Understanding Water Snakes

Water snakes are some of nature’s most captivating dwellers, gliding through streams and lakes like they own the joint. If you’re ever out by the water wondering, “Is that one of those slithery critters friendly or foe?” then here’s the lowdown.

Types of Water Snakes

We’re talking about a wide family here, each with its quirks and habits. Water snakes usually fall into two camps: ones that just want to hang and those that pack a punch.

Non-Venomous Water Snakes

These fellas are all about keeping the peace with folks like us. Hailing from the genus Nerodia, these guys include species like the Northern Water Snake, Banded Water Snake, Plain-bellied Water Snake, Green Water Snake, and Brown Water Snake. They take their jobs seriously, snacking on fish and frogs to keep the balance.

Species	Bites You?	Hangout Spot
Northern Water Snake	Nope	Freshwater
Banded Water Snake	Nope	Swamps
Plain-bellied Water Snake	Nope	Lakes
Green Water Snake	Nope	Marshes
Brown Water Snake	Nope	Rivers

Venomous Water Snakes

Watch out for the Water Moccasin, or the Cottonmouth, they’re the rockstars of the venomous crew. With their thick bodies and stubby tails, they’re easy to spot if you know what to look for (check out UF Wildlife for more).

Species	Bites You?	Hangout Spot
Water Moccasin	Oh yes	Wetlands

Characteristics of Water Snakes

Getting to know these snakes’ traits can save you from a world of hurt (or unnecessary panic). Here’s a breakdown of what makes them tick.

Physical Characteristics

1. Body Shape:

• Water Moccasins puff up like they’ve been to the gym all year, while their tails are nothing to write home about (UF Wildlife).
• Non-venomous snakes have got those slender, runway-ready figures and sleek tails.

1. Color and Pattern:

• Moccasins sport a moodier, dark vibe that blends with their swampy homes.
• Nerodia snakes? They strut their stuff with flashy patterns and colors, showing off like proud peacocks.

Behavior

• Defensive Mechanisms:
  The non-biting types might give you a nip if you push their buttons—but it’s like a mosquito bite compared to a Water Moccasin’s fang marks. They’re armed and not afraid to use it (Quora).

• Habitat Preferences:
  Water’s their jam, whether it’s rivers, lakes, or a boggy swamp. They’ll be chilling anywhere it’s wet. Curious about their digs? Visit our water snake habitat.

• Feeding Habits:
  These smooth operators catch dinner with teeth made for the job. Fish and amphibians best beware. For a closer look at their menu, check out water snake diet.

Want to become a snake-spotting pro? Check out our water snake identification guide and see who wins in the showdown of water snakes vs sea snakes. Knowing your snakes means less stress and more storytelling down at the dock.

Differentiating Venomous from Non-Venomous

If you’ve ever wondered, “do water snakes bite humans?” you’ve gotta know the difference between venomous and non-venomous water snakes. This can make unexpected snake hangouts a whole lot safer.

Identifying Water Moccasins

The North American Water Moccasin, also known as the Cottonmouth, has the title of being the only venomous water snake in the US. Spotting these can keep you out of tricky spots.

1. Body Build: Water Moccasins pack a punch with their stout bodies and short, thick tails. In contrast, non-venomous types look like they’ve been hitting the snake gym a little less.

2. Head Shape: Watch out for those big, blocky heads and skinny necks. Harmless snakes have more regular-shaped noggins without the dramatic neck pinch.

3. Eyes and More: Venomous pit vipers, including Water Moccasins, sport a unique pit between their eye and nostril that acts like a thermal sensor. Triangular heads are a thing, but not all with this shape are dangerous.

Keep your distance if a snake seems to tick these boxes. Safety first, folks!

Differentiating Harmless Watersnakes

Most water snakes are just putting on a show. Even though they’re not poisonous, they might still take a nip if bothered, so it’s good to know who’s who in the snake world.

1. Body Build: These non-venomous guys are more streamlined with tails that go the distance.

2. Head Shape: They boast narrow heads and lack the dramatic neck-to-head ratio you’d see in a Water Moccasin.

3. Copycat Behavior: They’re like the David Blaine of the snake world—mimicking venomous snakes to put off predators. But even these acts can lead to a quick bite if they feel threatened.

