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
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