Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This snake was caught in my house in South East Texas, it must have dropped in unannounced to visit my ball pythons. I believe its some sort of kingsnake but unsure. It looked almost black when I caught it but now it seems to be kinda brownish/charcoal color. He let off a real musky smell when I cornered him. I know the picture isnt the best but Im not about to open the container he's in until he settles down. I will release him in the woods tomorrow just curious as to what he is. Thanks for any and all help.

Hard to tell from the pic, but it looks more like a water snake to me. Probably a Plainbelly or Broad-Banded water snake, possibly a Diamondback water snake, but hard to be precise without being able to clearly see the dorsal pattern (if any).
-----
MichaelB

Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster. You found it in your house? That’s pretty funny; most of us have to go a little farther afield to find wild herps. You don’t have frogs (their favorite food) hopping around in your house, do you? Anyway, you got off easy if all it did was musk you. Maybe you should consider making room for another snake besides that ball python.

I thought I saw some markings on that snake?..maybe a blotched? Probably a yellowbelly. Either way, its an interesting species to find in your house. All the water snakes i've encountered were quick to repeatedly bite me, and boy does a water snake bite hurt, and bleed! They have anti-coagulent saliva.
-Mike

Thanks for the help he is indeed a yellow bellied water snake. I found that the dryer vent hose was diconnected from the wall and that is probably where he entered the house.I also just remebered that with the rain we had a few days ago my yard has seen an increase in frogs & toads. I will release him later today. Thanks again guys!!