A local that easily gets confused with the toxic viper Cottonmouth. However these snakes are not poisonous. Might hurt if they bite, but that’s it.

I always look at the head first to check if it has a clear triangle shape. No triangle, you’re good.

An adult will grow to around 48+ inches (1.5 meters), big enough for me. There are several types of water snakes, this species is a coastal inhabitant.


It’s pretty hard to go into a swamp and not see one of these, if you’re looking.
Four Hole Swamp, South Carolina.
Please read the comments below for new… and better, I on these snakes. 😁