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Nerodia erythrogaster
Plain-Bellied Water Snake (AKA: Blotched Water Snake) spotted near Medicine Bluff Creek, Oklahoma. This is a non-venomous snake that is able to swim both above and below the water's surface, as I was able to observe. Often confused with the venomous cottonmouth, this harmless snake is commonly seen basking on logs and rocks near water. When threatened it may emit a foul-smelling musk or even attempt to bite. When in the water, this snake will swim with the lower half of its body underwater and the upper half above the surface. (The cottonmouth swims with its entire body on the surface of the water)
This species is almost always found near a permanent water source (lake, creek, etc.), and can be found statewide in Oklahoma.
This species bears live young (ovoviviparous) like other North American water snakes and garter snakes.
Spotted on Apr 10, 2017
Submitted on Apr 10, 2017
4 Comments
Much appreciated, thank you.
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Thanks BonnieLewis, in all fairness I think this snake wanted his photo taken. It came down the bank from across the way and swam almost right up to me!
Nice shot!