Photos

Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)

The northern water snake has the largest geographic range of any water snake in the United States. They are found in most aquatic areas. This species reaches lengths between 2 and 3 feet long. It ranges in color from reddish-brown to gray to brownish-black, with dark crossbands on the neck and alternating dark blotches on back and sides at mid-body. Also, the older the snake gets, the darker it gets. An older snake will become black. Northern water snakes eat small fish, salamanders, juvenile turtles and crustaceans.

Northern Water Snakes have many predators, including birds, raccoons, opossums, foxes, snapping turtles, bullfrogs, and other snakes.

This shot was taken in Cunningham Falls State Park on the small mountain stream.