Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Common across North America, ranging from southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada throughout the eastern and central United States, as far south as North Carolina and as far west as Colorado.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous; lacks fangs and a venom delivery system.
Danger Level
Harmless/Low Risk. While non-venomous, they are famously feisty and will bite repeatedly and excrete a foul-smelling musk if handled. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant which may cause a bite to bleed profusely.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally abundant, though they face threats from habitat destruction and being frequently mistaken for venomous Cottonmouths.
Physical Description
Heavily bodied snake with keeled scales. Coloration is typically brownish, greyish, or reddish with dark crossbands near the head that break into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. The head is relatively flat and distinct from the neck; eyes have round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a juvenile/sub-adult approx. 40-50 cm. Adults typically range from 60 to 100 cm, with maximum records reaching up to 140 cm.
Habitat
Highly semi-aquatic habitats including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and canals. Found at elevations from sea level to over 1,000 meters; often seen basking on rocks or logs near the water's edge.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal particularly when basking, but can be nocturnal during hot summer months. They are very defensive when cornered, often flattening their bodies and heads to appear larger and striking vigorously.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily piscivorous and insectivorous; they feed on small fish, frogs, toads, salamanders, and large invertebrates. They are active foragers that hunt along the water's edge.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Mating occurs in spring, and females give birth to 15-30 young between August and October.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the venomous Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Distinguishable by the round pupils (Cottonmouths have vertical slits), absence of a heat-sensing pit, and labial scales that have dark vertical lines (bridge labials).
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally abundant, though they face threats from habitat destruction and being frequently mistaken for venomous Cottonmouths.
Cultural Significance
Often unfairly persecuted due to their resemblance to venomous snakes. They play a vital role in wetland ecosystems by controlling populations of fish and amphibians.
Notable Features
The specimen exhibits a classic 'kinked' or 'S' posture common in Nerodia when moving on land. Its keeled scales give it a rough, matte appearance which helps with camouflage in muddy environments.