Broad-banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata)
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Report Snake SightingAppearance
Similar in general appearance to other Kentucky Watersnakes, Broad-banded Watersnakes have noticeably wide, dark brown, crossbands along a reddish colored body. The belly is yellow with square spots on each ventral scale. They also have a dark brown stripe extending from behind the eye unto the neck. They have keeled scales and a divided anal plate.
Size
Adult Broad-banded Watersnakes range from 2 to 3 feet in total length.
Habitat/Range
Broad-banded Watersnakes are only found in extreme western Kentucky. They can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats.
Natural History
Mating occurs in the spring and babies are born in late summer. Broad-banded Watersnakes prey upon small fish and amphibians. They are preyed upon by Cottonmouths, herons and probably large fish.
Notes/Miscellaneous
In Kentucky, Broad-banded Watersnakes are designated a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources due to their limited distribution.
