Northern Water Snake
(Nerodia
sipedon sipedon) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: 22-55 1/8"" (55.9-140.5 cm).
Reddish, brown, or gray to brownish-black, with dark crossbands
on neck region, and alternating dark blotches on back and sides
at midbody. Pattern darkens with age, becoming black. Belly
white, yellow, or gray, with reddish-brown or black
crescent-shaped spots. No dark line from eye to corner of mouth.
Juveniles more vivid. Scales keeled, in 21-25 rows. Anal plate
divided.
Warning! Although not venomous,
if necessary, it will bite viciously. A water snake bite will
bleed a lot because of a substance in the snake's saliva which
slows the clotting of blood.
STATUS:
RANGE: South Maine to North
Carolina, west to central Tennessee, north Indiana, and
Illinois, west to east Colorado, northeast to Minnesota and
south Ontario and Quebec.
HABITAT: Lakes, ponds, swamps,
marshes, streams, and rivers
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: Frogs, small fish, salamanders, small
turtles, crustaceans, and small mammals |
