Northern Water Snake
Nerodia sipedon
A heavy-bodied, aquatic colubrid often mistaken for a venomous cottonmouth, common around lakes, ponds, and rivers.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.4 m (2-4.5 ft)
- Range
- Eastern and central United States, southern Canada
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Overview
The Northern Water Snake is a common and widespread aquatic species found throughout much of the eastern and central United States. Despite being entirely non-venomous, it is frequently confused with the venomous cottonmouth due to its similar habitat and defensive behavior.
It is highly adaptable and one of the most frequently encountered snakes around freshwater habitats within its range.
How to identify it
- Heavy-bodied with dark crossbands or blotches on a brown, gray, or reddish background, often darkening with age until almost solid black
- Keeled scales giving a rough, non-glossy texture
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from the venomous cottonmouth by a narrower head, round pupils, and lack of facial pits
- Belly typically marked with reddish or dark crescents
Habitat & range
Found in and around lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and marshes throughout the eastern and central United States and adjacent southern Canada.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and crepuscular, often basking near water and diving in when disturbed. Feeds heavily on fish and amphibians. Bears live young in mid to late summer. Can be defensive and bite when handled but is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Northern Water Snake venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous, though often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth.
How can I tell it apart from a cottonmouth?
Water snakes have round pupils, no facial pits, and a narrower head compared to cottonmouths.
Does it lay eggs?
No, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Northern Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Northern Water Snake.
Northern Water Snake identified by the community
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