Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Eastern and central North America, extending from southern Canada through the eastern United States west to Colorado, and south to North Carolina and parts of Texas.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Widespread and abundant throughout its natural range.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied snake with dark brown or reddish-brown crossbands near the neck that break into alternating dark blotches further down the body. Heavily keeled scales give it a rough texture. The head is relatively wide and flattened.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be an adult approximately 2 to 3 feet long. Typical adult length ranges from 24 to 42 inches (60 to 105 cm), with females significantly larger than males.
Habitat
Semi-aquatic species found near freshwater sources including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, swamps, and marshes, often micro-habitatting along rocky shores or basking on overhanging vegetation.
Diet & Feeding
Active foraging predator feeding primarily on fish, amphibians (frogs, toads, tadpoles), and occasionally small invertebrates or mammals.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives live birth). Litters average 15 to 30 young born in late summer or early fall.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with the venomous Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Cottonmouths have vertical pupils, facial pit organs, a distinct dark eye-stripe, and wider hourglass bands.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Widespread and abundant throughout its natural range.
Cultural Significance
Crucial aquatic predator control in local freshwater ecosystems; commonly killed unnecessarily due to mistaken identity with venomous cottonmouths.
Notable Features
Heavily keeled dorsal scales, alternating lateral blotches, and a tendency to discharge foul-smelling musk when handled.