Thread: Snake ! Chowan River 4th of July

It's really hard to tell them apart, but I'd guess it's a banded water snake; a cottonmouth that long would be mature and black. Also, cottonmouths are (usually) more short and stumpy than banded water snakes. However, the banded water snakes, while not poisonous, are aggressive and will bite.

Originally Posted by MaggiesMaster

It's really hard to tell them apart, but I'd guess it's a banded water snake; a cottonmouth that long would be mature and black. Also, cottonmouths are (usually) more short and stumpy than banded water snakes. However, the banded water snakes, while not poisonous, are aggressive and will bite.

I was thinking the same thing. Not saying it couldn't be but from the picture I would say it was a Banded Water snake.