Evander Jones
Snakes in the Mississippi River ecosystem move through swampy forests and calm waters, quietly holding their ground. Their behaviors and looks reveal a lot about how they fit into this watery world. This article introduces ten of the river’s most interesting snakes and sheds light on their unique place in nature.
Eastern Cottonmouth
The Eastern Cottonmouth, also called a water moccasin, thrives in the southern stretches of the Mississippi River. It’s one of the few venomous snakes in the region and often flashes its white mouth as a threat display. Adults can reach up to four feet in length.
Northern Water Snake
Northern Water Snakes love basking on logs and darting through shallow waters. Though non-venomous, they get mistaken for cottonmouths because of their similar appearance. These snakes eat frogs, fish, and even small birds when given the chance, making them excellent natural pest control.
Diamondback Water Snake
These snakes favor staying near tree-lined riverbanks and boat docks. Though they may seem aggressive when trapped, they are harmless and usually slip away underwater. Their name and unique look come from the dark diamond-shaped patterns running down their backs.
Mississippi Green Water Snake
Found mostly in western Mississippi, this chunky water snake blends in with swampy backwaters and oxbow lakes. Unlike other water snakes, the Mississippi Green prefers sluggish waters and rarely strays far from aquatic vegetation. It’s more secretive than its flashier cousins but just as fascinating.
Western Ribbon Snake
Western Ribbon Snakes move fast and strike with precision. Their long tails and vivid stripes help them vanish into tall river grasses in seconds. These snakes aren’t shy and hunt during daylight hours as well, chasing down minnows and amphibians near the Mississippi’s quieter edges.
Plain-bellied Water Snake
The Plain-bellied Water Snake breaks the mold by often leaving the water to hunt. Its striking, solid-colored belly contrasts with a darker back, helping it disappear into muddy riverbanks. Despite its name, this snake shows a bold, exploratory nature not common in many aquatic species.
Queen Snake
Freshly molted crayfish make up nearly the entire diet of the Queen Snake. It hunts in clear, rocky streams where water quality is high. Because of this selective appetite, spotting a Queen Snake means you’re near a healthy river ecosystem
Plains Garter Snake
Plains Garter Snakes usually appear in prairie wetlands and floodplains that flank the river. Unlike some relatives, they tolerate colder temperatures and stay active longer into the season. Their mild temperament makes them one of the more approachable species along the Mississippi corridor.
Speckled Kingsnake
This snake earns its nickname, the “salt-and-pepper snake,” from its black scales flecked with white. It thrives in fields and wetlands along the Mississippi and typically preys on other snakes, including venomous ones. Immune to pit viper venom, it hunts by constricting its prey.
Banded Water Snake
In the cypress swamps and flooded forests near the lower Mississippi, Banded Water Snakes make their home. Their thick bodies and reddish crossbands make them easy to spot. When threatened, they release a strong-smelling musk to ward off danger without causing actual harm.
