Nerodia Sipedon Sipedon, also known as the Northern watersnake is the most common water snake in all of North America. These non-venomous snakes can grow anywhere between two and four feet and are typically tan or grey in colour. It is common for them to have dark brown or black stripes leading horizontally down the body. As snakes get older, they are often a solid dark brown or black colour10. This is how juveniles are distinguishable from adults. Due to these distinct colour schemes, the northern water snake is often mistaken for venomous snakes such as the cotton mouth—an aquatic snake with similar markings. As stated in the name, Northern water snakes are found in North America ranging from Southern Ontario all the way into more southern …show more content…
Habitat loss and fragmentation, predation, as well as human interactions are the main threats for N. sipedon. Many water snakes are killed each year due to simple misidentification. Since the markings down the body of the Northern water snake is similar to that of the cotton mouth and other venomous snakes, humans kill them in acts of self-defence when they believe they are going to be bitten. Besides the misidentification by humans, habitat loss and fragmentation is by far the largest threat to the northern water snake. Their habitats are continually being destroyed to build subdivisions and urbanized areas. The wetland areas are also being shrunk and fragmented for roadways and trails. When the snakes attempt to cross these roads, they are exposed to traffic as well as more become more exposed to their predators since they are farther away from water and …show more content…
N. sipedon is active in the warmer months and give birth in June, July and August to litters ranging between 4- 100.1 Coincidentally, this is when their predators are also most active, making their young susceptible to threats. Since the Northern water snakes have very little maternal instincts, the offspring are left to fend for themselves and can easily be eaten by predators during these warmer months. Another trait which makes the Northern water snake vulnerable to its threats is its markings or lack thereof. As previously mentioned, the snakes are typically light brown or grey with horizontal stripes leading down their entire body. As the snakes age, they can turn a solid dark brown colour10. Unfortunately for N. sipedon, venomous snakes such as cotton mouths and water moccasins also have these marks and similar characteristics. This biological characteristic makes it especially vulnerable to human interaction. When spotted, and a human believes they are in danger, they will typically attack or kill the snake by mistake7. Although these animals are vulnerable to their threats, they are not defenceless. When in danger, the Northern water snake will bite and attack their enemy. Even though their bite is not venomous, it is still powerful enough to cause severe bleeding and pain especially in smaller prey animals and even