Page 18 - Arkansas Snake Guide

WATER SNAKES

SUZANNE COLLINS
Broad-banded Water Snake
Nerodia fasciata
Range Mississippi Delta and Coastal Plain; also found in
areas of eastern Ozark and Ouachita mountains.
Description Keeled scales. Body has 11-17 broad,
irregularly shaped dark brown, reddish brown or black
crossbands, separated by yellow, orange or yellowish gray.
Belly is yellow or cream-colored with large dark brown or
reddish-brown blotches. Young are patterned like adults,
but more brightly colored. Adults average 22-36 inches
in length.
Habitat and Habits A lowland water snake of swamps,
oxbow lakes, sloughs, ponds and sluggish streams. Active
late March-October. Breeds April-May and gives birth
to 7-40 young in July-August. It feeds on fish, frogs and
tadpoles. Like other water snakes, it basks on brush or
driftwood piles in or near water.
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