Large, gravid, and very dark in color, this Brown Water Snake was seen at canal edge in South Florida.The eastern USA is fortunate in having several species and subspecies of the genus Nerodia Water Snakes, as residents. Most are feisty if frightened, many will bite if carelessly restrained, and all are harmless (nonvenomous). Sadly, no matter how dissimilar they may look, many, if not most, are confused by those people who see them, with the venomous Cottonmouths. One that is most apt to be misidentified, is the Brown Watersnake, Nerodia taxispilota. It is also one that catches many folks by surprise.

The Brown Watersnake is one of the larger species, occasionally attaining 5 feet in length and being of heavy body. The color is variable, being brightest and most precise on neonates (yes, this is a live-bearing genus). Adults usually have a very visible pattern of light-edged dark dorsal blotches that alternate with light-edged lateral blotches. Some adults are very dark in overall color, especially when about to enter the shedding cycle.

Overall, the water snakes are semi-aquatic, but most are primarily water lovers. The Brown Water Snake, Nerodia taxispilota, may be seen basking in various riveredge situations including high in trees overhanging the water. From these perches, if startled, this big snake may drop into the water or, as too often happens, drop and land in the fishing boat that startled it. Sadly, when this happens this nonvenomous snake is often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth and is summarily dispatched.

The light example seen here could probably be referred to as anerythristic (lacking red pigment)