The brown watersnake is a large snake with dark brown, squarish blotches running down the center of its lighter brown back. This species has alternating rows of square blotches that run along its sides, thus resulting in somewhat of a checkerboard appearance. The belly coloration is variable but is usually a mottled brown color. The eyes and nostrils are situated near the top of the head making it easier for this snake to breath and see at the water's surface.
Ten Facts about Brown Water Snake
- These snakes are commonly found during the daytime basking on tree branches.
- The brown watersnake feeds primarily on catfish and is sometimes found with the spines of catfish sticking out its body walls.
- Brown watersnakes are primarily found in rivers or large streams in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina; however, they do extend into the Piedmont along large river systems.
- This species breeds from April to May, and females give birth to 15-50 young during late summer or early fall.
- When captured, these snakes, like other watersnakes, will bite repeatedly and emit a nasty smelling musk from their anal glands.
- Female brown watersnakes grow longer and much heavier than males. Although nonvenomous, the bite of a large, female brown watersnake can be quite painful.
- Commonly found in rivers, cypress strands, sawgrass prairies, swamps, lakes, ponds, canals, and flooded stands of melaleuca.
- It is not a venomous snake.
- Predators include birds, other snakes, foxes, & other mammals.
- Life span is about 25-30 years.
