Banded Water Snake
Nerodia fasciata
The banded water snake is a stout, nonvenomous snake of swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow streams across the southeastern United States. It hunts mostly in and around water, feeding on fish, frogs, tadpoles, and other small aquatic animals with quick jaw strikes. When threatened, it often flattens its body, bites readily, and releases a strong-smelling musk rather than relying on venom. Its dark crossbands help break up its outline among reeds, roots, and muddy shorelines.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- Banded Water Snake