DISTRIBUTION: Southern Canada, most of the USA into Mexico. 

SIZE: Up to 4.5 feet (135 cm), usually 30-32 inches (76-81 cm.) 

TEMPERAMENT: May be nervous at first and discharge a foul smelling substance from their vent. Frequent handling and time spent in captivity will alleviate this problem. These snakes can become extremely tame. 

HARDINESS: Extremely hardy when properly maintained. Cold tolerant. 

SEXING: Should be probed. 

FOOD: Live goldfish, minnows, guppies, various other small fish, tadpoles, frogs, nightcrawlers, insects and occasionally pinkie mice. 

HOUSING: Minimum 15 gallon (57 liter) vivarium. Use pine or aspen shavings, potting soil or orchid bark as a substrate. Branches, select driftwood, hollow logs, corkbark slabs, rocks and green moss may all be used for landscaping. 

WATER: Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and feeding live fish or tadpoles. Clean dish daily. 

TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY: Day 68F-84F (20C-29C) gradient. Night 58F-70F (14C-21C.) Moderate humidity is provided by water dish and occasional misting. 

LIGHTING: Fluorescent full spectrum/UV radiation reptile lights are recommended for long term health. 

HEATING: An under tank heater can be used to maintain proper warmth. Use a thermometer. 

GENERAL NOTES: Most species of North American water snakes (Nerodia) and European grass snakes (Natrix) may be kept in the same manner.