Northern Watersnake

Description:

Northern Watersnake eating, or trying to eat a small Channel Catfish. As I was loading the bass boat up to head back home, my brother yelled at me to grab my camera. I ran down and found this big guy having dinner just a few feet from the dock. From what I could tell he had actually pulled the catfish up onto the shore wall using gravity to assist in his meal. Once we made eye contact he greedily shuffled backwards into the water with a tight grip on his prize. I suppose from the jealous look on my face he could tell I hadn't caught any fish.

Habitat:

Northern Watersnakes are found throughout eastern and central North America. In our region, they are restricted to the Piedmont and mountains. They inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats including lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and streams. Habits: Northern watersnakes are live-bearers and breed April – June. They primarily feed on amphibians and fish and are often seen basking on banks of rivers or ponds or on branches overhanging the water. Conservation Status: Northern watersnakes are abundant in our region and are not protected. Pertinent References: Himes, John G. 2004. The non-fish, vertebrate diet of sympatric populations of the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and northern watersnake (Nerodia sipedon). Herpetological Review 2004 June; 35(2): 123-128.

Notes:

p.s. Is it "watersnake" or "water snake"? I've seen both terms on numerous university websites.