Northern Water Snake
ExploreReptile
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
ReptileRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
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
- Max 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
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Piscivorous
Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Diurnal
Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.
Freshwater
Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.
Aquatic
Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.
Also known as
Common Water Snake
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
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
Park166 sightings19 species
Maryland, US
Rock Creek Regional Park
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Park82 sightings17 species
Virginia, US
Chantilly Park
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Park124 sightings17 species
Virginia, US
Lake Fairfax Park
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Zoo27 sightings17 species
North Carolina, US
North Carolina Zoo
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Park115 sightings16 species
New Jersey, US
Verona Park
You might spot White-Tailed Deer, Canada Goose, and Red-Winged Blackbird.
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Park66 sightings15 species
New York, US
Black Creek Park
You might spot Stream Bluet, Variable Dancer, and Eastern Pondhawk.
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