Northern Water Snake
(Nerodia sipedon)
Photo Courtesy of Jean Kaplansky
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a fairly common snake and is usually 24 - 42 inches in length with a fairly heavy body. Their colors and patterns can be highly variable. They are usually brown or gray with brown or reddish markings. Some adults look solid black or brown when dry.
As you can guess, Northern Water Snakes can be found near bodies of water such as streams, marshes, ponds, and lake shores. This species is diurnal and can often be found basking along the shore or in vegetation near the shore. These snakes have a varied diet and will eat things like fish, baby turtle, frogs, smaller snakes, and small mammals.
Care should be taken if you attempt to pick up this snake. They will first flatten themselves and if continued to be cornered they will bite quickly and often. They will also emit musk and defecate if picked up. Some specimens will even regurgitate their latest meal as well.
Northern Water Snakes are usually active from April to October and will hibernate during the winter months. When hibernating they will often be found with other species of snakes in rocky crevices or "dens."
Young can be found in June to August in clutches of 5 to 60 snakes that are 6 - 10 inches long.