Common Name: 
Salt marsh snake

Scientific Name: 
Nerodia clarkii

Identification: 15-36 in.  Pale gray to tan with three broad, dark stripes; belly dark reddish brown with a central row of pale spots; scales keeled.

Habits: Salt marsh snakes occur in open salt and brackish marshes.

Distribution: Coastal marshes including the north shore of Lake Pontchatrain.