Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down to the Gulf States, and westward to Kansas and Nebraska.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it has a wide distribution, presumed large population, and occurs in many protected areas.
Physical Description
The specimen displays a dark brown to grayish dorsal background pattern with distinct darker crossbands near the neck which transition into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. Scales are keeled, giving a matte appearance. The body is moderately stout.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated length of this specimen is approximately 60 to 90 cm. Adults typically range from 66 to 135 cm in total length.
Habitat
Found primarily in or near permanent freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and temporarily flooded areas. Prefers areas with abundant basking sites like rocks, logs, or shoreline vegetation.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on fish, amphibians, crayfish, and occasionally small mammals or birds. An active forager that hunts both in water and along shorelines, subduing prey live without constriction.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. Mating typically occurs in spring, and females give birth to litters averaging 20 to 30 young in late summer or early autumn.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it has a wide distribution, presumed large population, and occurs in many protected areas.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role in aquatic and riparian food webs by controlling fish and amphibian populations. Often mistakenly killed by humans due to misidentification as other snakes.
Notable Features
Known for behaviors when cornered, which include releasing a foul-smelling musk from cloacal glands, flattening the head and body to appear larger, and striking vigorously.