Life Cycle of the Brown Water Snake

The brown water snake undergoes the same life cycle stages as all other water snakes, along with most garter snakes. Brown water snakes are primarily found in bodies of water in Texas, Iowa and Alabama. These snakes are nonvenomous but will bite if provoked.

  1. Mating

    • The mating process occurs anytime from March to May. The mother snake will carry her eggs inside of her until she gives birth in August to October.

    Birth

    • Brown water snakes give live birth to their young while in the water. The eggs hatch inside the mother's body and live snakes are born that average 8 to 12 inches in length. It is common for females to birth about 20 snakes per year.

    Young Snakes

    • Brown water snakes are considered to be immature from birth until 2 or 3 years of age. During this time, the brown water snake grows rapidly in size.

    Mature Adult

    • The brown water snake reaches maturity and becomes an adult during its second or third year of life. Once the snake reaches maturity, it grows at a slower rate than before.

    Interesting Fact

    • Only 20 percent of all snakes give live birth to their young.