One of the most widespread and recognizable water snakes in North America. It is often found near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes, where it spends most of its time swimming and hunting.

The most distinctive features of the common watersnake are its coloration and patterning. It usually has a background color that ranges from brown to gray or olive, with darker bands or blotches running down its body. These bands are more prominent in younger snakes and may fade as the snake ages, making older individuals appear more uniformly dark. The belly of the common watersnake is lighter, often white or yellowish, with dark spots or half-moon shapes along the sides. This coloration helps the snake blend into its natural surroundings, making it harder for predators and prey to spot.

Common watersnakes are often mistaken for venomous snakes, such as the cottonmouth (water moccasin), because of their similar appearance and habitats. However, the common watersnake is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. Despite this, they can be quite defensive if they feel threatened. When confronted, a common watersnake may flatten its body, hiss loudly, and even strike, though its bite is harmless. If picked up or handled, it might also release a foul-smelling musk as a defense mechanism, which is unpleasant but not dangerous.

Common watersnakes are strong swimmers and can often be seen basking on rocks or logs near the water’s edge. Basking is important for them because, like all reptiles, they are cold-blooded and rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. On warm, sunny days, you might see several watersnakes basking together in the same spot.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Canada

2007

United States

2007