Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada south through the eastern United States to northern Florida and west to Colorado.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Abundant throughout its range, though often killed due to false identification as venomous Cottonmouths.
Physical Description
Dark grey, brown, or reddish-brown body with dark crossbands near the neck that break into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. Strongly keeled scales, heavily patterned labial (lip) scales with dark vertical bars, and round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be a small adult or subadult around 1.5 to 2.5 feet (45-75 cm). Adults typically range from 24 to 42 inches (60-105 cm) in total length, with females being significantly larger than males.
Habitat
Semiaquatic species found in freshwater environments such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. Often seen basking on rocks, logs, or overhanging branches.
Diet & Feeding
Active forage predator feeding primarily on fish (minnows, sunfish, catfish) and amphibians (frogs, toads, tadpoles). Swallows prey alive without constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (live-bearing). Mating occurs in spring (April-June), and females give birth to 15 to 30 live young in late summer or early fall (August-October).
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with the venomous Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Cottonmouths have vertical pupils, heat-sensing facial pits, a dark eye-stripe, unbanded labial scales, and a thicker body. Also confused with Banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata).
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Abundant throughout its range, though often killed due to false identification as venomous Cottonmouths.
Cultural Significance
Plays an essential ecological role controlling fish and amphibian populations in aquatic ecosystems. Serves as a major victim of human persecution due to mistaken identity as venomous water snakes.
Notable Features
Features prominent dark vertical bars on its lower lip (labial scales), heavily keeled scales giving a rough texture, and anticoagulants in its saliva that cause bites to bleed more freely than typical harmless snake bites.