Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Continental North America, stretching across central and eastern United States into southeastern Canada. They range from Ontario and Quebec down to North Carolina and west to Colorado and the edge of the Rockies.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Aglyphous - lacks specialized venom-injecting fangs).
Danger Level
Low Risk - Harmless. Though non-venomous, they are high-strung and will bite readily if handled, which may cause minor bleeding due to oral anticoagulants.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
IUCN status: Least Concern. Generally abundant throughout its range, though local populations are threatened by habitat loss and persecution by humans.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied snake with keeled scales. Coloration is typically brown to grayish with dark crossbands near the head that break into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. The belly often features dark half-moon crescents. Eyes have round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult length ranges from 24 to 42 inches (60-107 cm); maximum recorded about 59 inches. The specimen in the image appears to be a smaller individual or juvenile around 12-18 inches.
Habitat
Semiaquatic, inhabiting a variety of freshwater environments including rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and canals. Commonly found basking on rocks or logs at the water's edge or hiding under debris in wetlands from sea level to mid-elevations.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal during cooler months and more nocturnal during hot summer periods. Known for a defensive temperament; when threatened, they flatten their bodies to appear larger, release a foul-smelling musk, and strike repeatedly.
Diet & Feeding
Prey consists primarily of fish and amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders). They are active foragers that hunt by swimming through water or poking around aquatic vegetation for hidden prey.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Breeding occurs in spring, with litters of 15 to 30 young born in late summer or early autumn.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom. Saliva may contain mild anticoagulants to aid in swallowing prey.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the venomous Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Distinct from Cottonmouths by their round pupils (vs. vertical slits), lack of facial pits, and the presence of labial scales with dark vertical lines.
Conservation Status
IUCN status: Least Concern. Generally abundant throughout its range, though local populations are threatened by habitat loss and persecution by humans.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically important as both a predator of fish and amphibians and a prey source for larger birds and mammals. Often unfairly persecuted due to their resemblance to venomous species.
Notable Features
Features extremely keeled (rough) scales which give the snake a dull, non-reflective appearance. They have highly effective anticoagulant saliva which causes bites to bleed more than expected for a small wound.