Can you guess what this is?

[Smithers]

Ran across this little guy while at the park with my dogs today. The current was fast and so was he, but I managed 1 somewhat ok pic with my camera phone. I think it was a Watersnake of some kind, but the markings also looked like something from the Kingsnake family. Couldn't get close enough to see its eyes, but the head was the same size as the body and it looked to me like the nose pointed up a little bit. It was about 14" long and 1/2-5/8" thick. So what do you think?

I am no field herping pro, so I never try to pic up a snake unless I can 100% ID it. I had the chance to grab him, but would have most likely received a bite for my efforts and tannish/brown snakes with bands always make me think........ Copperhead? Even though I am pretty sure this one was non-poisonous.

[leoares27]

hmm, its really hard to see what that is...the snake and the water kind of blend
where are you from? that might help.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[BlackLava]

i *think* i see a little head, and bands on his body but im not sure

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Xeikeness]

I see the snake, but I'm no healp... My only guess would be a FWC... but I'd be wrong.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Icicle]

I honesty don't know. but looks like a brown water snake or Northern water snake or a midland water snake.

But too hard to tell from your picture.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Smithers]

Yeah, The picture is not so great. I live in Northern Georgia and this photo was taken on a waterway that is South Carolina on one side and Georgia on the other. I have not seen a snake like this in the wild and he kept going underwater and hiding under the rocks. I am pretty sure there were small bits of white coloring where each band met his body. A very pretty snake indeed, but it was moving so fast, I could not make a definite call on what type it was. So I did not try to get it out of the water for a better picture. The nose looked somewhat like a hoggie because it kinda pointed upwards.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Zombi-Hed]

I'd guess Scarlet Snake Based on the picture and your description.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Vinny]

Well i do not beleive that Hog Nose Snakes hide under water, Im not positive though. Very intresting, my best guess would be to go to that same location and if your lucky you might see another one. Thanks for sharing...

-Vinny

	Hog Island Boa hogg

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Vinny]

ZombeHead, I didnt even think of that. It could very well be a Scarlet..

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[morti]

That appears to be a Northern watersnake. It could very well be a hybrid between a couple of different species in that area too.

It is NOT a scarlet snake, and it does not appear to be a hog nose, although I cannot rule that out 100% without a much better pic.

	Hog Island Boa hogg

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Vinny]

I took another look at the pic, and it is to hard to tell just by the photo. Im guessing some species of water snake. Since you were saying it was going under the rocks under water. I doubt it's a Northern Water Sanke due to the location, But a Colubrid Hybrid could make sence.

-Vinny

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Smithers]

Yeah, I went back to that area again this weekend and caught 2 water snakes, they were not as good looking as the one I got a pic of though. I also ran across a dead water snake that was the biggest I have ever seen, it was a shame he was dead, he was about 3 feet long and surprisingly thick. I will be going back again to try to find this guy again.

There were lots of sheds floating in the water, I counted at least 6, so this will probably be a good herping spot for me this summer

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[96Blacksunshine]

Thats too bad the big one was dead. Ive managed to see 6 different snakes in 2 days and not one single shed. I figured if anything I would find sheds but no snakes. Good finds.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[tokaysrnice]

I agree with Morti.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[Vinny]

Goodluck herping their Smithers!! Make sure you post pic's when you find something!!

-Vinny

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters