Brown Water Snake

Nerodia taxispilota

This water snake is mainly active during the day but sometimes hunts at night. It feeds on frogs and fishes caught among cattails and other plants along the shore. It is a great climber, basking and sleeping on limbs overhanging the water. When frightened it drops from its resting place into the water. Like other water snakes, it usually escapes before you get close enough to catch it, but if you do grab one it will usually bite.

Look For : A large water snake with a row of dark brown blotches on midback and each side.

Length : 30-69".

Habitat : Large swamps, rivers, lakes, where vegetation overhangs water.

Range : Southeastern U.S.