Nerodia fasciata

Biological Overview

Habitat
Bodies of freshwater, like ponds, rivers and lakes, as well as freshwater banks.

Diet
Mostly smaller critters such as fish, tadpoles, frogs; carnivorous.

Role in Ecosystem
Vital predator and consumer in the aquatic ecosystems they live in; prey balancers.

Behavior
Very timid and shy snakes, avoiding as much conflict as they can. They live alone, not in packs or groups.

Human Impact

These snakes are harmless as they have no venom, and are often mistaken for cottonmouths and killed, though they release a foul smell when threatened. If we continue to overkill them, the prey will increase in large numbers and overpopulate ecosystems. As a whole we should be mindful of the types of snakes we are killing and why we are. Not all snakes want to harm, so it is best to leave them alone to not disturb the ecosystem.

Creative Exploration

I slither onto a cold wet rock, resting above the water of my pond. I see some little critters on this rock with me. They are a delicious snack. As I take my first bite, I hear the sounds of leaves crunching near me. Must be a human. They have spotted me. I slither away under the water, disguising myself as the rocks. The human comes near with their stick to harm me, but they cannot see where I have gone. At last, they leave me be. My home is safe again, and I slither back up onto my rock to continue my meal for this evening. That was a close one, but it won’t be the last time.

Izzy Guarnieri, Kenny Moates

Book 7