Natural Enemies and Predators
Published records of other animals preying on cottonmouths or killing them are few. Reptiles more often than other classes of vertebrates prey on the cottonmouth. McIlhenny (1935:44) reported on the scarcity of snakes in areas where alligators were present. Predation on cottonmouths by indigo snakes (Drymarchon corais) was reported by Conant (1958:153) and Lee (1964:32). Allen and Swindell (1948:6) obtained a photograph of a king-snake (Lampropeltis getulus) killing a cottonmouth but thought that moccasins are not eaten by L. getulus. However, one occasion reported herein shows that cottonmouths are eaten by king-snakes; and Clark (1949:252) reported finding 13 cottonmouths, along with other prey, in the stomach contents of 301 king-snakes (L. g. holbrooki) from northwestern Louisiana. Cannibalism is also common among cottonmouths. Klauber (1956:1058;1079) cited predation on cottonmouths by a blue heron (Ardea herodias) and a largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Man is probably the greatest enemy of the cottonmouth. Intentional killing, capturing, road kills, and alteration of the environment destroy large numbers.