A large, nonvenomous snake endemic to the southeastern United States, most often found in rivers and streams. Brown water snakes have several rows of strongly-keeled, dark brown dorsal scales spanning from head to tail that are suitable for swimming, and ventral scales that are a much lighter shade of brown. Their heads are very wide (relative to their necks) with a pair of eyes and nostrils located abnormally high on their heads, providing a tactical advantage while swimming. The triangular shape of brown water snakes’ heads gives them a similar appearance to venomous snakes indigenous to the same regions.
Primarily piscivorous feeding on small fish, has been known to feed on small lizards, turtles, crayfish, frogs, and other snakes when prey is scarce.
Brown water snakes are baskers and are largely inactive during the day. They are often found sunbathing on branches hanging over the water to regulate their body temperatures. They are strong swimmers and are capable of diving for prey. When threatened, their two instinctive responses are to attack or drop off of the branches into the water to escape. Males and females are solitary, only interacting when mating.
Least Concern
