Northern Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Found primarily in eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the eastern and midwestern United States to the Gulf Coast and parts of Texas and Oklahoma.
Look up Northern 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. Widespread and abundant across its range, though local populations face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and direct persecution.
Physical Description
Robust body with a patterned dorsal surface featuring dark crossbands near the neck that transition into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. Coloration ranges from brown, tan, or gray with reddish-brown or dark brown markings. Scales are heavily keeled, giving a rough texture.
Size & Dimensions
Adult specimen estimated around 30-40 inches. Typical size range for the species is 24 to 42 inches (61 to 107 cm), with maximum recorded lengths approaching 55 inches (140 cm).
Habitat
Inhabits permanent and temporary bodies of fresh water such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and artificial retention basins. Prefers areas with abundant cover like rocks, logs, vegetation, or docks.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on fish, amphibians, crayfish, and occasionally small mammals or birds. Uses active foraging and ambush tactics near or in water, seizing prey and consuming it live without constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives live birth). Mating occurs in spring (April to June), and females typically give birth to litters ranging from 8 to over 50 young in late summer or early autumn.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with venomous pit vipers such as the Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) or Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) due to pattern and robust body, but can be distinguished by round pupils, lack of facial pits, and divided subcaudal scales.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Widespread and abundant across its range, though local populations face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and direct persecution.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important role in aquatic food webs as both predator and prey. Often misunderstood and feared by the public, leading to unnecessary human-wildlife conflicts.
Notable Features
Known for defensive behaviors when cornered or handled, including flattening the head, releasing a foul-smelling musk from cloacal glands, and striking repeatedly.