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 to the Gulf States 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 is a widespread and adaptable species with stable populations throughout most of its range.
Physical Description
The visible head portion emerging from the water shows dark dorsal markings with a banded or blotched pattern, typical of aquatic natricine snakes, with keeled scales and a relatively robust head.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen is partially submerged showing only the head. Adults typically range from 66 to 135 cm (26 to 53 inches) in total length.
Habitat
Found primarily in or near freshwater environments such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps, preferring shallow water with emergent vegetation or logs for basking.
Diet & Feeding
Predominantly feeds on fish, amphibians, crayfish, and occasionally small mammals or birds, utilizing active foraging in water and ambushing prey.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. Mating typically occurs in spring, with litters ranging from 10 to over 50 neonates born in late summer.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with various species of water snakes and sometimes mistaken for venomous pit vipers like cottonmouths due to head shape and aquatic habits, but lacks facial pits and vertical pupils.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it is a widespread and adaptable species with stable populations throughout most of its range.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important role in freshwater ecosystems as both predator and prey, helping control populations of aquatic organisms and forage fish.
Notable Features
Highly aquatic habits, strong swimming ability, and a defensive temperament when cornered, often releasing musk and striking repeatedly.