You might want to check out pics of the Northern Water Snake:

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests...ges/nwater.htm

This is a snake that is commonly mistaken as a water mocassin and
killed. They can be aggressive if cornered or threatened. However, I
would strongly advocate trapping and relocating if at all possible. Can
you tell we're snake lovers?

My s.o. just brought home a 40 gallon aquarium last night to house the
painted box turtle I rescued from Club Blvd. He ate very readily so we
highly suspect he was a released pet. *sigh* Hence why we haven't
released him yet without further investigation. Anyway, the 40 gallon
aquarium is targeted as a future herpetarium. *grin*

Susan
shsimko at duke dot edu