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Northern Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon

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40.6545, -75.6252

Field Notes

Description:

Medium - large snake. 3 1/2 feet long as an estimate. Possibly longer. Looks like it just ate a meal. Very still. Non-aggressive. I kept my distance since I don't know what kind of snake this is. Thick-bodied - over 1 1/2 inches in the center. Reddish/brown/blue markings. Nice stripes on underneath of head. Mostly brown. Blends in well with environment. Looks like a branch.

Habitat:

Woodlands. Beltzville State Park. Off the beaten trail.

Notes:

See video for complete snake detail. (Dedicated to Lisa Powers and her hard work.)

Reference Links:

Northern water snake

Species ID Suggestions

Northern Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon

Reference Link
AshleyT
1

Comments (8)
AshleyT
Haha nothing wrong with that :) And I didn't even notice his tongue out! I love it when they do that and you get it in the picture
Carol Snow Milne
I stay my distance. I gave a conservative estimate of 3 1/2 feet, but they grow up to 4.4 feet. Nope, will not touch, but enjoyed observing. It stuck its tongue out in the main photo. HA!
AshleyT
Yea the Nerodia are all pretty variable, that's why they give me problems lol. If you ever decide you want to grab one of these, just be warned that all water snakes have a tendency to be grumpy and bite a lot!
Carol Snow Milne
I guess the markings are variable because the photo I saw looks different. This is my first live non-garter snake spot! My very first HUGE snake. HA!
AshleyT
Oh and I got the rattlesnake spotting uploaded with the video I was telling you about!
AshleyT
No problem! I have trouble with IDing the water snakes, but you only have one in Pennsylvania so that makes it easier :) I'm glad you get excited about snakes!
Carol Snow Milne
Thanks so much Ashley. I couldn't figure this out. I thought it might be a type of water snake because I found it by a small brook in a heavily wooded area/path. I am so excited.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Reptiles of the World
Mission
Snakes of the World
Mission
Wildlife of Northeastern USA
Mission
Snakes of the United States - Center for Snake Conservation
Mission
Creatures of Pennsylvania
Photographed
PublishedApril 5, 2013

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