Can Water Snakes be Kept as Pets?

Water snakes are a common sight near rivers, lakes, and ponds across North America, and their abundance leads many people to wonder whether they can be kept as pets. The answer depends on the species, your experience level, and your local laws. While some water snakes can technically be kept in captivity, they are generally not great pets compared to more popular snake species.

Before you grab a snake from the nearest pond and bring it home, there are some important things you need to understand about water snakes, their care requirements, and whether keeping one is even legal where you live.

Types of Water Snakes in North America

When people say “water snake,” they are usually referring to snakes in the genus Nerodia, which includes species like the northern water snake, banded water snake, brown water snake, and several others. These are nonvenomous snakes that spend most of their time in or near water, feeding on fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey.

It is important to note that water snakes are frequently confused with venomous cottonmouths (water moccasins), which share similar habitats and can look alike to the untrained eye. Cottonmouths are found in the southeastern United States, and misidentifying one could have serious consequences. If you are not 100 percent certain of a snake’s identification, do not attempt to catch or handle it.

There are also other semi aquatic snakes that people sometimes keep as pets, including garter snakes and ribbon snakes. These are generally much easier to care for and more suitable for captivity than true water snakes from the Nerodia genus.

Why Water Snakes Make Difficult Pets

The biggest issue with keeping Nerodia water snakes as pets is their temperament. Wild caught water snakes are notoriously defensive and will bite repeatedly when handled. Unlike ball pythons or corn snakes that are bred in captivity and accustomed to human interaction, water snakes view humans as predators and respond accordingly.

Water snake bites are not dangerous (they are nonvenomous), but they are unpleasant. These snakes have small, sharp teeth designed for gripping slippery fish, and they tend to chew rather than strike and release. They also have a charming defensive habit of releasing a foul smelling musk when scared, which can make handling them an aromatic experience you will not soon forget.

Some captive bred water snakes can become reasonably tame with consistent handling, but they rarely become as calm and docile as species that have been bred for the pet trade over many generations. If you want a snake you can handle comfortably, there are much better options available.

Housing Requirements for Water Snakes

If you do decide to keep a water snake, their enclosure needs are more complex than most common pet snakes. They need a setup that provides both a large water area for swimming and a dry land area for basking. This semi aquatic setup is significantly more work to build and maintain than a standard snake enclosure.

A single adult water snake needs at least a 40 gallon tank, with about half of the space dedicated to water. The water area should be deep enough for the snake to fully submerge (at least a few inches for smaller species, deeper for larger ones) and needs a reliable filtration system because water snakes are messy eaters and heavy waste producers.

Water quality is a constant battle with water snakes. They defecate in their water frequently, and leftover food debris breaks down quickly in warm water. Without regular water changes and adequate filtration, the water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin infections and other health problems. Many keepers compare the maintenance to keeping a fish tank, except the “fish” also needs land, heat, and can escape.

Feeding Water Snakes in Captivity

Water snakes primarily eat fish and amphibians in the wild, and replicating this diet in captivity can be tricky. Many water snakes are reluctant to switch from live fish to frozen thawed prey items, which means you may need to maintain a supply of live feeder fish. This adds expense and logistical challenges compared to feeding frozen thawed mice or rats to more common pet snakes.

Some keepers have success offering cut pieces of tilapia or other fish fillets, which is more convenient than live feeders. Silversides (small saltwater fish available frozen at pet stores) are another option that many water snakes accept. Transitioning a wild caught water snake to any form of prepared food can take patience and persistence.

One nutritional concern with a fish only diet is thiaminase, an enzyme found in some fish species that breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine). Feeding fish high in thiaminase (like goldfish and certain minnows) as a staple can lead to thiamine deficiency over time. Using thiaminase free fish species or supplementing with a reptile vitamin can prevent this issue.

Legal Considerations

Before keeping any water snake, check your local and state regulations. Many states have laws governing the collection and keeping of native wildlife, including snakes. Some states prohibit keeping native species entirely, while others require permits or have collection limits. Violating these laws can result in fines and confiscation of your animal.

Even in states where keeping native snakes is legal, there may be restrictions on which species can be collected and how many you can possess. Some water snake species are protected due to declining populations in certain regions. Always verify the legal status of the specific species you are interested in before acquiring one.

If you are set on keeping a water snake, try to find a captive bred specimen from a reputable breeder rather than collecting one from the wild. Captive bred animals are generally healthier, less stressed, more likely to feed well in captivity, and do not impact wild populations.

Better Alternatives for Beginners

If the idea of a semi aquatic snake appeals to you but you want something easier to care for, consider a garter snake. Garter snakes are closely related to water snakes, enjoy swimming, and can thrive in a semi aquatic setup, but they are much more docile, easier to feed, and widely available as captive bred animals.

If you just want a great pet snake in general, check out our guide to the best snakes for first time owners. Species like corn snakes, ball pythons, and king snakes are all more suitable for the average pet owner and provide a much more enjoyable keeping experience.

Water snakes are fascinating animals that play important roles in their ecosystems, and they are wonderful to observe in the wild. But for most people, they are better appreciated at the lake than in the living room.