Adults and shedding individuals may appear to have a uniform brown to dark grey dorsal. The common breeding season for this species is between May and June. Nature's Balance Northern water snakes are important to the balance of nature because they eat small fish, frogs, toads, and crayfish and are food for other predators. Others may mistake it for a copperhead. Pennsylvania is home to mainly terrestrial (land dwelling) snakes, but as mentioned in this article there are a handful that can be found in water bodies throughout Pennsylvania. People sometimes fear that it is a water moccasin, also called a cottonmouth. Rough Green Snake. The northern water snake is a non-venomous snake found across Appalachia. The adult is … These snakes may be confused with Smooth Greensnakes, however Smooth Greensnakes tend to prefer drier habitats. Beyond Pennsylvania, the northern copperhead is found from Massachusetts south to the panhandle of Florida and west to Illinois and Nebraska. The female water snakes develop the eggs inside their bodies and then give birth in early autumn or late summer. SNAKE PHOTOS. Kirtland’s Snakes are actually semi-aquatic and semi-fossorial. However, being semi-fossorial, they also spend time underground. Water snake (top) and copperhead. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. A Bow with Small Game Arrows is considered to be the best weapon to wound or kill a snake of this size. (With 108 drawings by Edmond Malnate). STUDY. Water snakes will defend their resting areas, and while hunting food, they do not shy away from people. other herps to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. Copper Head Snakes and Water Snakes Copperhead snake (Photo: Michale McCarthy, Flicker sharing) Identification of the venomous copperhead snake and the harmless northern banded water snake. Eastern Milk Snake. Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, creeks, canals, swamps, marshes, and wet meadows. As Northern water snakes age, the color darkens, and the pattern becomes obscure. A: The Northern brown snake (Storeria dekayi), pictured above, is thin like a pencil and ranges from 3 to 10 inches long. Garter Snake. Water snakes consume large quantities of fish and amphibians. Please contribute your observation of this and What Snake Is That? A Northern Water Snake crossing the path in Explore the Wild (5/7/13). The dorsal pattern has a series of brown to reddish brown wide saddles on the anterior third of the body that are wider at the vertebral area and become narrow towards the ventral margin, and a series of dark brown alternating rectangular blotches along the back and sides. The northern water snake is one of the most common snakes found in Montgomery County. Due to the rarity of this species, if you spot one the folks from PA Herps (a resource for identifying reptiles in Pennsylvania) ask that you contact them to record this rare and secretive species. Ernst, Carl H. and Ernst, Evelyn M. ,2003. Northern Water Snake: These look like the highly venomous cottonmouth but you don’t need to worry, the northern water snake is entirely non-venomous and isn’t looking for a fight. Northern water snakes can vary in their coloration, some more red than brown, some very dark, some very dull, but the pattern is the same. Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, creeks, canals, swamps, marshes, and wet meadows. Rat Snakes Young are brighter and have a higher contrasting pattern that darkens with age. Water snake species are great swimmers, but they can only be located about ten feet below the water surface and 165 feet from the shore. As Northern water snakes age, the color darkens, and the pattern becomes obscure. Status: Abundant. May be found under rocks, logs or boards, but are mainly seen in the open basking or swimming." Queensnakes are very susceptible to water pollution, so clean water sources are key in their habitat selection. Don’t swim in the lake or pond if the water is very dirty or contaminated. The chin and throat are cream to yellow. Their carnivorous diet consists of game, frogs, salamanders, and fish. Browse 46 northern water snake stock photos and images available, or search for black rat snake or sagebrush lizard to find more great stock photos and pictures. Habitat: "Wide variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. A Field Guide to the Snakes of the United States East of the Rocky Mountains. Scientific name: Clonophis kirtlandii Length: 14-18 in. Northern Brown Snake. 98–101 + Plate 18, Figure 51). Snakes of the United States and Canada. Common Watersnakes Nerodia sipedon are medium (record 150 cm) natricine snakes with keeled scales often found near water in large numbers. Dec 21, 2017 - Northern Water Snakes, Bucks County, PA, April 2017 The Ribbon Snake is a semi-aquatic snake found in Pennsylvania. (Please note, the Northern Water Snake is NOT the same as a Water Moccasin.) The Northern water snake is a large, nonvenomous, common snake native to North America. Status: It is 1 of 5 copperhead subspecies found in the U.S. Copperheads, like any other snake, would rather get away then stay and fight, but this snake tends to be be more aggressive than its counter-partner the rattlesnake. Snakes That Look Like Copperheads (8 Species With Pictures), Water Snakes in North Carolina (13 Species With Pictures), Water Snakes in Tennessee (9 Species With Pictures), Water Snakes in Ohio (7 Species With Pictures), What Not to Feed Bearded