Snake charming charmers may also use Russell's vipers. Indian and Burmese pythons, and even mangrove snakes are also encountered, though they are not as popular. In North Africa, the Egyptian cobra, puff adder, carpet viper and horned desert viper are commonly featured in performances. Except for the pythons and mangrove snakes, all of these species are highly venomous. At home, snake charmers keep their animals in containers such as baskets, boxes, pots, or sacks. For safety, some North African snake charmers stitch closed the mouth of their performing snakes, leaving just enough opening for the animal to be able to move its
Florida banded water snake 180–223 mm (7.0-8.8 inches) in total length. Florida banded water snake The Florida banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris), a subspecies of the banded water snake (southern water snake - "Nerodia fasciata"), is a nonvenomous natricine colubrid native to the southeastern United States. The Florida banded water snake is endemic throughout Florida and southeastern Georgia. In addition, it has been introduced to Brownsville, Texas. It has also established populations in Folsom and Harbor City, California. Dorsally, it is light brown or yellowish, with 26-35 reddish-brown to black crossbands. Ventrally, it is yellow or white, with reddish-brown or black markings. In