Water snakes are of the subfamily Natricinae and are related to garter snakes. Babies are around a foot long and are independent as soon as they’re born. Tyning.įemales gestate for three to five months. Usually only one male mates with a female per season, though occasionally two do, according to " A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles" (Stokes, 1990), by Thomas F. The male approaches the female and rubs his chin along her back with occasional spasms before bringing their cloacal openings together. Mating season for water snakes is in the spring. Litters of up to 100 have been reported in large snakes, according to the ADW. Water snakes are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother’s body. Females breed each year, giving birth to a litter of around 20 live snakes. ReproductionĪccording to an article in the Journal of Herpetology, male water snakes reach sexual maturity around 21 months, while females reach it around 3 years. “Although these pose little risk to large animals such as humans, to their small-bodied prey, these proteins may present a significant threat,” said Heyborne. If the prey escapes, the water snake can follow its train of blood. One type of protein is an anti-coagulant, which makes wounds bleed more profusely. “Recent research indicates that at least some species of water snake produce venom-like proteins in their saliva,” said Heyborne. They also search for prey on the lake or river bottom, investigating under rocks, branches and in crevices for hiding prey, according to an article on aquatic snake foraging in Behaviour journal. In shallow waters, they wait with their mouths open wide for prey to pass by, and then they snap their jaws around it. Smaller water snakes will maintain their primarily fish diet. According to a study published in the journal Ecology, once water snakes reach about 1.5 feet (45 cm) in length, their food preference changes from fish to frogs and other larger animals like salamanders and toads. “Common prey include fish and amphibians (frogs, toads and salamanders).” They prefer slow-moving fish. Water snakes tend to feed in or near water, Heyborne said. (Image credit: Katarina Christenson Shutterstock) Hunting and diet Water snakes have also been known to defecate and vomit when threatened or agitated.Īs their name implies, red-bellied water snakes have a red stripe along their bellies. Water snakes produce a musky secretion from glands near their tail, said Heyborne, which can be expelled if they feel threatened. At this time, groups may bask together, according to the ADW. They hibernate in the winter and are social immediately before and after hibernation. They tend to be solitary animals and are primary diurnal, though they sometimes hunt at night as well. If disturbed, they will drop down into the water. Water snakes often climb trees and rest on the branches above the water. They sometimes become aggressive when approached, even if they are not touched. For this reason, they do not make good pets. “When handled, they tend to hiss or bite as a defense,” he said. Heyborne noted that water snakes are known to be aggressive. Still, they never stray far from a water source. Water snakes spend a lot of time swimming or basking in shallows, but they also venture on land and climb trees. When they’re done with the sun, water snakes take refuge under flat rocks and logs. They like to bask in the sun so seek areas that are not overly shaded. Some species of water snake are found in the Midwest and Western United States as well, in places like Illinois, Iowa and California.Īccording to the University of Michigan’s Animal Diversity Web& (ADW), water snakes are happy to dwell near any type of significant water source, such as rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes, though they prefer relatively quiet waters. They are one of the most frequently encountered snakes in places like Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. Water snakes are abundant in the southern and eastern United States, according to. Banded water snakes, or Southern water snakes, are found in the Southeastern coastal United States.
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