Feature	Water Moccasins (Venomous)	Harmless Watersnakes (Non-Venomous)
Body Build	Sturdy, thick with short tails	Slim, with lengthy tails
Head Shape	Large, blocky heads and pinched necks	Narrow heads with smoother transitions
Eye Stuff	Has a heat-sensing pit	No fancy pits

Telling a venomous water snake from a harmless one could be the difference between a nice nature stroll and a trip to the ER. Always give snakes the respect they deserve, and check out our water snake identification guide for more info.

Curious about where these slithery fellas chill? Check out the water snake habitat and see the types of water snakes out there in the wild.

Behavior and Bite Risks

Defense Mechanisms of Water Snakes

Water snakes have their own bag of tricks when danger looms. One trick up their scaly sleeves is the sneaky tactic of body flattening. Friendly types like harmless water snakes will squish themselves flat and widen those heads to look bigger and meaner (UF Wildlife). Think of it like a bluff at the poker table: It often scares off other animals, even humans, from getting too nosy.

Now, let’s talk about their more formidable cousins, the venomous water moccasins, a.k.a cottonmouths. These bad boys have quite a repertoire when it comes to self-defense. Their trick? Throw that head up high and crack open those mouths as if to say, “Check out this pearly white interior! Are you sure you wanna mess with that?” Throw in a pungent whiff of musk, and their “keep away” message is crystal clear.

Defensive Trick	What They Do
Body Flattening	Harmless types broaden themselves to seem bigger.
Raised Head	Moccasins lift up and show their white mouths.
Musky Warning	A special odor used by moccasins to say “stay back.”

Risks of Getting Bitten

Now, onto the kinds of bites you might encounter if you’re not careful. The bite’s bark can be very different depending on whether it’s from a venomous snake or its more amiable cousin. With the venomous types, you might be looking at a risky situation that calls for a trip to the ER pronto. Even non-venomous nibbles can mess with you, possibly causing infections or allergic reactions (Healthline).

Those venomous water moccasins love calling the southeastern U.S. their home, especially near water. They’re not typically looking for a fight but will happily stand their ground if they must. If they do bite, you might experience pain, swelling, and a not-so-fun collection of other symptoms like bleeding or tissue damage.

Snake Squad	Bite Potential	What to Expect
Harmless Watersnakes	Minor risk, but watch for infection	Mild discomfort, infection risk
Water Moccasins (Venomous)	Serious risk, seek help fast	Intense pain, swelling, bruising, tiredness, breathing trouble, queasiness, low blood pressure

Remember, keeping a respectful space between you and any water snake is the name of the game. And if fate decides you’re a snack, get checked out by a healthcare professional ASAP. For tips on steering clear of these critters and their bites, pop on over to our guide on how to avoid water snake bites.

Impact of Water Snake Bites

Symptoms of Water Snake Bites

Getting bitten by a water snake can be a mixed bag, determined by the snake type—venomous or not. Look out for these tell-tale signs:

Non-Venomous Water Snakes:

• Ouch! Pain and swelling where you were bitten
• Some redness and a bit of blood
• Watch out for infection

Venomous Water Snakes (think Water Moccasin):

• Serious pain—think 11 out of 10
• Swelling and funny colors
• Feeling wiped out and weak
• Breathing gets a bit tough
• That queasy, pukey feeling
• Blood pressure nosedives
• Blood oozing from the bite
• Flesh damage (Healthline)

Getting chomped by a venomous friend like a water moccasin? Don’t wait. Haul it to the doc right away (Northwest Exterminating).

Symptom	Non-Venomous Bite	Venomous Bite
Pain	Moderate	Severe
Swelling	Localized	Extensive
Bleeding	Minimal	Serious
Discoloration	Rare	Likely
Weakness	Nope	Yes
Breathing Issues	Nope	Maybe
Nausea	Nope	Could be
Low Blood Pressure	Nope	Could be

Immediate Actions After a Bite

Know what to do when a water snake decides you’re lunch. Quick moves can keep things from getting worse. Here’s the play-by-play:

1. Chill Out: Freaking out helps no one; keep it mellow to slow that venom.
2. Get Moving: Put distance between you and the snake.
3. Hold Steady: Keep the bitten limb level with your heart.
4. Clean Up: Rinse and soap that bite, but don’t go overboard on scrubbing.
5. Cover It: Find a cloth or bandage and slap it on the bite.
6. Find Help: Call in the pros—get to the hospital quick (Healthline).

