The two most outstanding snakes, well-known and powerful in the south-eastern part of the United States of America are kingsnakes and cottonmouths. Like all fenlands’ inhabitants they both dwell near water, and they both have heavy corpulence, but it seems that’s all they share in common. There are several species of kingsnake, but for this article we will focus on Eastern kingsnake, Lampropeltis setula Beal Historic and what makes it stand out from the cottonmouth snake, Agkistrodon piscivorous. Contrary to the King Cobra or the Cottonmouth also referred to as water moccasin, the kingsnake is not a pit viper. Surprisingly the cottonmouths are like the rattlesnakes and copperheads; they have the ability to feel heat in the body and use this ability to catch their prey.

Well, it’s high time to compare the two in terms of their physical appearance starting with the outer cover. Then, we shall find out their habitats, diet and their general conduct. Then we will proceed to throw light on the capacities of their venom and later we will be looking into which species one should fear most.

Comparing King Snakes and Cottonmouths

The main distinction between both kingsnakes and cottonmouths is that the latter is a venomous snake while the former is not. These kingsnakes will have a similar looking as that of venomous snakes, but they kill their prey through constriction. Also, cottonmouths are mainly found in amphibious habitats while kingsnakes can be found in areas much further north than cottonmouths.

Now, let us discuss their differences in detail.

Appearance Kingsnake Vs Cottonmouth: 

Kingsnakes are like cottonmouths: these are big snakes, although other species of kingsnakes can be comparably large also. The largest eastern kingsnake recorded measured 82 inches in its length, while southern cànglengthy like cottonmouths grow to the maximal length of 6 inches, or are normally of about 4 to 5 lengths long. Fighting snakes have heavy bodies while water moccasins have heavy heads also, but the heads of kingsnake are comparatively short and wide. This difference is best seen by examining the two reptiles’ eyes — cottonmouths have oval, catlike pupils and much larger eyes than kingsnakes, which have round pupils.

Habitat Kingsnake Vs Cottonmouth: 

Kingsnake and water moccasins are known to occupy the similar terrain but the latter does not exist in New Jersey. Cottonmouth snakes reside as far north as Virginia while both reside as far west as eastern Texas. Moreover, inland the kingsnakes are inhabiting states like Kentucky and Tennessee; on the other hand, cottonmouths cannot be found too far from the sea, or too far inland, or in any areas without access to freshwater.

That is one other difference about king snakes and cottonmouths, and the former’s appreciation of water bodies. Although there is evidence that cottonmouths are semi aquatic, kingsnakes have very terrestrial habitats, but they often come across water sources. These snakes prefer the areas of the woods that remain humid, but they can also be found in flooded forests, in the regions that surround rivers and lakes. Kingsnakes, as for them, are found in many more types of terrain, from wooded areas to the fringe of city neighborhoods. They can also be found in farmland, on swamps and other wetlands.

Diet Kingsnake Vs Cottonmouth:

The diet of water moccasins includes many things, but kingsnakes are usually not on the menu. Kingsnakes though are known to prey on other pit vipers including the cottonmouths, rattlesnakes and copperheads. They’re not so sensitive to the venom they deliver. Other than other snakes, kingsnakes feed on turtle eggs, lizards, birds and rodents.

Cottonmouths are very refined when it comes to their meals and diet. They feed on fishes, frogs, rodents and even other alligators. They are adept at swimming and therefore get the most out in hunting, both on the ground, and in water.

Which is More Dangerous Kingsnake Vs Cottonmouth?

Both of these snakes possess venom that can cause severe pain while biting, however only one of them can pose a lethal danger to human beings, the water moccasin. In conclusion, it can be stated that kingsnakes pose no great threat to humans due to their intimidating appearance. But are considerably more dangerous to other snakes. However, if you are fortunate enough to come across either the cottonmouth or the kingsnake in the wilderness, it is advised to simply let the snake be. Nothing could be farther from the truth, both species are wild animals, which are an essential part of any functioning ecosystem; and furthermore, ought not be killed unless so required.