Common Water Snake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Native to central and eastern North America, throughout the United States and southern Canada, ranging from Ontario and Quebec south to North Carolina and west to Colorado.
Look up Common Water Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Aglyphous - lacking specialized grooved fangs)
Danger Level
Low Risk; harmless to humans and pets. They are non-venomous but can be defensive and will bite repeatedly if handled, leading to superficial scratches.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. Populations are stable, though they face threats from habitat destruction, water pollution, and persecution by humans who mistake them for venomous species.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied with strongly keeled (rough) scales. Coloration consists of dark crossbands near the head that break into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. Base color varies from grey to reddish-brown; patterns often darken and may become nearly black in older specimens. The head is flat and slightly wider than the neck, with round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the photo appears to be an adult, approximately 2-3 feet long. Typical species range is 24 to 42 inches (61-107 cm), with a maximum recorded length of about 59 inches (150 cm).
Habitat
Semiaquatic; found in nearly any freshwater source including rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and canals. They prefer slow-moving water with abundant vegetation and basking sites like logs or flat rocks.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and crepuscular during mild weather, becoming nocturnal in high summer. Highly defensive if cornered; they frequently flatten their heads to appear larger, hiss loudly, and musk (release a foul-smelling liquid) when threatened. They are excellent swimmers and will dive into water to escape.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivores; primarily diet consists of fish and amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders). They are active foragers that hunt along the water's edge or underwater, swallowing prey alive without constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Mating occurs in spring; females give birth to 15-30 young (as many as 60 in large females) between August and October. Young are born fully independent.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom. However, their saliva contains mild anticoagulants that may cause a bite to bleed more than expected.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Distinct from Cottonmouths by their round pupils (vs. vertical), lack of heat-sensing pits, and labial bars (vertical dark lines on the scales bordering the mouth). They are also confused with various other water snakes (genus Nerodia).
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. Populations are stable, though they face threats from habitat destruction, water pollution, and persecution by humans who mistake them for venomous species.
Cultural Significance
Economically and ecologically important as natural pest control for overpopulated fish and frog species. Often misunderstood and killed due to their resemblance to venomous snakes, making them a center of conservation education efforts.
Notable Features
Features extremely rough, keeled scales that help with grip in aquatic environments. Their defensive display of flattening the head/body is often so effective that it leads to their misidentification as venomous pit vipers.
Notes
What kind of snake is this