southern water snake
(Nerodia fasciata fasciata)
This species is Native to certain parts of the United States but may be invasive to others
Southern watersnake, Nerodia fasciata
Origin
Nerodia fasciata is native to the southeastern United States.
Life Cycle
Southern watersnakes are thick-bodied, aquatic snakes that can reach up to 5 feet in length. They have crossbands that run the entire length of the body and a dark stripe that extends from the eye to the corner of the mouth. Their undersides are marked with dark, square or triangular spots, sometimes with wavy cross lines. Southern watersnakes are not venomous, but when threatened, will strike repeatedly, and emit a foul-smelling musk mixed with feces. Southern watersnakes are solitary except for during the fall and spring. Female snakes give birth to litters of 4 up to 99 young per year. Males tend to be smaller than females. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small aquatic species.
Distribution
The southern watersnake has been introduced to areas in California and are currently established in Sacramento, Yolo, and Los Angeles counties, likely due to pet releases.
Control Efforts
CDFW is currently implementing eradication efforts. If you capture one please immediately kill it and report it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California prohibits the importation, transportation, or possession of all species of the genus Nerodia per C.C.R. Title 14, § 671.
Origin
Nerodia fasciata is native to the southeastern United States.
Life Cycle
Southern watersnakes are thick-bodied, aquatic snakes that can reach up to 5 feet in length. They have crossbands that run the entire length of the body and a dark stripe that extends from the eye to the corner of the mouth. Their undersides are marked with dark, square or triangular spots, sometimes with wavy cross lines. Southern watersnakes are not venomous, but when threatened, will strike repeatedly, and emit a foul-smelling musk mixed with feces. Southern watersnakes are solitary except for during the fall and spring. Female snakes give birth to litters of 4 up to 99 young per year. Males tend to be smaller than females. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small aquatic species.
Distribution
The southern watersnake has been introduced to areas in California and are currently established in Sacramento, Yolo, and Los Angeles counties, likely due to pet releases.
Control Efforts
CDFW is currently implementing eradication efforts. If you capture one please immediately kill it and report it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California prohibits the importation, transportation, or possession of all species of the genus Nerodia per C.C.R. Title 14, § 671.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
Taxonomic Rank
Error!
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.