A small non-venomous snake adapted to saltwater habitats — among very few snakes that can tolerate seawater. Variable striped or banded patterns.

Native status: Native to Gulf Coast

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 40–80 cm
Weight100–300 g
LifespanWild 7–10 years
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

Nerodia clarkii, commonly known as the salt marsh snake or the saltmarsh watersnake, is a species of semi-aquatic, nonvenomous, colubrid snake found in the southeastern United States. Their range extends along the tidal salt marshes of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Coast from Texas to Florida, with an additional population in northern Cuba. The three subspecies of this snake are primarily distinguished by color pattern and geographic range.

Source: Wikipedia — Nerodia clarkii Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky medium snake; brown or tan with darker dorsal stripes or bands; aquatic habits.

Similar species. Other Nerodia water snakes. Banded Water Snake (range overlap).

Voice. Hisses.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Specialized salt-marsh snake of Gulf Coast. Tolerates brackish water. Population declines documented for some subspecies; state-protected in multiple Gulf states.

§ Range

Gulf Coast salt marshes

§ Habitat

Salt marshes, mangroves

§ Threats

Habitat loss, sea-level rise, persecution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the saltmarsh snake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support coastal marsh conservation. Don't kill snakes.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2007