The brown water snake is harmless, but its bad temper, heavy body, and large flattened head make it appear dangerous. It is the largest of all the water snakes and has a maximum length of five feet. North Carolina's largest specimen measured fifty-seven inches in length. The brown water snake is very abundant along lakes and sluggish waterways of the Coastal Plain. It has a tendency to climb trees and bushes, often to a height of fifteen feet or more. The snake's food consists mostly of fishes.
The brown snake is one of the most abundant species in North Carolina. Its secretiveness, coloration, and small size make it difficult to observe. This snake inhabits both rural and urban areas and is harmless to man.
Amundson describes the characteristics, breeding and food habits, and economic value of North Carolina's non-poisonous snakes. These include the common king snake, pine snake, garter snake, green snake, hog-nosed snake, blacksnake, and water snakes.
Fur resources biologist Ken Wilson recounts some of the things he has witnessed while working in the field, such as animal behaviors and encounters with trappers.
There are many people who believe false information about snakes, such as the snakes tongue is a stinger, or that the tongue can inject venom. The snake primarily uses its tongue as an aide to smell and touch.
The author outlines both Native American and contemporary lore about snakes, including religious and medicinal qualities. Cherokee religion believed rattlesnakes to be men in a different form. Dr. John Brickell's writing included snake folklore in Natural History of North Carolina. There is also a discussion about North Carolina snake lore, with folktales and medicinal/therapeutic qualities of native snake species.