Northern water snake facts for kids

Northern water snake hiding out under leaves

The Northern water snake, known scientifically as Nerodia sipedon, is a type of snake that is not venomous. You can find these snakes all across North America. They are often seen near water, which is how they got their name!

Where They Live

Northern water snake taking a swim

True to its name, the Northern water snake loves water. You will often find them swimming in many different watery places. These include bogs, marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams.

Like all snakes, they are cold-blooded. This means their body temperature changes with the temperature around them. So, they often need to warm up in the sun. You might see them basking on rocks or logs near water. They also hide under logs or rocks to stay safe and cool.

What They Eat

Northern water snakes are skilled hunters. They mostly eat small fish, which they catch in the water. But their diet also includes other small animals. They might eat reptiles, amphibians like frogs and salamanders, small mammals, and even insects. They usually grab their prey and swallow it whole.

How They Defend Themselves

If a Northern water snake feels threatened, it has a few ways to protect itself. Even though its bite is not venomous, it will bite if it feels scared. Their bite can be painful, but it is not dangerous to humans.

They also have another defense trick: they can release a smelly, musky liquid. This musky smell is meant to scare away predators. Their defense methods are quite similar to those of Garter snakes. It's their way of saying, "Leave me alone!"

Appearance

Northern water snakes can vary in color, but they are usually brown, gray, or reddish-brown. They often have dark bands or blotches on their bodies. These markings help them blend in with their surroundings, especially near water. Young snakes often have very clear patterns, which might fade a bit as they get older.

Life Cycle

Northern water snakes do not lay eggs. Instead, the mother snake gives birth to live young. A female can have many babies at once, sometimes more than 30! The baby snakes are born ready to take care of themselves. They are small versions of the adults and can hunt and defend themselves right away.

Images for kids

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  Northern watersnake basking west of Ottawa, Ontario

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  Mature northern watersnake sunning itself near Battersea, Ontario

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  Preparing to moult, Prince Edward County, Ontario

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  Hunting on a beach near Georgian Bay, Ontario

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  Close-up of the head

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  Northern watersnake swimming in pond Hayesville, North Carolina

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  Basking in the sun along French Creek, Pennsylvania

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  N. s. insularum on Kelleys Island

See also

In Spanish: Serpiente de Agua del Norte para niños