Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Safety note: Bites readily if handled

The Common Watersnake is a heavy-bodied, nonvenomous snake frequently mistaken for the cottonmouth. It is aggressive when cornered but harmless. Found near virtually any body of fresh water in eastern North America.

Habitat

Lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and marshes

Diet

Fish, frogs, and salamanders

How common

Common

Recent Common Watersnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Common Watersnake? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More reptiles & amphibians

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

Desmognathus ochrophaeus

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Macrochelys temminckii

American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus