Discover the Largest Brazos Water Snake Ever Recorded

The Brazos water snake, Nerodia harteri, is endemic to a single location in the United States. It thrives in the Brazos River basin of Texas, where there is an abundance of food, camouflage, and nesting space. This rare species of snake is found only in a specific area, which is why the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code provides such thorough protection. While it’s illegal to kill these snakes, their size gives them quite a reputation with swimmers. The largest Brazos water snake ever recorded is likely bigger than you think.

The Unique Lifestyle of the Brazos Water Snake

Unlike many other water snakes, the Brazos water snake is not a fan of dense vegetation. This snake prefers riverbeds that are free of “clutter.” This makes the Brazos River basin the ideal habitat for them. Its riverbed has just enough vegetation to provide cover, but it is still easy for the snake to navigate. Unlike some other water snakes, you won’t find Brazos water snakes hanging from trees. Brazos water snakes prefer low-lying crevices, such as rocky outcroppings and flat surfaces, where they can coil up. They also prefer fast-moving water, whereas other species of water snake are more commonly found in still water. Their lean, agile bodies make them excellent swimmers and allow them to move stealthily through the water.

These snakes tend to gather in shallow water, where they can feed, hide, and rest. Rocky pools or low river tides provide the best environment for these water-loving snakes. Their diet consists primarily of fish, but they also eat crayfish, salamanders, and frogs. They must maintain a proximity to the water, as their food sources are entirely aquatic. However, this often puts them in close range of humans who visit the Brazos River basin.

How Dangerous is the Brazos Water Snake?

Despite its intimidating size, the Brazos water snake isn’t dangerous, but it is considered vulnerable by conservationists. Its current status is “threatened,” meaning it’s one of four Brazos River species on the wildlife watchlist. Its role in the Brazos River basin is essential to the food chain, making it more helpful than harmful. According to Brazos River Authority Environmental and Compliance Manager Tiffany Malzahn, not all snakes are considered “bad.” In an interview, she stated, “The mentality, ‘The only good snake is a dead snake,’ is a dangerous and dumb one.” This snake is not known for its aggression and has proven to be docile around humans.

The Brazos water snake is active during the day but poses no threat to nearby humans. Bites from this snake are rare. It’s more likely that the snake will escape and hide before coming face-to-face with a potential threat. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine, the snake typically flees toward the water, away from possible threats. For those worried about stumbling on a Brazos water snake, being familiar with its appearance can help. While it can be mistaken for a cottonmouth, there are some stark differences: the alternating olive and brown spots on its back, its rounded head, and round (as opposed to slitted) pupils. Being able to distinguish this harmless snake from a highly venomous one can mean the difference between life and death for this beneficial reptile.

The Largest Bezos Water Snake Ever Recorded

Typically, the Brazos water snake reaches a length of two feet. This may not sound very large for a water snake, but there have been reports of snakes that reach 32 inches in length. That’s a foot longer than the average Brazos water snake and would, understandably, be intimidating to encounter while swimming. Even so, the snakes keep to themselves. A snake of this size would likely be seen long before you stumbled upon it and would be large enough to make a swift getaway.

While the Brazos water snake may only reach lengths of three feet, there is another similar species that has nearly doubled in size. The brown water snake, Nerodia taxispilota, has been recorded measuring a whopping six feet in length. This snake is found throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Although these two do not reside in the same state, they are closely related. The brown water snake also prefers a marine environment, living in lakes, streams, and along riverbanks. The difference is that the brown water snake also enjoys basking in the sun, whereas the Brazos water snake remains hidden in the water. While it’s unlikely that a Brazos water snake will drop onto an unsuspecting person, the brown water snake has been observed clinging to vines and low-hanging tree branches. Thankfully, this isn’t something you’d need to worry about in the Brazos River basin!