Northern Water Snake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the eastern United States to the Gulf Coast and west to the Great Plains.
Look up Northern Water Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of various aquatic habitats, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and intentional killing.
Physical Description
Dark brown to greyish body with darker crossbands on the neck and alternating blotches along the back and sides. The belly is often patterned with crescent-shaped reddish or dark markings. The scales are strongly keeled, and the head is relatively distinct from the neck.
Size & Dimensions
Specimens typically range from 66 to 135 cm (26 to 53 inches) in total length, with females generally growing larger than males. This individual appears to be a medium-sized adult or subadult.
Habitat
Found near permanent or semi-permanent freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, and swamps. They prefer areas with abundant basking sites like logs, rocks, or overhanging branches.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on fish, amphibians, crayfish, and occasionally small mammals or birds. They are active foragers, often hunting both in water and along the shoreline.
Reproduction
Viviparous (live-bearing), giving birth to litters typically ranging from 8 to 30 or more young in late summer (August to October). Mating usually occurs in the spring.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of various aquatic habitats, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and intentional killing.
Cultural Significance
Plays a vital ecological role in regulating amphibian and fish populations in aquatic ecosystems. Often misunderstood and mistakenly killed out of fear due to resembling other water-dwelling species.
Notable Features
Known for flattening their heads to appear wider when cornered, and readily releasing foul-smelling musk.