The snakes of the Nerodia genus have the misfortune of looking a lot like Agkistrodon (Cottonmouth and Copperhead), at least to those who are not reptile enthusiasts. Their coloration, relatively stout body, and tendency to flatten their head all lead people to think that they are venomous and kill them on sight.

As BUSHSNAKE mentioned, Nerodia are still one of the most prevalent snakes in much of their range so they seem to handle this well as a species. Here in Northern California, Nerodia are not indigenous but we have some invasive populations that are extremely successful and will likely be a permanent part of our environment from here on out. Eradication efforts have proven futile.

Of course, all of this doesn't do anything to make the snake pictured here feel better. ;-)