A global community of nature enthusiasts
photographing and learning about wildlife
Nerodia fasciata confluens
Nerodia fasciata: Keeled scales. Body has 11-17 broad, irregularly shaped dark brown, reddish brown or black crossbands, separated by yellow, orange or yellowish gray. Belly is yellow or cream-colored with large dark brown or reddish-brown blotches. Young are patterned like adults, but more brightly colored. Adults average 22-36 inches in length.
On the Christmas Road trail in Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. A lowland water snake of swamps, oxbow lakes, sloughs, ponds and sluggish streams. Active late March-October. Breeds April-May and gives birth to 7-40 young in July-August. It feeds on fish, frogs and tadpoles. Like other water snakes, it basks on brush or driftwood piles in or near water. Range: Mississippi Delta and Coastal Plain; also found in areas of eastern Ozark and Ouachita mountains.
Added more pictures 5/20 and corrected description/habitat