The Banded Water Snake, like all aquatic snakes, is thicker than average.

DESCRIPTION: A brown water snake, fairly thick, white bottom, white mouth.

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A Banded Water snake is commonly referred to as a Southern Water snake. These snakes are nonvenomous and are found near water. They are found in most habitats that have freshwater such as swamps, ponds, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. Because they reside near the water, they are often killed as they are confused with the venomous Cottonmouth. However, there are distinct differences between them. The Cottonmouth snake has a head that is triangular shaped and a vertical pupil. The Banded Water snake is usually gray, or gray with a greenish hue or are brown and have a cross banding. Their heads are flat and they are usually more full bodied than the Cottonmouth.

The Banded Water snake feeds on live or dead fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals. These snakes are more active during the evening during humid weather than during the day. Water snakes are able to be kept as a pet because lunging while they are swimming provides them with limited distance to strike.

These snakes are generally nervous and are able to be aggressive when first handled. When they are picked up, they will usually smear a foul smelling odor on the handling as a way to defend themselves. Sometimes, the more he snake is handled, the less they will use the odor mechanism for defense. Some Banded Water snakes may even accept food out of your hand after it becomes used to your gentle handling. However, other Banded Water snakes will always emit their odorous musk or bite.

These types of snakes are Ovoviviparity. This means that instead of laying eggs and waiting for them to hatch, the embryos develop within the egg and the eggs remain inside the mother until they are ready to hatch. Usually, this reptile will have 25 babies.

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Running a wildlife removal business in the state of Florida gives me the chance to see all kinds of interesting snakes! Florida has about 45 species of snake, and I've seen 29 of them so far. I've always got my eye out for new species, and I love spotting rare snakes in Florida. I also have a thing for venomous snakes - they're not too common in FL, so I always enjoy the chance to see a poisonous serpent. I really like snakes, and I've never hurt or killed one. They're an important part of the ecosystem, and often persecuted. Still, if you don't want snakes in your house or on your property, and judging from the number of phone calls I receive regarding snake problems, you don't, then give me or a local snake expert in your area a call, and we can remove the snakes from your property for you. I use many snake control methods - from snake traps, to snake repellents, to habitat modification, but most of all, good old-fashioned capture and removal. If you want to learn more, please read my How To Get Rid of Snakes page.

AAAnimal Control is a privately owned wildlife removal and pest control business, located in Orlando Florida. I deal strictly with wild animals including snakes inside houses. I am not an extermination company, but a critter removal and control specialist. The above photos are some of the many that I've taken in the field over my years of work. Please email me if you have any questions about the above photographs, or any questions about wildlife problems or Florida snake removal issues.

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Wildlife Photographs by David     Email me with questions: david@aaanimalcontrol.com     Residential & Commercial     Licensed & Insured