Banded Water Snake

Banded Water Snake (Nerodia fasciata):  A snake with a faint banded pattern over a dark background of black, brown, or reddish.  Sometimes called  "water bandits", these are very abundant snakes in this area, occurring in grassy ditches, swamps, ponds, streams, and rivers.  They swim well and often dive underwater.  Frogs and fish are their primary prey.  These snakes are ill-tempered and bite if handled.