The mud snake is a large (up to 81 in – 207 cm), non-venomous, highly-aquatic snake that is seldom seen because of its secretive habits. Adults are fairly heavy-bodied and are glossy black on the back. The belly has a red (or pink)-and-black checkerboard pattern and the red often extends up the sides of the body. They have small, dark eyes and often have some yellow coloration on the head.