Species Reptiles & AmphibiansCommon Watersnake

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
Safety note: Bites readily if handled

The Common Watersnake is a heavy-bodied, nonvenomous snake frequently mistaken for the cottonmouth. It is aggressive when cornered but harmless. Found near virtually any body of fresh water in eastern North America.

Habitat
Lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and marshes
Diet
Fish, frogs, and salamanders
How common
Common

Best time to see a Common Watersnake

The best time to see a Common Watersnake is April–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 75,690 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Often confused with

Copperhead - see how to tell them apartCottonmouth - see how to tell them apart

Recent Common Watersnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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