick, heavy body. They have a triangular head with a sharp-edged snout and scales over the eyes that stick out, creating a furrowed brow appearance. They are named for the bright white skin inside their mouth. Their body is brown with dark brown jagged, irregular bands and often spots between the bands. They have a distinct horizontal dark brown bar behind each eye, which is bordered by a thin pale stripe above and a thicker pale stripe below. They have 2 vertical stripes on the tip of the snout. Their patterning is generally darker on the distal third of their body. They have elliptical pupils.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians