Harmless watersnakes (Nerodia sp.) are oden mistaken for venomous cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorous/conanti) in the eastern US, even outside of cottonmouth range (the southeastern Atlantic coastal plain). Here is a nice graphic depicting visual differences in their body shape, face, and pattern. Note: this doesn’t include all North American watersnakes, but it includes the species more likely to be encountered in the same range.

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Snake Identification and Education

!snakeidentification@mander.xyz

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Lemmy should have a snake identification community. I am happy to provide identifications where possible. If anyone is good with bot creation, we can incorporate that too. If you’re interested in moderating, let me know.

The icon features a timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). The banner features a common watersnake (Nerodia sipedon).

Rules:

  • Posts must include location (State/Department and Country at minimum)
  • Replies must include common (if applicable) and scientific name
  • Be polite and courteous to others
  • For North American tricolored snakes, do not parrot the rhyme (IYKYK)
  • Dead snakes are allowed. Encouraging snake deaths is not.

There are several other communities where you can share snake images that don’t need an identification:

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