Banded Water Snake

Description:

Adults average from 24-42 inches (61-106.7 cm). The record is 60 inches (152.4 cm). Stout bodied snake with black, brown, or red crossbands (often bordered with black) across back. Crossbands may be obscured as snake darkens with age. Background color may be gray, yellow, tan, or reddish. Belly is light with squarish spots. Scales are keeled and there are 21-25 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. A dark stripe extends from the eye to the angle of the jaw. Juveniles have very clear crossbands (usually black) on pale background.

Habitat:

In Florida, the Banded Water Snake is found in the panhandle. Its range extends northeast up the coastal plain to North Carolina and west to southwestern Alabama. Habitat: The Banded Water Snake can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and marshes.

Notes:

HARMLESS (Non-Venomous) When threatened, the Banded Water Snake will readily bite and exude a foul smelling musk. Active mainly at night, but may be found during the day sunning on banks or vegetation hanging over the water. Feeds on fishes, frogs, salamanders, crayfish, and tadpoles. It bears live young. Mating occurs in spring and the 7.5-9.5 inch (19-24 cm) young are born in summer.