Pareeeee
Shiny!
Enhanced the photo for anyone still curious.
It's almost certainly a Midland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis) They are native to Alabama.
Note the same banding on the body that become blotches or spots as they get closer to the tail.
We may never have gotten an answer, but rest assured that OP's friend is probably ok.
It's almost certainly a Midland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis) They are native to Alabama.
Note the same banding on the body that become blotches or spots as they get closer to the tail.
We may never have gotten an answer, but rest assured that OP's friend is probably ok.