Cottonmouth (water moccasin)

In the book

The snake drawn to the lantern at Comer Key.

Field notes

• Florida cottonmouths swim with the whole body on the surface; harmless water snakes swim with just the head up.
• The white mouth gape is a warning, not an attack.
• Bites are serious but rarely fatal with treatment — which is why 'a long time to a mainland hospital' matters.

More from the people who look after this place: Everglades National Park.