Common 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 Common 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, as it has a wide distribution, large population, and high adaptability to human-altered aquatic habitats.
Physical Description
Displays a dark brown or greyish base color with darker crossbands on the neck and alternating blotches along the back and sides. The scales are strongly keeled, and the head is relatively distinct from the neck with round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The pictured specimen appears to be a juvenile or small subadult, roughly 30 to 45 cm in length. Typical adults reach lengths of 75 to 135 cm, with females generally growing larger than males.
Habitat
Found primarily in or near freshwater environments such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and temporary pools. They spend much of their time basking on logs, rocks, or branches overhanging water.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on aquatic prey including fish, amphibians (frogs, tadpoles, and salamanders), and occasionally crayfish, small mammals, or birds. They are active foragers both in and out of the water.
Reproduction
Viviparous (live-bearing), giving birth to litters typically ranging from 8 to over 50 young. Mating occurs in the spring (April to June), and litters are usually born in late summer or early autumn.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with various species of venomous pit vipers, such as copperheads or cottonmouths, due to their dark crossbands or blotched patterns and similar habitat preferences. They can be distinguished by their round pupils, narrower heads not strongly distinct from the neck, and lack of facial heat-sensing pits.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it has a wide distribution, large population, and high adaptability to human-altered aquatic habitats.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems as both predator and prey, helping to regulate populations of small fish and amphibians. They are frequently misidentified and killed out of fear.
Notable Features
Known for releasing a strong-smelling musk from cloacal glands when handled or threatened, and readily flattening their heads and bodies to appear larger and more intimidating.