Common Watersnake (specifically 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 Ontario and Quebec down through the eastern United States to the Gulf Coast, and west to the edge of the Great Plains.
Look up Common Watersnake (specifically Northern Watersnake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
IUCN Least Concern. They are stable and abundant, though often killed by humans who mistake them for venomous Cottonmouths.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied with strongly keeled scales. Coloration is typically brownish, greyish, or tan with dark crossbands near the head that break into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. The head is distinct from the neck with round pupils and labial scales often marked with vertical black lines.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be a sub-adult or small adult, approximately 24 to 30 inches. Species average is 24-42 inches (61-107 cm), with a record length of about 59 inches.
Habitat
Highly aquatic; commonly found in lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and streams. Often seen basking on rocks, logs, or overhanging vegetation near the water's edge at various elevations.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily piscivorous and insectivorous; they consume a wide variety of fish, frogs, tadpoles, and occasionally salamanders or small mammals. They are active hunters that swallow prey alive.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young); breeding occurs in spring and early summer, with litters ranging from 15 to 30 (sometimes up to 100) young born in late summer or autumn.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Distinguishable by round pupils (Cottonmouths have vertical slits), narrow heads (Cottonmouths have blocky heads with heat-sensing pits), and the presence of vertical labial bars.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern. They are stable and abundant, though often killed by humans who mistake them for venomous Cottonmouths.
Cultural Significance
Often misunderstood and persecuted due to their resemblance to venomous species. They play a vital role in wetland ecosystems by controlling fish and amphibian populations.
Notable Features
Noted for their ability to dive and stay submerged for extended periods. Their scales are very rough to the touch (strongly keeled), which helps them grip slippery aquatic prey.