On March 14, 2024, my friend and photographer Mia and I came across a peculiar-looking Cottonmouth (also known as a Water Moccasin) at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The snake’s body had a distinct rust-colored hue, a far cry from the typical dark coloration we expect to see in these venomous pit vipers.
Intrigued by this unusual appearance, I did some research and found a discussion on the r/whatsthissnake subreddit about a similar-looking Cottonmouth. The comments offered a few possible explanations for the snake’s striking color.
One idea was that this was simply a natural color morph – a natural variation in the snake’s pigmentation that results in the rust-red coloration. A regional state biologist that was consulted seemed to support this theory, noting that he had never seen a Cottonmouth quite this color before, but believed it was a natural variation rather than the snake being covered in mud or debris.
However, other commenters on the Reddit thread argued that the rusty appearance was more likely the result of the snake being heavily coated in dried mud, silt, or other natural detritus. They explained that this kind of staining is actually quite common in many semi-aquatic snake species, especially when they emerge from overwintering in the early spring. The mud can gradually wear off, but the staining may linger for some time.
After examining the photos more closely, I’m still not entirely sure whether the snake’s rust-colored appearance is due to a natural color variation or simply a coating of dried mud and detritus. The normal coloration is visible in some areas, particularly on the underside, but the definition and texture of the scales also look a bit obscured, which could indicate the presence of dried mud. However, I didn’t have much time to study the snake in detail, as another vehicle was approaching and we had to move on. The snake left the road safely. Without being able to examine it further or see it after a potential shed, I can’t say definitively whether this is a unique morph or just a very dirty Cottonmouth. The mystery remains unsolved for now.
So while this Cottonmouth’s appearance is certainly striking and out of the ordinary, the consensus seems to be that it’s simply a case of a snake getting itself good and dirty, rather than a unique genetic variation. A good shedding should restore this snake to its typical dark hues.
The mystery of the rust-colored Cottonmouth may be solved, but it’s a good reminder that nature is full of surprises. Who knows what other strange sights await us out on the trails and in the wetlands? The only way to find out is to keep exploring and observing the natural world around us.
You can view more photos of this snake by going to Mia’s blog post: My Lifer Northern Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin Photos