Nerodia taxispilota
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
Eufaula, Alabama
Note: It appeared as if this snake was injured because of the gash on its side.
This species is protected throughout the state of Georgia.
This species is often mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
because of similarities in coloring, habitat, and triangular head.
Unfortunately, this leads to the needless killing of many watersnakes each year.
Source: Savannah River Ecology Laboratory http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/nertax.htm