What is a Florida banded water snake?

The Florida banded water snake is a non-venomous snake found in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and marshes throughout Florida's Panhandle and northeast to South Carolina and west to southwestern Alabama. It has black, red or brown bands around its body which can be gray, tan, yellow or reddish.

The adult snake ranges in length from 24 to 42 inches with the record being 60 inches. It is mainly active at night but occasionally can be seen during the day sunning itself. The Florida banded water snake eats frogs, fish, crayfish, salamanders and tadpoles. It gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.