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They're one of the most feared animals in their environment - as adults.
But as juveniles, cottonmouth snakes must rely on special adaptations to survive in an unrelenting ecosystem,
adaptations that are only present in the snakes during the most vulnerable period of their lives.
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Of all of North America's venomous snake species, perhaps none is more synonymous with the southeast than the cottonmouth.
Unlike many others, the cottonmouth will frequently venture into the wettest of terrain, preferring the submerged swamplands that characterize
this corner of the continent.
As indicated by its Latin name, Agkistrodon piscvirous, the cottonmouth occupies an ecological niche centered around its semi-aquatic lifestyle.
For many animals in the swampland, the cottonmouth can be an intimidating figure.
Adults average four feet in length, though the largest can be over six.
They're venomous predators, and have heat-sensing organs that allow them to target their prey.
But the cottonmouth itself is vulnerable to a myriad of larger southern predators.
As juveniles especially, these snakes must ensure the many difficulties of living in the southern ecosystem, and as a result,
possess specialized adaptations that seemingly increase their chances of survival.
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Cottonmouth young are born live rather than being laid as eggs. This already gives them an advantage, as it eliminates a period of extreme vulnerability
to predators that feed on incubating eggs.
A juvenile cottonmouth has a significantly different appearance than their adult counterparts.
Its skin has an alternating band pattern and brown or red coloration, as opposed to the patternless, nearly black coloration of the adults.
Like its close relative the copperhead, the juvenile cottonmouth utilizes this patterned skin to camouflage itself amongst the underbrush.
Predators like raptors may have more difficulty locating a snake with this kind of coloration as its aid.
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This camouflage has another advantage as well. With less hunting experience and a smaller body size, juvenile cottonmouths rely on their camouflage
to help them capture prey.
But along with their coloration, these snakes have a bodily hunting tool that adult cottonmouths don't possess.
The tip of the young cottonmouth's tail is light yellow. When moving, this yellow tail may resemble a smaller swamp inhabitant like a frog,
and can attract other animals, including the cottonmouth's prey.
In essence, the juvenile cottonmouth possesses a hunting lure.
As the snake grows, this lure disappears, and the snake's coloration turns darker.
A cottonmouth may live up to twenty years. Though still at some risk of predation, an adult cottonmouth is able to transition to its more permanent
role as a prominent predator in the ecosystem of the swamp.
This intriguing reptile owes its survival to its multi-staged life, and its success to several adaptations that usher a vulnerable young snake into
its ultimate form.
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