That appears to be a blotched water snake, N. erythrogaster transversa..to my mind, without a doubt. However, according to the range map I have, they occur in eastern NC, throughout most of SC, but supposedly not in sw NC. I'd still say that's what it is, though, 'cause they don't read range maps & follow them all that well. Good luck trying to raise it on rodents. Fish & amphibs will probably be all it will eat. During the Spring, you can gather up tadpoles..he'll go crazy thanking you.

If you can't find fish small enough, cut pieces of bigger fish. One rainbow trout ought to keep him going for a long time.

~~Greg~~

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