Although not uncommon in Harris county, the Western Mud Snake is not often seen. Primarily because of its semi-aquatic habits, these snakes tend to stay in or near a slow moving body of water, such as a pond, bayou or muddy ditch where they can find food. Prey items for Western Mud Snakes include sirens, frogs, fish, and of course, their favorite food: an eel-like amphibian called an amphiuma. Adults average three to four feet long, but the state record is just over six feet.

Western Mud Snakes are very inoffensive and never bite. They will, however, expose their brightly colored belly pattern when threatened, and will even poke and prod with their pointed tail at anyone who picks them up. Of course, this can do no harm. The author has documented most Harris County specimens as road kills after rainy nights.