Feb 5
An erythristic Northern watersnake (Nerodia sipedon ssp. sipedon) in North Carolina, USA
by Jillian Kern
seen from United States
seen from Romania
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Romania
seen from Yemen
seen from Sweden
seen from United States
seen from Sweden
seen from United States
seen from Netherlands
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from Sweden
seen from Sweden
seen from Sweden
seen from Saudi Arabia
seen from Romania
seen from Maldives
seen from China
An erythristic Northern watersnake (Nerodia sipedon ssp. sipedon) in North Carolina, USA
by Jillian Kern
snake profile #7, requested by @snaps-play-pen!
the common water snake, Nerodia sipedon!
size: 24.02”-55.12”(61cm - 140cm) description: darkly colored scales with square blotches down the back and sides; white belly habitat: found near and within any permanent bodies of water(lakes, ponds, streams, rivers). Can be found on land near their aquatic home, sometimes under logs, rocks, and boards behavior: scavengers and carnivores, will eat most small creatures that can be found near water. Known to herd fish towards shores to eat many at a time, and will swallow prey whole instead of constricting or immobilizing first
hope you enjoy!
Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), juvenile, taken May 22, 2025, in Georgia, US
My first (and hopefully not last) snake of the year: a tiny watersnake! This guy couldn't have been very old. I would actually guess based on his size that he was very recently born! The little creek I found him in will provide a great place to begin life, full of small fish, salamander larvae, and invertebrates for this baby to eat until he's large enough to eat bigger prey and swim long distances.
Unlike most other snakes, N. sipedon is ovoviviparous, meaning eggs develop and hatch inside the mother before being laid, and the mother gives birth directly to baby snakes! Upon being born, these babies are immediately independent and soon leave the mother, who can give birth to—in extreme cases—up to 30 babies!
@junipermoth and I found a couple of long water boys enjoying a sun-warmed rock!
Ran into a neighbor at the creek last week and had to assure her that these snakes she keeps seeing down there aren’t cottonmouths (she had a photo of one on her phone so I was able to be certain). I’ve lived here over fifteen years and have never seen a single water moccasin down there. I’ve seen dozens of these nonvenomous beauties though!
Check out this cool snake I saw while out camping this weekend
P sure it's a Nerodia sipedon (known locally as the common water snake), maybe a little over 2ft? Had some really pretty red coloration.
Little friend swam right up to us and chilled nearby among some rocks during the quiet morning to hang out and look for some frogs or small rodents.
Saw a second one, maybe 4-6in longer, with some tan/brown coloration too. Got the far away pic first and then stumbled across her again while trying to get a pic of a swarm of catfish fry.
Always a good morning getting to see local wildlife.
Northern water snakes were breeding here Sunday. There were many, many, many snakes in the water.
Common watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
Photo by Sharon