Species Reptiles & AmphibiansBrown Watersnake

Brown Watersnake

Nerodia taxispilota

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of 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

Best time to see a Brown Watersnake

The best time to see a Brown Watersnake is January–May, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,549 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Brown Watersnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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