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Animal profile

Northern Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon

ReptiliaLakes, ponds, rivers, marshes and slow streams with basking cover along the bankLeast Concern

Field profile

The northern water snake is a thick-bodied, heavily banded non-venomous snake of North American fresh water. It hunts fish and amphibians by active pursuit rather than by constriction, swallowing prey alive. It is defensive when cornered and bites readily, but is harmless.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-10-12

Northern Water Snake

Most cottonmouth sightings are harmless water snakes

Northern water snakes are killed year after year as venomous cottonmouths, in places where cottonmouths do not occur at all. The two differ in head shape, pupil, swimming posture and range, and the range difference alone settles most cases.

Read with evidence →

Northern Water Snake | Daily Animal Facts