Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down to the Gulf States, and westward to the Great Plains.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it has a wide distribution, presumed large population, and high adaptability to various wetland habitats.
Physical Description
The visible specimen shows a dark, slender, and undulating body swimming near the surface of blue water. The coloration appears dark brown to blackish, and while patterning is somewhat obscured by the water and lighting, northern watersnakes typically feature dark crossbands on the neck and alternating blotches along the back and sides over a lighter base.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated length of the visible section suggests a medium-sized snake. Adults typically range from 66 to 135 cm (26 to 53 inches) in total length.
Habitat
Found primarily near freshwater environments such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. They prefer areas with abundant basking sites like logs, rocks, or shoreline vegetation.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on fish and amphibians, including frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, and small aquatic creatures. They hunt actively by foraging along shorelines and underwater, using tactile and chemosensory cues.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mating typically occurs in spring, and litters ranging from 10 to over 50 young are usually born in late summer or early autumn.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it has a wide distribution, presumed large population, and high adaptability to various wetland habitats.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role in aquatic and riparian food webs by controlling amphibian and fish populations. They are frequently misunderstood and feared by the public.
Notable Features
Excellent swimmers that readily take to water. When threatened, they release a foul-smelling musk and can strike repeatedly if cornered, though they are entirely non-threatening to humans when left alone.