Florida Green Water Snake
Nerodia floridana
A large, heavy-bodied, uniformly greenish water snake common in Florida's lakes, marshes, and swamps.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
- Range
- Florida and adjacent parts of the southeastern United States
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Overview
The Florida green water snake is a large, robust species inhabiting still and slow-moving waters throughout Florida and nearby areas of the southeastern coastal plain.
It is often mistaken for a venomous snake due to its size and defensive behavior, but it is entirely harmless, relying on bluff and musk rather than venom.
How to identify it
- Uniform olive-green to greenish-brown coloration, often appearing nearly patternless
- Faint darker blotching may be visible, especially in younger snakes
- Heavily keeled scales giving a rough texture
- Large, robust body
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from similar water snakes by its more uniform greenish color and larger size
Habitat & range
Inhabits lakes, marshes, swamps, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout Florida and adjacent parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina, favoring vegetated still waters.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active during the day and at night, hunting fish and amphibians in and around water. Often basks on vegetation or logs near the water's edge. When threatened, it flattens its body, hisses, and releases musk. Bears live young in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Florida green water snake venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous and relies on bluffing behavior rather than toxin to deter threats.
How big does it get?
It is one of the larger North American water snakes, with adults commonly reaching a meter or more in length.
Where is it found?
It occurs throughout Florida and into adjacent parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina in still, vegetated waters.
Why is it sometimes mistaken for a dangerous snake?
Its large size, robust build, and defensive hissing and flattening behavior can make it appear threatening despite being harmless.
Florida Green Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Florida Green Water Snake.
