Family: Colubridae, Colubrid Snakes view all from this family

Description 28-69" (71.1-175.3 cm). Heavy-bodied with large head. Brown to dark brown, with large squarish dark blotches down middle of back, alternating with row of similar blotches on each side. Yellow belly has many prominent dark spots, often arranged in broken rows along sides. Scales keeled, in 25-33 rows. Anal plate divided.

Warning All water snakes in the genus Nerodia are quick to bite if harassed. Their bite is not venomous.

Breeding Mates April to May; 14-58 young are born June to October. Newborn are 7-11" (18-28 cm) long.

Habitat Lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, marshes, and ponds, especially where overhanging vegetation is present.

Range Coastal Virginia through Florida to sw. Alabama.

Discussion Primarily active during the day, but sometimes encountered foraging at night. It feeds on frogs and fishes caught among emergent vegetation along the shore. It is quite arboreal, basking and sleeping on limbs overhanging the water. When frightened it drops from its resting place into the water. It readily bites, making it a most unwelcome intruder should it accidentally drop into a boat.