Banded Water Snake -

The banded water snake ( Nerodia fasciata ) is a common, non-venomous reptile in the Southeastern US often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth due to its similar habitat and appearance. These aquatic snakes play a vital role in ecosystems by preying on fish and amphibians and, despite their defensive, sometimes aggressive behavior, are harmless if left alone. For a detailed breakdown of how to identify this species, visit Native Nurseries . Broad Banded Water Snake | Texdr's Blog