Northern Watersnake
Family:
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description:
Local Name: banded water snake
This is Missouri's most common species of watersnake. A gray to reddish-brown snake with dark brown crossbands, its belly is cream-colored with numerous black and reddish half-moon markings. Scales along the back and sides are keeled. Although watersnakes will bite to defend themselves, their bites are harmless.
Size:
Length ranges from 24 to 42 inches (61-107 cm).
Habitat and conservation:
Northern watersnakes live in or near any aquatic habitat: ponds, lakes, sloughs, streams, rivers and marshes.
Foods:
Watersnakes eat fish, frogs, tadpoles, toads and salamanders.
Distribution in Missouri:
Found throughout the northern two-thirds of the state. A subspecies, the midland watersnake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis), lives in the southern third. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/6587
