Arkansas is home to diverse wildlife and there are numerous water snakes that you are going to find here. The snakes in the region vary depending on the area that they inhabit and these may include lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands.
The water snake species that you are going to find in this region are what are commonly called true water snakes. Most of these snakes are usually nonvenomous. They have distinct colorations and behaviors affected by their habitat preferences. Here are the top water snakes in the state of Arkansas.
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Northern Water Snake
This is a water snake species that you are going to find in different habitats around Arkansas. This water snake is common in different waterbodies such as lakes, ponds, swamps, streams, and slow-moving waters.
They usually come in brown color and you can find them with dark blotches on the body. These snakes usually have a lighter belly.
Northern water snakes are very active during the day. These snakes feed on several animals, ranging from frogs, toads, lizards, and salamanders. They are not venomous; however, you should watch out for them because they can be very dangerous and attack when they feel cornered.
Learn more: Black Snakes in Arkansas
The northern water snakes are known to grow up to 42 inches long and the females are usually longer than their male counterparts.
Graham’s Crayfish Snake
Graham’s crayfish snake is one of the species that you are going to find in the state of Arkansas and they are found in different regions around the state. They can grow up to 28 inches long and they come in different colors such as gray, brown, and yellowish brown.
These snakes usually have yellow stripes on the sides. They are very reclusive water snakes. These crayfish snakes are found in slow-moving water bodies.
Midland Water Snake
The midland water snakes are some of the most unique species that you are going to find roaming in different parts of the state of Arkansas. These snakes usually grow up to 50 inches in length. They come in different colors such as tan, black, or grey. They usually have crossbands and square blotches.
These are the most common water snakes in the state of Arkansas. They prefer standing waters or slow-moving water such as streams and pools. There is a high chance that you will find them near the water basking in the sun or on the rocks.
Learn more: Dangerous animals in Arkansas
Whenever these snakes are disturbed then they are likely to bite. Even though they might escape at times they do not like to be interfered with, especially when they are in their own habitat. The saliva from the midland water snake has a mild anticoagulant that when they bite it becomes difficult for blood to clot.
Diamondback Water Snake
The diamondback water snake is one of the common species that you are going to find in Arkansas. They have been given this name because of the diamond-shaped markings on their body. These markings are usually more prominent in younger snakes than the elder ones.
These snakes can grow up to 5 feet long and they are very aggressive especially when they feel threatened. They are the largest nonvenomous snakes in Arkansas.
They usually exhibit defensive behaviors whenever you interfere with their habitat. You will find them in a wide array of areas ranging from rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. They diet consists of toads, frogs, newts, lizards, and salamanders.
Mississippi Green Water Snake
The Mississippi green water snake is another common species that you are going to find thriving in different parts of Arkansas. They are found in different slow-moving rivers and water bodies across the state such as rivers, swamps, lakes, and other water bodies.
They are known to consume a wide array of creatures in the region ranging from frogs, fish, toads, and other small prey. It is important to note that these snakes usually have a common perception of defending their territory therefore if you interfere with their habitats then they are likely to attack you.
These snakes usually grow up to 4 feet long and they have distinct green coloration and their sides are cream colored. These snakes consume different species such as toads, frogs, lizards, and salamanders.
Yellow-bellied Water Snake
The yellow-bellied water snake is a common species that you are going to find in Arkansas. They are found in different water bodies around the state and they usually come in different colors such as grayish brown and brown. They have yellow bellies, hence the naming.
These snakes usually prefer slow-moving waters and therefore you are going to find them in streams, rivers, ponds, and vernal pools. They usually hunt for fish, toads, frogs, and lizards. They are very active during the day.
Queen Snake
The queen snake is one of the water snakes that you are going to find in the natural habitat of the state of Arkansas. These snakes are unique because they are known to grow up to 36 inches in length and their colors vary depending on the location.
They usually come in colors such as brown and olive green. They have lighter stripes that run on the sides. The underbellies of this snake are tan and yellow and have four dark stripes which run through the length of their belies.
These snakes are known to prefer slow-moving waters and they are found in streams, rivers and ponds. Since they are usually prone to water loss and therefore, they should stay closer to the water bodies. They are diurnal creatures then they are likely to find them both during the day and at night.
They often hide under rocks and at the edges of the streams. They are specialist predators and they will usually feed on crayfish. You will also find them consuming smaller creatures such as tadpoles, frogs, and toads.
Plain-bellied Water Snakes
The plain-bellied water snakes are some of the common species that you are going to find in different parts of Arkansas. They are found in slow-moving waters such as ponds, rivers, swamps, and ponds.
These snakes are characterized by their dark colors and they have plain bellies as the name indicates. The plain-bellied snakes are some of the most unique species that are known to be excellent swimmers and they can even climb trees.
It is therefore critical that if you are on the waterbodies in the area then you should watch out for them because there are cases of these snakes falling from the trees to boats on the rivers. They are nonvenomous, however, whenever they bite, they are likely to transfer harmful bacteria to your body thereby causing severe infections.
Northern Cottonmouth
The northern cottonmouth snake is known to grow up to 35 inches and you will find that the females are typically smaller than the males. These snakes are known to come in different colors that range from black to tan and they are broadhead species with heat-sensing pits between the nostrils and the eyes.
The northern cottonmouth snakes come with tan, gray, brown, and blackish colors. They are the most dangerous species that you will find in the region because they are very venomous.
You will find these snakes in ponds, swamps, and slow-moving water bodies across the state. They usually consume smaller creatures such as turtles, alligators, toads, frogs, and tadpoles.
Broad Banded Water Snake
This is another species that you are going to find in the state of Arkansas and they are usually called the southern water snake in some regions. They are found in different waterbodies such as rivers, swamps, lakes, and even in pools.
The broad-banded water snake are large water species and they can grow up to 4 feet long. These snakes usually come in different colors depending on the region.
Some of the most common colors are brown, gray, tan, and dark brown and they have black or brown bands.
While they are nonvenomous, it is important to understand that these snakes can be territorial. When you interfere with their habitat then they are likely to attack you. They consume frogs, toads, lizards, and salamanders.
