Reptile · GBIF taxon 5223334
Northern Watersnake
Nerodia sipedonAlso known as Common Watersnake, Banded Watersnake, Water Pilot
Northern watersnakes are semi-aquatic reptiles frequently seen basking on logs, rocks, or overhanging branches along lakes and rivers. When startled, they drop quickly into the water to submerge, actively hunting small fish and amphibians along the shoreline. Females retain their eggs internally and give live birth in late summer, producing litters that frequently exceed thirty offspring.
Semi-AquaticNon-VenomousReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Minnows
- Bullfrog Tadpoles
- Crayfish
Predators
- Great Blue Heron
- Snapping Turtle
- Raccoon
ThreatsHabitat destruction, water pollution, human persecution through confusion with cottonmouths
HabitatsLakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes, bogs
Life span9–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- GenusNerodia
- SpeciesNerodia sipedon
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Non-venomous but will flatten its head, release musk, and bite defensively if handled; observe from a distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Lacks venom, but possesses sharp recurved teeth that cause painful surface scratches and potential minor infection if handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a slender head, round pupils, and crossbands on the neck that break into alternating side blotches.
- What to do
- Do not attempt to corner or grab the snake; step back and let it retreat into the water.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Search along sunny shorelines, fallen logs, and bridge footings during warm mornings.
- Identification: Note the dark crossbands near the neck that break into alternating blotches further down.
- Safety: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid triggering defensive strikes or foul musk release.
Look-Alike (c) kirk gardner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by kirk gardner · cc-by
Prey Carl D. Howe / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Mila Turov, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Andrew Durso, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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