Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Common across North America, ranging from southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada throughout the eastern and central United States, as far south as North Carolina and as far west as Colorado and Oklahoma.
Look up Common Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia sipedon
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. They are widespread and adaptable, though they face threats from habitat destruction and persecution by humans who mistake them for other species.
Physical Description
A heavy-bodied snake with highly keeled scales. Coloration is typically brown, gray, or tan with dark crossbands near the head that break into alternating dorsal and lateral blotches further down the body. The head is distinct from the neck with large eyes and round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a juvenile or young adult, approximately 18-24 inches. Adults typically range from 24 to 42 inches (61-107 cm), with females being significantly larger than males.
Habitat
Primarily found in freshwater ecosystems such as lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and streams. They are commonly seen basking on rocks or logs near water and are proficient swimmers.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivores specializing in aquatic prey. They feed heavily on fish, frogs, salamanders, and occasionally small mammals or birds. They use an active foraging strategy and swallow prey alive without constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Mating occurs in spring, and the female gives birth to 15-30 young (sometimes more) in late summer or early autumn.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. They are widespread and adaptable, though they face threats from habitat destruction and persecution by humans who mistake them for other species.
Cultural Significance
Commonly misunderstood and often killed due to their resemblance to other snakes. Ecologically, they are vital for controlling fish and amphibian populations and serve as a food source for larger predators like herons and hawks.
Notable Features
They have a unique 'anti-predator' strategy of diving underwater and remaining submerged for extended periods to avoid capture.