Dragons (21 Things), Animals That Walk on Two Legs (13 Examples). This confusion often is a result of the observer relying solely on color to identify the snake, but when compared, their patterns are quite different. Large colubrid snake, as the name implies they spend most of their time underwater. Northern Watersnake. The background of the upper body is greyish brown, light brown, tan or grey with a series of brown to reddish brown wide saddles on the front third of the body that are wider at the vertebral area and become narrow towards the ventral (belly) margin, and a series of dark brown or gray or orange alternating rectangular blotches along the back and sides. Venomous: No. While they are often found near water, they also have been known to inhabit rocky or hilly areas and are sometimes referred to as the “upland moccasin”. They drop into the water when startled, or when they find prey. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'wildlifeinformer_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',104,'0','0']));Pennsylvania is home to 21 different species of snakes. Your help is needed. 1. + Plates A-C, 1-32. Northern Red Bellied Snake. Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon sipedon. ... Eastern Hognose Snake. But these poor snakes are constantly mistaken for Copperheads in PA. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast, Salamanders of the United States and Canada, The Frogs and Toads of North America: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification, Behavior, and Calls. (61-140 cm) in length. A Copperhead crossing the path in Explore the Wild (5/17/13). That being said, always proceed with caution when you encounter a snake in the case that it is venomous. The 2 snake's similar brown rusty appearance is often confused. The northern water snake is one of the most common snakes found in Montgomery County. Only one venomous snake makes this list of water snakes in PA, meaning that most of the water snakes you may encounter are in fact harmless. N. sipedon is active during the day and at night. It’s body color changes depending on age and location. Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. They are semi-aquatic and do not need a water source to live in or near, however they are very commonly found near or in water along the edges of streams or in swampy areas. Venomous: Yes. In the Eastern US one of the biggest fears of homeowners and people who work or play outside near the water is venomous spiders and snakes. N 40° 39.013', W 77° 45.44' Diet. Browse 46 northern water snake stock photos and images available, or search for black rat snake or sagebrush lizard to find more great stock photos and pictures. All snakes are able to swim if they like, however some are certainly more drawn to water than others. Schmidt (1953) restricted the type locality to the vicinity of New York City. The species is native to North America. Start studying PA Snakes. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. They feed on small fish, amphibians and even crayfish. Venomous: No. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',113,'0','0']));Ribbon Snakes are found in wooded or rocky habitats that also have a permanent water source. Their above average size and bulk makes them fairly easy to identify in water areas that host other snakes. Believe it or not, it loves to hang out in cities like Philadelphia! Guest post by Bernard S. Brown, Philadelphia County Coordinator, PA Amphibian And Reptile Survey. Copperheads, like any other snake, would rather get away then stay and fight, but this snake tends to be be more aggressive than its counter-partner the rattlesnake. The northern water snake can be seen in a variety of colors. The snake has quite a heavy body and has quite a large head which is in proportion with the body of the snake. Northern Water Snake: Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) swimming in Nuclear Lake, NY. There are six snakes that can be classified as at least aquatic or semi-aquatic in Pennsylvania which are the: Northern Water snake, Northern Rough Greensnake, Queensnake, Ribbonsnake, Northern Copperhead, and Kirtland’s Snake. The water moccasin, or cottonmouth, common to the South, is not found naturally in Pennsylvania and does not appear farther north than extreme southern Virginia. Northern Water Snake. Often killed by people out of fear, the northern water snake is not a water moccasin and it is not venomous. Aug 28, 2016 - File:Northern Water Snake In Pennsylvania.jpg Description: Medium-sized, heavy-bodied species with strongly keeled scales. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',110,'0','0']));Scientific name: Regina septemvittata Length: 14-23 in. Some references make much of the fact that a copperhead’s head is arrow-shaped or more broad than the non-venomous water snakes. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images Northern Water Snake. The northern water snake feeds heavily on fish and amphibians, swallowing its prey alive.These snakes have been known to eat a number of fish species, such as brook trout, sunfish, smallmouth bass, minnows, bullhead catfish, and hogsuckers.They have also been recorded eating northern cricket frogs, toads, southern leopard frogs, bullfrog tadpoles, and spring … Diet. The northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) deserves its aggressive reputation. The Northern Water snake is abundant in aquatic environments all over Pennsylvania. The supralabials are cream to beige with dark vertebral bars along the sutures. Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, creeks, canals, swamps, marshes, and wet meadows. Queen Snake. The markings and coloration of water snakes vary somewhat from species to species, but for the most part they are brown, gray, olive green or reddish with dark splotches or bands on their backs. Northern Water Snake: These look like the highly venomous cottonmouth but you don’t need to worry, the northern water snake is entirely non-venomous and isn’t looking for a fight. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. The ventral background is cream to yellow-brown or red with a bold pattern of many reddish brown to brown crescent blotches bordered with black. The northern ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) is a small, thin snake found in hardwood forests, old fields and grassy areas throughout Pennsylvania. Abundant. Here you’ll find facts, common questions, and general info about all kinds of wildlife and exotic pets. Smooth Green Snake. Northern Rough Greensnakes are endangered in Pennsylvania and are currently found in a single county, Chester County in the Southeastern portion of the state. The pupils in their eyes are round.Females are h… Habitat: Occupy a variety of habitats, from dense woods to open prairies, meadows, and marshes. See the difference? c. Northern Water Snake: Are copperheads aggressive? Venomous: No. These snakes can be brown, gray, reddish, or brownish-black in color. Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi dekayi Size: 9 – 20.7” but rarely larger than 15” (adult total length) Status: Locally common but less so to the north. Michael Salotti says that becoming familiar with the patterns of different species native to a specific area is the most reliable way to identify a snake. That snake is almost certainly a northern water snake. And here they are again in direct comparison. The Northern Water Snake is a North American snake that has a large body. The bands become blotches in the latter part of the body. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',114,'0','0']));The Allegheny mountains split the two populations of Ribbon Snakes, with the Northern Ribbon Snakes occurring in the Northwestern portion of the state and the Eastern Ribbon Snake along the East half of Pennsylvania. There is uncertainty whether or not there are still populations of Kirtland’s Snakes in Pennsylvania as there hasn’t been an observation recorded in the state for nearly 60 years. They may be found along streams, wetlands, ponds, wet prairies and in crayfish burrows. Northern Brown Snake. Timber Rattlesnake. Ever since I was a kid I've loved learning about wildlife. The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) is Pennsylvania’s only species. Snakes - Snake related photos. The Northern Water Snake is one of the largest snakes to be found in North America, and the largest examples can grow up to a length of four and a half feet. The northern water snake, or Nerodia sepidon, is one of the most common snakes in the eastern United States. The Northern Rough Greensnake is more semi-aquatic than aquatic and splits it’s time between time on land and time in the water. There are six snakes that can be classified as at least aquatic or semi-aquatic in Pennsylvania which are the: Northern Water snake, Northern Rough Greensnake, Queensnake, Ribbonsnake, Northern Copperhead, and Kirtland’s Snake. Water snakes hang from vegetation overhanging water. New York and London: D. Appleton-Century. Northern water snakes have a bulb-shaped pattern that widens in the center, whereas the venomous copperhead has an hourglass-like pattern. I would bet again w/ 97% certainty a snake found "close to water" is a northern water snake- not a copperhead. Queensnakes occur in two disjunct (or separated) populations in the Western and Southeastern part of the state. They will often bask on branches or in bushes around water sources and drop into the water in the face of a threat to get away quickly. Venomous: No. (Natrix sipedon sipedon, pp. Putting aside the broad, copper-colored head of the bottom snake, look at the pattern. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. In this article, we are focusing on water snakes found in Pennsylvania. Northern Water Snakes (HM1PIM). Hi, my name is Jesse and I'm the guy behind Wildlife Informer. This page is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania snakes. Snakes of PA. All images taken from www.paherps.com. Northern Water Snakes are native to the coastal shores of Roanoke Ridge and swamplands of Lemoyne. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. There are no venomous snakes in Philadelphia. They can be as aggressive as a copperhead but are harmless. of 7. nerodia sipedon water snake north american snakes brown water snake snake sunbathing snake catching a fish water … The northern water snake feeds heavily on fish and amphibians, swallowing its prey alive.These snakes have been known to eat a number of fish species, such as brook trout, sunfish, smallmouth bass, minnows, bullhead catfish, and hogsuckers.They have also been recorded eating northern cricket frogs, toads, southern leopard frogs, bullfrog tadpoles, and spring … Water snakes will defend their resting areas, and while hunting food, they do not shy away from people. Here is the tips that you need to follow in order to prevent the snake bite of the Northern water snake. