Common Watersnake (specifically Banded Watersnake)
Nerodia fasciata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia fasciata
Found across the Southeastern United States, from coastal North Carolina to Florida, and west to eastern Texas and the Mississippi River Valley.
Look up Common Watersnake (specifically Banded Watersnake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless. Not a threat to humans, though they are known to be defensive and will bite repeatedly if handled or cornered.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia fasciata
Conservation
Least Concern. Generally common, though vulnerable to habitat loss and persecution due to confusion with venomous cottonmouths.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied snake with strongly keeled scales. Coloration consists of broad dark transverse bands (brown, reddish-brown, or black) separated by lighter yellowish or tan areas. The bands are continuous across the back and do not break into alternating spots like some other watersnakes. Round pupils and a flat, somewhat triangular head.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a juvenile, roughly 12-18 inches. Adults typically range from 24 to 42 inches (61-107 cm); maximum recorded is about 60 inches.
Habitat
Freshwater environments including lakes, ponds, marshes, cypress swamps, and slow-moving streams. They prefer shallow water with heavy vegetation and basking spots.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily nocturnal hunters but often seen basking during the day. When threatened, they flatten their bodies and heads to appear larger and may release a foul-smelling musk. They are quick to bite in self-defense.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers and ambush predators specializing in aquatic prey such as fish, frogs, tadpoles, and salamanders. They swallow prey alive.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Breeding occurs in spring, with litters of 15-25 young born in late summer or early autumn.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the venomous Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). To distinguish: Nerodia have round pupils (vs. vertical), no heat-sensing pits, and labial bars (vertical lines) on the scales of the mouth.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Generally common, though vulnerable to habitat loss and persecution due to confusion with venomous cottonmouths.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically important as both a predator of fish and amphibians and as prey for larger wading birds and alligators. Often maligned due to its resemblance to the Cottonmouth.
Notable Features
Features distinct dark vertical lines on the labial scales (lip scales). This specimen is unfortunately caught on a glue trap, which is a common but inhumane form of pest control that also traps beneficial wildlife.