That's the one I thought, due to range, but the lack of a solid black head kept me from being sure. I reckon there's some variation in coloring, most likely? Sweet little snakes, aren't they? Of course, my favorite small snake is the rough green snake. They are such a lovely color, and very passive little guys, usually. And they have bright orange tongues, which really look pretty with their coloring. I've never seen one longer than about 2 feet, and usually much smaller, though my books says they can reach 45" or so. I like their pretty faces! Actually, it has been some years since I've seen one of these. I don't know if they are disappearing or not. Will have to look into that, or maybe Wayne knows, if he isn't tired of our snakey posts yet! Kate, is your crowned snake alive in the pics? Can't quite tell. Hope so! Marcia

Not sure why the message did not post, but again... we are having serious storms here. I want to send out a BIG THANK YOU!!! You are so unbelievably helpful! EG

It's a harmless non-venomous nerodian water snake. The specific subspecies is the Diamond-backed Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer). The diamond-backed water snake is not venomous and despite the similar name is no relation to the western diamondback rattlesnake which, of course, is venomous.

Looks like he/she is a good size too. We have some in our yard that are huge. Unfortunely neighbors on both sides kill any snakes they see. Before these "killers" moved in it wasnt unusual for the snakes to sun on our stone porch while we were sitting on chairs.