Northern 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 and midwestern United States to the Gulf Coast.
Look up Northern 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. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include habitat loss, pollution, and intentional killing due to misidentification.
Physical Description
The visible portion shows a dark, patterned body submerged or partially camouflaged in the water, displaying alternating dark crossbands on the neck and alternating blotches along the back. Scales are keeled, giving a matte appearance.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adults range from 66 to 135 cm (26 to 53 inches) in total length. The specimen in the water appears to be a medium-sized adult or subadult.
Habitat
Found almost exclusively near permanent freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, and swamps. They prefer slow-moving or still waters with abundant vegetation, basking sites, and hiding spots.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on fish, amphibians, crayfish, and occasionally small mammals or birds. They are active foragers that hunt both in the water and along the shoreline.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mating occurs in spring, and females typically give birth to a litter of 8 to over 50 young in late summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include habitat loss, pollution, and intentional killing due to misidentification.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role in controlling populations of fish and amphibians in aquatic ecosystems. Often misunderstood and persecuted out of fear.
Notable Features
Highly aquatic behavior, strong swimming ability, and the tendency to bask on branches or rocks overhanging water for quick escape when threatened.