Here's a little snake that was hunting as I sat on the bank of the lake. I think it's a common (northern) water snake but some have told me it may be a rat snake. Any experts willing to ID it for sure?

Just need to sit still for a while and your subjects will come to you. I lost it in the weeds after about 15 minutes of watching. I'd say it was a young snake, I'd guess between 16 and 24 inches long if that helps.


I have better pictures but this one gives more of an Idea the detail in pattern.



Tim

[MikeNArk]

Nice capture of this water snake. Looks similar to a Diamond Back water snake. Can't say for sure. I also like taking snake photos. Thanks for sharing.

[angkymac]

Well, I will say that it is an "interesting" picture!
If I knew that sitting for a while would bring a snake to me, I'd find another place to sit!
But you did, as also does Mike, get a fascinating picture!
Angky.

[joelbolden]

It's a Northern Water Snake. We have a lot of them on our small lakes in Pennsylvania. There is a species of rat snake called a Corn Snake that looks similar who's range is the southeast/central U.S., , but they're not aquatic, plus they have a more reddish brown coloring.

[OrchidJulie]

It's a Northern Water Snake. We have a lot of them on our small lakes in Pennsylvania. There is a species of rat snake called a Corn Snake that looks similar who's range is the southeast/central U.S., , but they're not aquatic, plus they have a more reddish brown coloring.

FWIW, some of the Florida "corn" snakes are fairly bright orange/red/yellow. Similarly patterned, as I recall, and they can get fairly large (3-5 feet at least). Haven't seen one in a while but they were fairly common at my former workplace, a horticultural nursery out in the boonies.

[fuzzyphotos]

Thanks for the help, I thought water snake, this was central Kansas. I'd say this one is only about 16 inches long. It was hunting along the bank, I missed 2 strikes, never saw what it was after.

Anyway, thanks for the help.

Tim