Brown Watersnake

Nerodia taxispilota

Safety note: Bites readily

The Brown Watersnake is a large, heavy-bodied aquatic snake that basks prominently in trees overhanging rivers. When disturbed it drops into the water. Frequently misidentified as a cottonmouth.

Habitat

Large rivers, swamps, and reservoirs in the Southeast

Diet

Primarily catfish and other slow-moving fish

How common

Common

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