Banded Water Snake
Nerodia fasciata
A heavy-bodied, boldly banded water snake of the southeastern US, often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.3 m (2-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Southeastern United States
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Overview
The Banded Water Snake is a common, robust aquatic colubrid found throughout the southeastern United States. Its bold crossbanded pattern and defensive display often lead to confusion with the venomous cottonmouth, though the two are unrelated and easily separated with careful observation.
It is highly adaptable to a variety of freshwater habitats and is frequently seen basking near water.
How to identify it
- Heavy body with broad, dark reddish-brown to black crossbands on a lighter brown or gray background
- Keeled scales giving a rough texture
- Round pupils and a narrower head shape than the cottonmouth
- No heat-sensing facial pits
- Distinguished from cottonmouths by round pupils, narrower head, and lack of pits
Habitat & range
Found in swamps, marshes, lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams throughout the southeastern United States.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and crepuscular, often basking on branches or banks near water and diving when threatened. Feeds on fish and amphibians. Can flatten its head and strike defensively when cornered but is non-venomous. Bears live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Banded Water Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous, though it is often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth.
How can I tell it apart from a cottonmouth?
It has round pupils, a narrower head, and no heat-sensing facial pits, unlike the cottonmouth.
What does it eat?
Mainly fish and amphibians found in its wetland habitats.
Banded Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Banded Water Snake.
Banded Water Snake identified by the community
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