Call today for a free quote!  866-437-8171
Common water snake on a white background - Keep snakes away from your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Common Water Snake

Actual Size: 3 to 4 feet long

Characteristics: Displays spots or bands of reddish-brown to light brown on a body that’s typically brown, gray, or black

Habitat: Thrives in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including streams located in suburban and urban environments.

Habits:

  • If captured, it may strike, bite, and emit musk as a defensive response.
  • Often spotted lounging on tree limbs that overhang the water.
  • Sometimes mistaken for venomous snakes such as water moccasins or cottonmouths.
  • Primarily feed on a diet of fish, frogs, tadpoles, small mammals, and other reptiles.

Common Water Snakes in Central Arkansas

The common watersnake thrives across Central Arkansas and is frequently found basking on logs and rocks. They often seek refuge in reservoirs and the limestone and granite gravel lining the river’s shore. Its diet consists mainly of fish and amphibians, with a preference for slower-moving fish. As these snakes grow to about 1 ½ feet in length, their dietary focus shifts from fish to larger prey such as frogs, salamanders, and toads.

Common Water Snakes Habitat

Common along large rivers, common water snakes are frequently sighted basking on tree limbs extending over the water. Active both day and night, they tirelessly search for prey on the lake or riverbed, meticulously searching beneath rocks, branches, and crevices for hidden prey. They prefer warm, shallow waters with permanent access to basking spots like rocky ledges, logs, and bridge piers. Their habitat encompasses urban and rural areas alike, and during the fall, they may venture away from water sources as they journey to hibernation sites.

Common Water Snakes Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Despite lacking venom, common water snakes are well-known for biting, warranting caution during any interactions. When feeling threatened, these snakes enlarge their jaws and flatten their heads to appear more intimidating. If caught, they resort to striking, biting, and emitting musk as defensive measures.

If you are having an issue with common water snakes on your property, it is best to consult a professional pest control company for removal.