Northern Water Snake – 6/12/13

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/12/13

Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam

Common Name: Northern Water Snake

Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon

Comments: The older northern water snakes get, the blacker they become. This mature specimen appears to be all black, but the underside is still colorful. Non-venomous northern water snakes are sometimes confused with venomous water moccasins, which live farther south. Even older northern water snakes that look black when on shore may appear banded when swimming through the water.

Note the ridges on the scales, called “keels.”

More information on this one-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw6W8NaJmfo