Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) is an adaptable and variable serpent of most aquatic habitats. This snake can be found at nearly any pond, lake, marsh, creek, river, bog, or wetland within its extensive range. They have a preference for slower waters, but can be found in areas with strong current as well. Nerodia sipedon prefers to eat various amphibian or fish species, though it may also consume invertebrates like worms or crayfish. Nerodia can be quite unpleasant if handled, and will bite and musk readily. Its numerous thin, needle-like teeth and anticoagulant properties of its saliva make bites memorable (Tennant, 2003). Watersnakes can frequently be found basking on rocks or logs adjacent to habitat, or hunting in shallow water close to shore. This snake is common across Maryland (Maryland DNR site).
Has been documented infected by the snake fungal disease Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Catesbania 38 (1):78-79).
There are 1,262 records in the project database.
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