Nerodia sipedon, commonly known as the Northern water snake, is a species of non-venomous semi-aquatic snake native to North America. It belongs to the family Colubridae and is typically found across a wide range spanning from southeastern Canada to the Gulf Coast, including various habitats such as ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshes.
This species exhibits a robust and muscular body with a characteristic dark brown or grayish-brown coloration, accompanied by dark crossbands or blotches along the back and sides. The scales are keeled, providing a rough texture to the touch. The average adult length of a Nerodia sipedon ranges from 24 to 55 inches (61 to 140 cm), with females generally being larger than males.
Being primarily an aquatic snake, Nerodia sipedon is an excellent swimmer and is often observed basking near water bodies. It feeds on a varied diet, consisting mainly of fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates. This species is known for its aggressive and defensive behavior when threatened, usually flattening its body to appear larger and biting as a last resort.
Nerodia sipedon is ovoviviparous, meaning that the female retains the eggs inside her body until they are ready to hatch, giving birth to live young. The Northern water snake plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a predator, helping to control local populations of small vertebrates and maintaining the balance within their habitats.
Overall, Nerodia sipedon is a common and adaptable snake species, well-suited to its semi-aquatic lifestyle, with its distinctive appearance and behavior making it distinguishable from other snakes in its range.
