The common watersnake is a species of large, nonvenomous, common snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to North America. The reptiles’ bodies are a varying shades of gray, tan, buff, or brown, and the juvenile snakes are often more brightly colored than the adults. Adults have dark bands and are often mistaken for copperheads or cottonmouths. However, when agitated they may flatten their bodies and bite. Fully grown water snakes are between 2 and 4.5 feet long, with most measuring about 3.5 feet (one meter) long. Northern water snakes like a wide variety of aquatic habitats. They can be seen basking on rocks and prefer slow-moving or standing water near places where they can bask in the sun, such as ponds, vernal pools (seasonal pools of water), and lakes. These snakes are not venomous.
Websites
- National Wildlife Federation
- Common watersnake – Wikipedia
- Adirondack Serpent: The Northern Watersnake
- New York Natural Heritage Program
- Discover 3 Water Snakes Lurking in New York Waters – A-Z Animals
- The Most Snake Infested Lakes In New York
- Look Out For These New York Snakes – Scenic Hudson
Videos
- Everything You Need To Know!
- The Tale of the Northern Water Snake
- The Northern Water Snake
- Snake ID: Common or Northern Watersnake
- Snakes in the Catskills: A Primer
- Cottonmouth vs Water Snake!