Brazos River Watersnake

Range

The Brazos river watersnake is exclusive to the upper portions of the Brazos river system in North-central Texas.

Habitats

It is exclusively found at the rocky stream beds and banks of the Brazos river. It depends on the rocks for security, thus, without rocks, there are no Brazos river water snakes. The Brazos river water snake gives birth to their offsprings live. They often reproduce in the months of September and October. They could birth up to 23 offsprings at once with neonates measuring between 7 and 10 inches. They aren’t food generalists, although, a few species have been reported to feed on Salamanders, crayfish and some frog species.

Identification

The Brazos river water snake has an average length of 20-30 inches. It has a divided anal plate and keeled dorsal scales of 21-25 rows near the mid body, with 2 small scales in between the posterior set of large skin scales. Their dorsal pigmentation varies from brown-grey to green-brown, with 4 rows of dark spots on the body. Their throats and neck are yellow or cream. Their belly is pink or orange with spots along the margins of its ventral scales.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians