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 Gulf Coast 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, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and direct human persecution.
Physical Description
Features a stout body with a pattern of dark blotches over a lighter brown, gray, or reddish background. The dorsal pattern typically consists of dark crossbands on the neck region that transition into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. Scales are strongly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult size ranges from 75 to 135 cm (30 to 53 inches) in total length, with females generally growing larger than males.
Habitat
Found primarily in or near permanent bodies of fresh water such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. Frequently observed basking on rocks, logs, or tree branches hanging over water.
Diet & Feeding
Preys primarily on fish, amphibians, frogs, tadpoles, and occasionally crayfish or small mammals. Uses active foraging in water or ambush techniques near the shoreline.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives 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
Often confused with venomous cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and various rat snakes (Pantherophis species). Distinguished from cottonmouths by its round pupils, lack of facial pits, narrower neck, and distinct pattern of alternating bands/blotches rather than solid dark coloration.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with stable populations across most of its native range, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and direct human persecution.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role in aquatic food webs by helping regulate fish and amphibian populations. Frequently misunderstood and killed due to mistaken identity with venomous species.
Notable Features
Demonstrates exceptional swimming ability and can often be found floating or cruising just beneath the water surface, as shown in this specimen.