BROWN WATER SNAKE by Stuart Dodsworth

Nerodia taxispilota

Distribution
The Brown Water Snake is native to a wide range of aquatic/semi-aquatic habitats throughout, Florida, South Eastern Alabama, South Carolina, West Virginia and Eastern North Carolina.

Size
This species of Water Snake tend to average between 70cm and 107cm (28" and 42.8"), although they have been recorded up to 173.75cm (69.5").

Diet
In the Wild this species of water snake mainly feeds upon frogs and bottom dwelling fish, such as catfish. Therefore a varied diet must be provided in captivity, which should ideally include a large variety of fish, earthworms, and if possible rodents (Although many cannot be encouraged to feed on these). Care should be taken when defrosting fish to ensure that all Thiaminaise is destroyed from the food.

Requirements
· Heat Source: - This can be either guarded and thermostatically controlled reflector (spot) lights in green, or red, or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled heat mats are a useful source of extra heat.
· Ultra Violet Light Source: - If you choose to use a UV light with your snake, then one of the better varieties are the Reptisun 5.0 UVB lights. They should be positioned no more than 30 cm away from the basking snake. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
· Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
· Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
· Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the Vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
· Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world, because water snakes defecate readily, it s advisable to have easily disposable/cleanable hides in the enclosure such as cardboard tubes and plastic plants.
· Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. A Vivarium measuring 90cm x 45cm by 45cm (3ft x 1½ft x 1½ft) is adequate for this species. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. Ensure you keep single sex pairs or solitary snakes unless you intend to breed as this species is live bearing.

Temperature
A localized hot spot that reaches 28 to 30 degrees Celsius should be provided. Cooler areas of the vivarium can be as low as 22 degrees Celsius.

Humidity and water
Although like its name suggests it lives in/near water predominantly, it should also be noted that the Brown Water Snake is prone to skin infections if it spends too long in the water and if dry basking areas are not provided. A large water bowl should be provided to allow soaking and drinking.
NB - Although some specimens of this species can become used to handling, they are not advisable as a first time snake as they can be aggressive and difficult to handle.

Longevity
This species of water snake can live up to around 10 years if the correct husbandry is followed.

Substrate
Due to the large amount of faeces produced by this species it is advisable to use Newspaper or chip shop paper for ease of cleaning.

NB - Map taken from http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?SpeciesID=1196

Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth - stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society - www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society - www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information - http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Nerodia_SP_taxispilota']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?SpeciesID=1196