Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First I must say: I did not try to post the blurriest photo in kingsnake.com history; I'm just working with what I've been given.

This was taken this Memorial Day weekend on a large lake in central Alabama. Working on the assumption that this is an actual photo of a real snake and not some sort of abstract painting, I feel certain that it is a Midland Water Snake. But I have to wonder if my ID is contaminated by the knowledge that Nerodia sipedon pleuralis is far and away the most common snake on this particular body of water.

Does anyone see anything I might be missing?

...But I can't help with the identification, unfortunately.

-----
- Natalie
(San Francisco Bay Area)

1.0 Banded California King
1.0 Mexican Black King
1.0 Bay of LA Rosy Boa
0.1 San Ignacio Rosy Boa
0.1 Ortiz Rosy Boa
2.3 Kenyan Sand Boas
0.1 Saharan Sand Boa
1.2 Rubber Boas
0.1 Pickering's Gartersnake

I "think" I can JUST barely make out a reddish coloration on the neck, and possibly a little on the ventrals under the water as well. And it also looks to be a solid brownish gray, so I would say it's a Red-Bellied Water Snake(Nerodia e. erythrogaster)

best regards, ~Doug
-----
"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Unfortunately, with the same sizing issues that I can't seem to overcome. (maybe buying the Fisher-Price brand computer wasn't such a great idea after all... but it IS a step up from the Etch-A-Sketch brand I had before.)

I've included a link to the picture; in this one, the bands are much more evident.
Better pictuer (as if there was one that could be worse)

That is much better, and changes things altogether!.....forget about the previous ID,...that's definitely a Banded Water Snake(Nerodia fasciata fasciata), they are totally harmless, but are somewhat notorious for biting and musking at times.

best regards, ~Doug
-----
"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Yes it is a harmless water snake, but its not a banded..Its actualy a midland water snake..So you were correct at first.

I agree,Midland watersnake.Where was the pic taken?
Trey

Sorry,I just noticed that it was found in central Alabama.

Yes,....although very similar looking, I guess fasciata really would tend to be further south in the coastal areas. So I'm inclined to agree with your ID about it being a Midland.

~Doug
-----
"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"