NON-VENOMOUS

Northern Water Snakes
Nerodia sipedon

Northern Water Snakes are found in much of the eastern half of the United States.
Adults are typically 2 to 3 feet in length.

There are two principal subspecies: Nerodia sipedon sipedon and Nerodia sipedon pleuralis.
Nerodia sipedon sipedon is commonly called the Northern Water Snake and
Nerodia sipedon pleuralis is called the Midland Water Snake. As their names imply
the Northerns are found in the northern half of the eastern US and the Midlands are found in the
lower half of the Mississippi River drainage. There is a large region of integration of the two
supspecies strecthing from North Carolina to Oklahoma. It is probable that all specimens found in
South Carolina are intergrades of the Northern/Midland subspecies. SC specimens from the same litter
can look like typical Northerns and Midlands.

Due to their band-like markings and frequent orange coloration, Northerns are often misidentified as venomous Copperhead Snakes.

There are two recognized minor subspecies: Nerodia sipedon insularum and Nerodia sipedon williamengelsi.
Insularum is known as the Lake Erie Water Snake. It is found in a limited range along the shores of western Lake Erie.
Williamengelsi is known as the Carolina Water Snake. It is found in a limited range near the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Typical Northern Water Snake.

Typical Midland Water Snake.

Additional images of Northern Water Snakes:

Northern appearing specimens: adult adults immature immature, eating fish Preparing to Eat a Catfish Preparing to Eat a Catfish Eating a Catfish Eating a Catfish Eating a Catfish eating Sunfish neonate, approx. 8 inches

Midland appearing specimens: adult adult adult juvenile immature, caught in minnow trap, (approx. 22 inches)

Updated May 10, 2008
Contact: South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians