Northern water snake

If you see a snake swimming across a body of water with ease, there’s a good chance that you are observing the Northern water snake, which can also submerge itself to escape harm.

The heavy-bodied Nerodia sipedon is an aquatic snake that can often be encountered on land near regional waterways such as lakes, ponds and rivers. It enjoys basking along vegetated shorelines where it can be observed draped among the branches of low-lying shrubbery.

Although it is not venomous, and like most snakes will not normally attempt to attack, if it is provoked or cornered, it will defend itself by flattening its body and striking repeatedly. Not surprisingly, such bites can be extremely painful and are at risk for becoming infected.

This snake can reach more than 50 inches in length and is characterized by a large head and variable coloring on its top side, which can range from a reddish-brown to dark brown or charcoal, patterned with bands of lighter beige tones. Their bellies are much brighter (see photo). At this time of year, northern water snakes give birth to up to 30 live young.