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. Northern Water Snake. The northern water snake, or Nerodia sipedon, is a large water-dwelling snake that inhabits the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.Its resemblance to some venomous snakes often leads to its destruction. Read the link you posted to see a copperhead's normal habitat is not around water. It is a venomous species belonging to the Colubridae family with 4 … Snake and the Eastern Milk Snake. The head is greyish brown to brown with variable dark markings. Although many snakes can climb trees, the rough green snake is the only snake in the United States that regularly lives in trees. They list only three venomous snakes, northern copperheads, timber … It is most often seen basking on rocks, stumps, or brush. What you saw is most certainly a northern water snake, which is harmless. It is almost always patterned with reddish-brown, brown or black crossbands near the head and alternating back and side blotches farther down the body. Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) mating behavior; Morris Arboretum wetlands, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylavania, USA. Northern water snakes are not poisonous, but their bite can be painful and leave the victim … Shorthead Garter Snake. Size: 24-55 in. • Conant R, Bridges W (1939). Snake and the Eastern Milk Snake. Habitat and Range . Lake Erie Water snake are mostly found on the shorelines of the western Lake Erie islands, including Pelee Island. Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. They have been reported to approach anglers on land or in boats. It is found near ponds, rivers, lakes, streams, creeks, pools and any other water way throughout every urban and suburban area in Montgomery County. Edited by Amy Hopf. As well as snakes that live on land and water snakes, or snakes that live in or around water. Dec 21, 2017 - Northern Water Snakes, Bucks County, PA, April 2017 The snakes found in Pennsylvania include a few species of venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes. Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. But historically they have been known to occur in the Western portion of the state West of the Allegheny mountains. The northern watersnake is a gray to reddish-brown snake with numerous dark brown, reddish-brown, or blackish crossbands along the front third of the body. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',111,'0','0']));Queensnakes almost exclusively spend their time in aquatic habitats. Northern Water Snake, Northern Water Snake . It would take quite a lot to work this snake up but if you harass it for long enough, it will coil up and snap. Northern Copperhead. DM Gutierrez Last Modified Date: August 28, 2020 . They have dark crossbands on the neck and dark blotches on the rest of the body. (61-140 cm) in length c. Northern Water Snake Are copperheads aggressive? A pregnant water-snake can give birth to an average of 27 young ones, but the litter size ranges from nine to fifty. Conversely, nonvenomous species, such as the eastern milk snake, have round pupils, just like a human.” A Pennsylvania woman was bitten by a copperhead snake while doing laundry. Some references make much of the fact that a copperhead’s head is arrow-shaped or more broad than the non-venomous water snakes. Length: 20-34 in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Saddles and blotches number from 25-36. (Please note, the Northern Water Snake is NOT the same as a Water Moccasin.) These snakes can be brown, gray, reddish, or brownish-black in color. The Northern Copperhead is one of three venomous snakes found in Pennsylvania. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',112,'0','0']));Scientific name: Thamnophis saurita sp. Water snake (top) and copperhead. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} Water snake scales are keeled; they have a raised ridge down the center, making them rough to the touch. Northern water snakes can vary in their coloration, some more red than brown, some very dark, some very dull, but the pattern is the same. The northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a species of large, nonvenomous, common snake in the family Colubridae. Northern Water Snake Pictures Gallery Adults and shedding individuals may appear to have a uniform brown to dark grey dorsal. They have been reported to approach anglers on land or in boats. The background of the belly is cream to yellow-brown or red with a bold pattern of many reddish brown to brown crescent blotches bordered with black. It has two rows of small dark spots down its back. - Doug Wechsler The northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) deserves its aggressive reputation. Northern Redbelly Snake. If you see a snake while you are swimming then you must keep your distance and you need to get off the water as soon as possible. And here they are again in direct comparison. Northern Water Snake as it is the most common snake homeowners come across. Sources and Credits 246-254pp. Location: Huntingdon, PA 16652 Huntingdon County Buy Pennsylvania State flags at Flagstore.com! The dorsal background is greyish brown, light brown, tan to grey. It is best to keep your distance and retreat if approached. Each young water snake is between 7.5 to 9.1 inches long. Welcome to the WhiteBlaze Gallery. 