Northern water snake facts for kids

Northern water snake hiding out under leaves

The Northern water snake, or Nerodia sipedon, is a species of non-venomous snake found throughout North America.

Habitat

Northern water snake taking a swim

The Northern water snake is true to its name and is often found swimming in bodies of water including bogs, marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. They are also sometimes found basking, since like all snakes they're cold-blooded, and they're sometimes found under logs or rocks near a water source.

Diet

The Northern water snake eats mostly small fishes, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and insects.

Defense

The Northern water snake, if threatened, will bite even though its bite isn't venomous, and musk on you. Their form of defense is very similar to that of Garter snakes.

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: Nerodia sipedon para niños