Page 20 - Arkansas Snake Guide

WATER SNAKES

SUZANNE COLLINS
Northern Water Snake
Nerodia sipedon
Range Statewide, but uncommon in the Delta.
Description Keeled scales. Light brown or gray with
dark brown or reddish-brown bands on fore-body and
alternating rows of brown and gray blotches on back and
sides of hind-body. Light belly with dark brown, orange,
yellow, red and gray half-moons. Young are brightly colored;
patterned like adults. Adults 24-42 inches in length.
Habitat and Habits Most commonly seen water snake
in reservoirs and fast-flowing streams and rivers. Active
March-October; active at night during summer. Mating
occurs in spring and 6-30 young are born July-September.
Feeds on fish and frogs. As with the other water snakes,
this snake is often misidentified as the venomous
cottonmouth or copperhead and is needlessly killed by
uninformed individuals.
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