Black swamp snakes are found in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States from eastern North Carolina to southern Alabama and throughout Florida. Black swamp snakes are fairly small, reaching a maximum length of around 22 inches. These highly aquatic snakes are glossy black with bright red bellies. Within the water, black swamp snakes are active both during the day and at night and actively forage amidst submerged vegetation. Because black swamp snakes are highly aquatic and extremely secretive they are seldom seen, even by experienced herpetologists. A variety of aquatic prey have been recorded in the diet of swamp snakes, including small fish, tadpoles, and small frogs.
