Banded Water Snakes are non-venomous but may attack if they feel threatened. They are usually found in the bodies of water of North America, specifically in the Southern section of the country. This southern water snake belongs in the family of Colubridae and is mostly aquatic. It will not be uncommon for those who live in the Southeastern or the Midwest to encounter this animal. Last 2009, there was an incident wherein more than 300 banded water snakes had been caught in the suburban area of Los Angeles.
What is the Appearance of the Banded Water Snake?
The adult Banded Water Snake can grow at an average of 24-42 inches in length. The current longest record would be about 60 inches. They have thick bodies and are covered with red, brown, and black crossbands. The crossbands will gradually darken as the snake grows old. The color of their background can be reddish, tan, yellow, or gray. Their bellies will be light with a bunch of squarish spots. They have 21-25 dorsal scales at their midbody. They have a black stripe that runs from their eye to their jaw. The juveniles will have clearer crossbands and a pale background.
Where do Banded Water Snakes Live?
Since these snakes will not prey on other snakes, it will be perfectly fine for them to live alone or in groups. If you want to keep them as pets, you can create an aqua terrarium or woodland terrarium. They prefer a place with high humidity and will love to be in an aquatic area. Nonetheless, the basking part of your terrarium should be kept dry to prevent skin infection. In the wilds, you will often find them in the vegetated part of the ponds and lakes. You can also see them along the streams and canals. Typically, you can encounter them in freshwater habitats.
What is the Diet of Banded Water Snakes?
Banded water snakes will feed on a range of prey such as salamanders, tadpoles, frogs, and fish. It is not a constrictor; it basically just attacks its target and swallows them whole. They don’t eat much; they will typically go on a hunt after a couple of days. If you have a pet snake, be sure that you will give them a supply of fresh water, even on a shallow basin.
What is the Behavior of the Banded Water Snake?
Banded water snakes will often be found close to the area of aquatic habitats. They will be active at night and day. You may see them lying on the logs or hunting for small amphibians and fish in shallow waters. They are viviparous and will give birth to a young snake in July or August. They can deliver as much as 57 offspring during the summer season.
These snakes will usually crossbreed with the northern water snake, and it will not be easy to distinguish these two species. When they feel threatened, they will flatten their bodies that will make them appear more prominent. They can also emit a foul odor from their anal glands to discourage their attacker. When attacking the victim, they will bite sideways that will often tear the flesh of their prey.
Go back to the home page: Snakes of Indianapolis