Brown watersnake, 10 June 2005

Brown watersnake (Nerodia taxispilota)
 Palm Island Park; Mt. Dora, Florida

A small and young Brown watersnake at Palm Island Park in Mt. Dora, Florida. These snakes are closely-related to the Diamondback watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) of Oklahoma -- but lack much of the Diamondback waternsnake's fiery temper. In my experience, the Brown watersnake has a fairly soft demeanor. Not overly reactive, not too hot headed when cornered. They're more likely to simply look for a way out of the situation.

I caught this individual just off the elevated dockwalk at Palm Island. The dockwalk runs for a bit over the water, just off shore. Brown watersnakes often like to bask in foliage overhanging water. This way they can easily slip into the water when threatened or disturbed.

 

Comments

[Linda]

There's no doubt about it--you have the best reptile and amphibian photos on the web!

[Janson]

Linda -- those are remarkably kind words! You flatter me! In all seriousness, thank you. It's been a difficult month and it's nice to hear such positive feedback.