Southern Water Snake

This snake can be seen basking during the day, but it hunts mainly at night.  Because it is seen in and around water it is often mistaken for a cottonmouth or water moccasin despite the fact that the two don't look that similar.

While this snake is not venomous if captured it will strike repeatedly and smear its attacker with foul-smelling musk and feces.

HABITATPonds, lakes, marshes, streams, rivers, swamps
DIETFish, frogs, salamanders, aquatic invertebrates
LIFE Expectancy10 years