Northern Water Snake
ExploreReptiles
Northern Water Snake
Nerodia sipedon
The Northern Water Snake is a great swimmer that loves to be near water! They are often seen basking on rocks.
Habitat: Wetlands and waterways
Appearance
The Northern Water Snake is a medium-sized snake with a stout body, typically brown, gray, or reddish-brown, patterned with dark bands or blotches. These markings are wider on its back and narrower on its sides, often darkening to solid black as the snake ages, making it distinct from many other slender, uniformly colored snakes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusNerodia
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
139
Interesting facts
Northern Water Snakes often bask on logs or rocks to warm up in the sun.
These snakes are non-venomous but will bite defensively if they feel scared!
They can stay underwater for a long time, patiently waiting for a meal!
When threatened, they often play dead to trick predators into leaving them alone.
Special abilities
Ability
Aquatic Hunter
Northern Water Snake can swim swiftly and dive to catch fish and amphibians underwater with surprising agility.
Ability
Musky Defense
Northern Water Snake releases a foul-smelling musk when threatened to deter predators, making itself unappetizing.
Ability
Imitation Display
Northern Water Snake can flatten its head and body to appear larger and more intimidating, mimicking venomous snakes.
Ability
Live Birth
Northern Water Snake gives birth to live young, bypassing the need for external egg incubation or nesting.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-140 cm
- Weight
- 0.15-0.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 5 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 3 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 8-40
- Maximum Depth
- 2 m
Diet & Feeding
They mainly feast on small fish and amphibians they catch in the water.
Age differences: Young snakes eat more invertebrates and small tadpoles, while adults primarily focus on fish and frogs.
Primary Foods
- Small fish
- Frogs
- Toads
- Salamanders
- Tadpoles
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
Main prey item caught while swimming.
eats
American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
Adults and tadpoles are a common food source.
eaten by
Common Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
Young snakes can be prey for large turtles.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Birds of prey snatch snakes from open areas.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
Common Water Snake
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Northern Water Snake?
60-140 cm
How much does Northern Water Snake weigh?
0.15-0.5 kg
How long does Northern Water Snake live?
6-10 years
How fast can Northern Water Snake move?
5 km/h
What does Northern Water Snake eat?
They mainly feast on small fish and amphibians they catch in the water.
How fast can Northern Water Snake swim?
3 km/h
Where is Northern Water Snake usually found?
Wetlands and waterways
How does Northern Water Snake hunt?
Pursuit
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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