Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the eastern United States to the Gulf Coast and west to parts of Kansas and Nebraska.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution, large populations, and high adaptability to various wetland habitats.
Physical Description
The visible specimen exhibits a brownish-grey base coloration with dark, alternating crossbands on the neck region transitioning to alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. Scales are moderately keeled, giving a rough texture.
Size & Dimensions
The visible segment suggests a medium-sized individual, likely a juvenile or subadult. Typical adult size ranges from 66 to 106 cm (26 to 42 inches), with females generally growing larger than males.
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 overhanging branches.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on aquatic prey including fish, amphibians (frogs and tadpoles), and occasionally crayfish or small mammals. They are active foragers that hunt both day and night.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. Mating typically occurs in spring (April to June), and females give birth to litters averaging 20 to 30 young in late summer or early autumn.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution, large populations, and high adaptability to various wetland habitats.
Cultural Significance
Plays a vital role in wetland ecosystems by helping control populations of fish and amphibians. They are often victims of unwarranted killing due to mistaken identity.
Notable Features
Known for releasing a foul-smelling musk when threatened. They are exceptionally strong swimmers and spend a significant portion of their time submerged or basking near water.