Northern Water Snake - Nerodia sipedon sipedon

Snakes usually startle me when I first see them, especially when this particular type can be quite large, often 60 to 110 cms (23" to almost 4') although individuals can be larger. This is a northern water snake. Older ones can be difficult to identify as they can be quite dark, almost black. Besides its pattern, one of their distinguishing characteristics is a matte rather than shiny skin. We are also in their preferred habitat, close to water.

It's not too intimidating from further back. This is a non-venomous snake, nothing to worry about.

In the next photo, there are actually two snakes. A smaller eastern garter snake was near enough to the larger snake that it appears they have interchanged heads. The garter snake sped off pretty quickly after this.

These snakes will spend the winter sheltered in a burrow or hollow log in an inactive state similar to hibernation. Mating will occur when the warm weather arrives in spring. Northern water snakes don't lay eggs but are live-bearers. From the time they are born, the young snakes are capable of swimming and fending for themselves.

References

Northern Water Snake
Eastern Garter Snake

Images

Photos from the iPad of @kansuze.

@kansuze