Snake ID

[Molly Taco]

Can anyone Id this snake that camped outside my garage door last night? He left this AM when the sun warmed him up.
Cin

[desertgal]

No clue, I just hope he didn't head for the desert. I must admit that I am deathly afraid of snakes. Had a very bad experience when a 14 year old boy dropped one around me when I was 13 years old. He was trying to impress me, he did alright. And my dad made a real 'impression' on him.

Katie

[ABro]

It looks like some kind of moccosin(sp?) Although I am no herpetologists!(if that is even what snake people are called) When I see snakes that look like that by the water( like your house) I either kill them, or run!

[Diane]

It's hard to tell from pictures, but I agree with Aaron - it does look like a water moccasin. Water snakes are usually thinner, lighter. I wouldn't mess with him if he shows up again.

[Tmai]

I don't think it's poisonous; the head is the wrong shape (too narrow). It does look like a watersnake of some kind - there are quite a few FL varieties and many color variations. I'm not a snake person either, my guess is from a FL field guide.

BTW, Cin, another neat book it the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida. I covers everthing Florida from constellations seen to underwater. Mammals, butterflys, birds, trees, wildflowers, insects, corals, fish, shells, and, oh yes, snakes. Great pics (I hate drawings in a field guide) and good info in a small package. Good luck with your snake!

Note from the book's Southern Watersnake page: "Most have a dark stripe from the eye to the rear of the mouth. Dark brown bands."

[Piper]

Pulled out the ole' reptile field guide for this fella...

It's a Florida Water Snake. 24-42" Ranges from GA to southern FL. There are several color variations, all patterned similarly to yours.

McHerp

[Molly Taco]

Thanks McHerp, So of he is a water snake what the heck was he doing sleeping on my driveway??? Does he bite??? Is it a bad thing if he does????
Cin

[Diane]

Is being bitten by any animal a good thing?

[ABro]

As most Englewoodians would say......"I's sees me a fine belt thare!" I'm sorry that alot of you wont be able to appreciate my joke, but Cindy should deffinently understand

[Diane]

In So Cal they would say "EEEEKKK, Call the police! Call the Fire Department!!! - - - Say, could they make me a pair of slingbacks outta that thing?"