Snakes

Snakes often cause concern for pond owners, but usually for unjustified reasons. Water attracts snakes. Most snakes are harmless, and they play important roles in nature. Snakes should just be left alone and viewed from a distance. If their presence is cause for concern, then simply clean up the shoreline. They will find other places to live.

The information above came from the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division's booklet Sportfish Management in Alabama Ponds, which is available as a PDF.

Snakes like this harmless brown water snake should be left alone.
It is even more important to leave venomous snakes alone.