Northern 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 through the eastern United States to the Carolinas and west to Kansas and Oklahoma.
Look up Northern 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, with stable populations across most of its native range. Threats include habitat destruction, wetland drainage, and intentional killing by humans due to misidentification.
Physical Description
Features a robust, thick-bodied form with darker brownish to reddish-brown crossbands on the neck and alternating blotches along the back and sides. Scales are keeled, and the head is somewhat distinct from the neck with a flattened appearance.
Size & Dimensions
Adult specimen length typically ranges from 61 to 106 cm (24 to 42 inches), with some individuals growing larger. The specimen pictured appears to be a medium-sized adult.
Habitat
Found predominantly in or near permanent bodies of fresh water such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. Highly aquatic and frequently basks on rocks, logs, or branches hanging over water.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on aquatic prey including fish, amphibians, crayfish, and occasionally small mammals or birds. Uses active foraging and ambushing strategies near water.
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.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with venomous pit vipers such as the Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) due to similar coloration, heavy-bodied build, and defensive posturing, but can be distinguished by round pupils, lack of facial pits, and scale patterns.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with stable populations across most of its native range. Threats include habitat destruction, wetland drainage, and intentional killing by humans due to misidentification.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role in controlling populations of aquatic creatures and amphibians, helping maintain the balance of freshwater ecosystems.
Notable Features
Exhibits strong aquatic adaptations, excellent swimming ability, and when threatened, can release a foul-smelling musk from cloacal glands and strike readily if handled.