Venomous, like the water moccasin? Let the experts know what bit you for the right fix. Forget the TV tricks—sucking out venom or a tourniquet isn’t the move. Medical help should be the priority.

Check out our other stuff on steering clear of water snake bites here and getting the scoop on these slithery critters here.

Safety First

Dodging Water Snake Nibbles

Hanging out near lakes or rivers? Watch out for water snakes and those occasional nibbles.

1. Stick to the Path: Walk on clear pathways and skip the tall grass where sneaky snakes might hang out.
2. Wear the Right Gear: Protect yourself with long pants and sturdy boots. They’ll help keep your feet safe.
3. Stay Alert: Keep your eyes peeled, especially near water where snakes like to chill.
4. Keep Your Hands to Yourself: Even the harmless snakes can get cranky and bite, so it’s best to admire them from a distance.
5. Get to Know Your Snakes: Learn which water snakes are friendly and which ones aren’t (water snake identification guide).

Need more tips? Check out our guide on avoiding snake bites right here.

Facing the Serpent

Caught a glimpse of a slithering friend? Here’s how to keep cool and carry on:

1. Chill Out: Quick moves can freak out a snake, so stay calm to keep things mellow.
2. Back Off Slowly: Ease away, no sharp turns or sudden dashes. Water snakes usually aren’t aggressive unless provoked.
3. Hands Off: Skip the selfies and definitely don’t touch or taunt. Even harmless snakes might pretend to be scary (UF Wildlife).
4. Call the Snake Busters: Spot a snake that shouldn’t be indoors? Ring up the pros for a rescue (Northwest Exterminating).

Curious about how snakes act when scared? Learn more about their behavior on this page.

Everyday Snake Situations

What’s Happening	What You Do
Walking near a pond	Stay on the trail, wear boots
Snake sighting nearby	Keep calm, back off steadily
Unwanted houseguest snake	Call the pest pros
Campout by the water	Pitch your tent away from the water, clear the area around your camp

Following these tips can help you avoid unwanted snake encounters, making your outdoor adventure much safer. For more snake smarts, check out our resources on are water snakes aggressive and where water snakes like to hang out.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’ve got a slithery guest in your backyard and it’s making you uneasy, it might be time to call in the pros. Whether they’re scaring the bejeezus out of you or not, water snakes can be safely managed with a bit of expert help. Let’s chat about safely getting ’em out of your hair and who to call when they overstay their welcome.

Removal and Relocation Procedures

If you come across a water snake where it shouldn’t be, leave it to the experts. Most folks don’t have snake-catchin’ on their resume, and with the potential presence of a poisonous critter like the water moccasin, it’s better safe than sorry. These professionals know their stuff and here’s how they typically roll:

• Assessment: First, they identify what type of snake they’re dealing with and check out the lay of the land to make sure everyone’s going to be safe.
• Capture: Using tools that look a bit like something from Ghostbusters, they gently collect the snake without causing harm to it or to themselves.
• Relocation: Finally, they take the snake on a little field trip back to its natural hangout far from your back porch or pool.

Curious about what kind of snake has been haunting your thoughts? Swing by our water snake identification guide for some sleuthing tips.

Pest Control Assistance

When the snake situation escalates or if you just don’t wanna deal with snakes playing peek-a-boo in your utility room, pest control companies are your go-to folks. They’re handy with all sorts of critter removals, snakes included. Their playbook generally looks like this:

• Inspection: They’ll scope out the place, finding where the snake is and figuring out how it snuck in.
• Exclusion: Got holes or cozy spots where snakes might want to take up residence? They’ll block ’em off and make sure your home stops being a snake motel.
• Monitoring: They’ll help you keep an eye out, giving advice to make sure your place stays snake-free.

Pest control doesn’t just stop with snatch-and-grab—they help you lay down the groundwork so snakes stop seeing your home as a five-star resort. For even more clever ways to sidestep snake bites, check out our savvy tips at our place on how to avoid water snake bites.

By keeping cool and calling in the right folks, you can handle these slithery shenanigans with ease, keeping both you and the snakes out of harm’s way. Want to know more about snake habits or how to ID ’em? Check out our pages on common water snake species or take a gander at the northern water snake.