90% of snake species live in-land but they like to go for a swim, but for the snakes that do swim more frequently, can they really bite you under water?
Any snake is capable of biting underwater, but this is less like than when the snake is on land. As a snake is more vulnerable in water, they will seek to evade any confrontation with humans while underwater.
Now if the snake feels it cannot avoid the situation and must hold its ground, the snake will bite underwater and the bite will be just as painful as when out of the water.
The snake that seems to come up most commonly for biting whilst in the water is the cottonmouth, which is a dangerously venomous snake, they do not live in the water but do enjoy soaking their body during the drier seasons.
The second most common snake to be found in water and biting whilst in the water is the moccasin, these semi aquatic snakes hunt for fish and fast-moving water creators but this can cause bites on humans as a result.
The most venomous snake in the world lives in the sea, it is called the coral snake, it has the most toxic venom in the world, but the coral snake rarely bites humans. The coral is a shy snake which looks for its food and pretty much goes about its day without issue.
If someone was to provoke a coral snake, it will give a bite underwater, but we have been unable to find anyone who has been bitten by the coral snake underwater.
Why would a snake bite underwater?
It is more common than people thing for a snake to inhabit waters, this usually happens to be around the time the snake gets too hot or are coming up to a shedding time. The water will loosen their skin and make the shedding process much easier.
Bites happen from mistaken identity of food or a reaction of defensiveness. In shallow waters such as rivers and streams, it could be a human crossing and stepped onto the snake or not even realising there are disturbing a snake beneath the water.
Can Snakes Swim?
To date there is not one snake or species that cannot swim in water, without arms or legs, a snake that could fall into water and cannot swim would result in death at any depth.
Some species of snake are better than others at swimming or have better adapted to life in water such as the coral snake which has a paddle like tail which can propel the snake through water at incredible speeds.