Non-venomous
Brown Water Snake

Brown water snakes are a large colubrid species native to the southeastern regions of the United States. Since they are widely found throughout their distribution range, studying their behavior and population can help understand the impacts of human activity in a specific aquatic ecosystem.

These snakes are often mistaken for cottonmouths, the venomous pit viper, and killed by humans in self-defense. Another species, the common brown water snake (Lycodonomorphus rufulus), is sometimes referred to as brown water snakes, but they are found only in and around South Africa.

Scientific Classifications

  • Suborder:Serpentes
  • Family:Colubridae
  • Subfamily:Natricinae
  • Genus:Nerodia
  • Species:N. taxispilota

Conservation Status

Not EvaluatedNE

Not Evaluated

Data DeficientDD

Data Deficient

Least ConcernLC

Least Concern

Near ThreatenedNT

Near Threatened

VulnerableVU

Vulnerable

EndangeredEN

Endangered

Critically EndangeredCR

Critically Endangered

Extinct in the wildEW

Extinct in the wild

ExtinctEX

Extinct

Description

Size

Brown Water Snake Image

A full-grown brown water snake can be between 30 and 60 inches (around 75 and 150 cm), with the longest recorded specimen measuring 69 inches (175cm).

These snakes are pretty heavy-bodied, and the females grow much larger than the males.

Color and Appearance

Its dorsal side is tan to dark brown, with around 25 dark squarish blotches running down the back and smaller spots on the sides. The dorsal scales are arranged in 27-33 rows, which is more than other North American water snakes. Like all the snakes in the Natricinae subfamily, it has a divided anal plate, and its dorsal scales are strongly keeled.

Are They Dangerous

In case of an encounter, their first response would be to flee and hide underwater. However, if cornered, the snake will bite repeatedly and painfully. Though non-venomous, the bite can get infected and need medical attention.

When captured or attacked, they also release a foul-smelling substance from their anal glands.

Brown Water Snakes at a Glance

Distribution

Found at elevations up to 500 ft from sea level – the coastal plains and southeastern Piedmont, from southeastern Virginia, through both North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, to Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana in the west

Habitat

Permanent water bodies, often with flowing water, like rivers, streams, and canals, as well as lakes and large reservoirs

Nerodia taxispilota

Lifespan

Their average lifespan is around 9 years.

Predators

Adults do not have many predators due to their large size; raccoons, large birds of prey, American alligators, and larger snakes like cottonmouths and eastern kingsnakes may kill them, especially the juveniles

Diet

Primarily fish-eaters (piscivorous), with their diet mainly consisting of small catfish; may also eat crayfish, and small frogs and lizards

Brown Water Snake Picture

Reproduction

Ovoviviparous (females give birth to live young after the eggs hatch inside their body)

Baby Brown Water Snake

Their mating season starts in spring, and mating can occur on the ground or tree branches. The baby snakes are 7-10.5 inches (18-27 cm) long at birth, with males being longer than females. They have a coloration similar to that of the adults. A typical brood can contain anywhere between 20-60 babies.

Similar Species

Vs. Cottonmouth

The similarities in the body color and head shape of these two species often lead to misidentification between these two species. The most obvious difference would be the color of the inside of their mouths. Cottonmouths have a distinct white color inside their mouth, while brown water snakes have dark mouths.

Source

floridamuseum.ufl.edu, i.pinimg.com, animaldiversity.org, nas-national-prod.s3.amazonaws.com, scontent.fccu13-1.fna.fbcdn.net

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