Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the eastern and midwestern United States.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: N. sipedon
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, high adaptability, and large stable populations.
Physical Description
Displays dark brownish-black crossbands on the neck transitioning to alternating blotches on the back and sides over a lighter tan background, with keeled scales.
Size & Dimensions
The pictured specimen is a juvenile approximately 12 inches long; adults typically range from 24 to 42 inches in total length.
Habitat
Inhabits freshwater environments such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and marshes, usually remaining close to water.
Diet & Feeding
Preys primarily on fish, frogs, tadpoles, and other aquatic organisms, actively hunting along shorelines and in shallows.
Reproduction
Viviparous species that gives birth to live young, producing litters typically ranging from 8 to over 30 neonates in late summer.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, high adaptability, and large stable populations.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role as both a predator of aquatic animals and a food source for larger mammals and birds.
Notable Features
Known for its robust aquatic adaptability and tendency to darken significantly with age, sometimes obscuring the dorsal pattern entirely.