612 northern water snake stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. A Copperhead crossing the path in Explore the Wild (5/17/13). Northern Water snake Northern Racer. eastern smooth earth snake eastern worm snake northern black racer northern brown snake northern copperhead northern redbelly northern ringneck northern water snake shorthead garter snake rough green snake timber rattlesnake, black phase timber rattlesnake, yellow phase The northern water snake is often killed out of fear. Rossman and Eberle (1977) changed the generic name from Natrix to Nerodia. The scales that border the mouth opening along the upper jaw are cream to beige with dark vertebral bars along the sutures. Although many snakes can climb trees, the rough green snake is the only snake in the United States that regularly lives in trees. May be found under rocks, logs or boards, but are mainly seen in the open basking or swimming. They are widely distributed throughout Pennsylvania and are found in slow-moving, fresh-water bodies such as streams, lakes, ponds, marshes and swamps. The species is native to North America. It would take quite a lot to work this snake up but if you harass it for long enough, it will coil up and snap. Eastern Kingsnake. Size: 24-55 in. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. Scientific name: Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen Length: 24-36 in. You will know whether you have a Northern Water Snake problem if you notice a 4 ft long snake on your property that’s brown, gray, red or a browny black. Frontispiece map + viii + 163 pp. It is frequently misidentified as a cottonmouth. Some of the species to make this list are semi-aquatic, meaning they may spend equal parts on land and in the water. Habitat: Wide variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. During the day, it hunts among plants at the water's edge, looking for small fish, frogs, worms, leeches, crayfish, salamanders, small birds, and mammals [citation needed].At night, it concentrates on minnows and other small fish resting in shallow water. They tend to be found anywhere where there is an ample supply of crayfish- their main diet and are found in slow to quick moving streams and rivers, lakes or ponds. The head is distinct from the body. It is merely a collection of photos that we have gathered. The Northern water snake is a large, nonvenomous, common snake native to North America. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} They secrete a foul smelling substance from the cloaca called musk and … The picture shows an adult with dark skin that hides any distinct body pattern. Their habitat ranges from Maine to Georgia, and from the Great Plains to the East Coast. The images shown on this page are either owned by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) or rights have been granted for their use by the photo’s copyright owner to the PFBC. On some adults, the patterns can blend into the background color, making them appear completely black. Here is a website from the state of Pennsylvania which lists the snakes found in the state. Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon sipedon Eastern Milksnake. The site is also here to assist with other herp related questions and personal help with Identification with the simple use of our contact form. But these poor snakes are constantly mistaken for Copperheads in PA. See northern water snake stock video clips. They are commonly encountered fish eating snakes across much of eastern North America. Eastern Smooth Green Snake. Systematics: Carolus Linnaeus originally described this snake as Coluber Sipedon in 1758, based on a specimen sent to him by Pehr Kalm from "North America." Northern Ringneck. They prefer moist habitats like marshes, wet meadows, and along the edges of lakes or streams. May. PLAY. Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or let us know how the site has helped you. Unlike other snakes which lay eggs, these species give birth to live young. While they are known to show some attitude when threatened, they are harmless. Now I share my knowledge here on this site with you! Nerodia sipedon (24-42", up to 55") This thick-bodied snake is quite variable in color and pattern. The Northern Water Snake is a North American snake that has a large body. It is found near ponds, rivers, lakes, streams, creeks, pools and any other water way throughout every urban and suburban area in Montgomery County. Scientific name: Nerodia sipedon Length: 24-55 in. They have dark crossbands on the neck and dark blotches on the rest of the body. WildlifeInformer.com is a site that’s all about wild animals and nature. If you’re looking at a big snake in a body of water that is hissing and flattening its head into a triangle, take a breath! Higher contrasting pattern that darkens with age. Black Rat Snake. The Northern brown snake likes to hide under rocks, logs, or other items that get warm and cozy in the sun. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-box-4','ezslot_8',109,'0','0']));Scientific name: Opheodrys aestivus Length: 22-32 in. Sometimes they look solid brown or black when wet. Venomous: No. Country: United States of America Buy United States of America flags at Flagstore.com! The northern watersnake can be found in and around almost any permanent body of fresh water within its range, including lakes, rivers and wetlands. 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To water pollution, so clean water sources are key in their eyes are are!