Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
  Nonpoisonous

Description: Exhibits great deal of color variation. Base color tan to dark brown. Dark blotches vary from bright red to brown to black.

Habitat: Swamps, marsh, pond, stream, or lake border.

Size: 61-107 cm (24-42 in)

Diet: Fish, amphibians, and crayfish.

Natural History: Unlike most other snakes, water snakes bear live young. Newly captured snakes emit a foul musk from the anal gland. Non-venomous, but will strike when captured; small recurved teeth can leave deep scratches.

Similar species:

  1. Belly is marked with half moon spots that can be brown, red, orange, or black. Dark cross bands on the neck and fore section of body; dark blotches down rest of body.