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Northern water snakes are frequently mistaken for venomous cottonmouths, especially in central and western North Carolina, where there are no naturally-occurring cottonmouths.
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: This nonvenomous, semi-aquatic snake is often found basking on rocks under the hot sun. Northern water snakes are frequently mistaken for venomous cottonmouths, especially in central and western North Carolina, where there are no naturally-occurring cottonmouths. Northern water snakes will flatten their bodies and strike repeatedly when cornered.
Diet: The northern water snake is a predator that eat small fish, frogs, salamanders, juvenile turtles, crustaceans and small mammals
Reproduction: Northern water snakes are live-bearers, meaning their young are born live, not hatched from external eggs. Typically 15-30 young measuring 6-12 inches long are born between August and October.
Environmental Connections: Snakes occupy an irreplaceable niche in the ecosystems where they exist. They are top predators that keep prey species, such as rodents, in check.
Unfortunately there are countless myths about snakes. Their “bad” reputation often finds them the victim of unwarranted attacks by humans. Snakes are not “mean” or “bad"; in fact they are impressive predators without which our quality of life or wildlife would decline.
Water pollution from runoff, toxic discharges, agriculture, industry and residential sources threatens vital wetland habitats. Wetland degradation as a result of water pollution can have wide-reaching effects including habitat destruction, disruption of migratory bird routes and coastal flooding.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
