Water Snakes in Ohio

Each species of water snake has different characteristics and they are extremely fascinating. There are seven species of water snakes in Ohio.

vertical image with a photo of a plain bellied water snake and a photo of an eastern garter snake. A white are across the top has the text Water Snakes in Ohio

About Water Snakes in Ohio

Seven species of water snakes call Ohio their home. Each species of snake has its own characteristics and unique behaviors. For example, some snakes are timid, and some are aggressive if they are provoked, but all are non-venomous. Most water snakes spend time on dry land also. Below are some details about how to identify each type of water snake found in Ohio.

Queen Snake

Regina septemvittata – Characteristics:

Adults are around 2 feet in length, and relatively thin.
They have two lines along their sides and they are dark green or dark brown.
Their bellies are yellow, with four very dark stripes.
Do not usually bite, but do release a foul odor.

Queen snakes are found near streams and rivers, they prefer moving water. These snakes are not too concerned about being seen by humans.

When they are not in the water, they can be found on rocks and branches that are close to the edge of the water.

Plain-Bellied Water Snake

Nerodia erythrogaster – Characteristics:

Adults can grow to a length of 4 feet, and they have quite a stout body.
These snakes are dark in color, normally black, brown, or gray.
They have a bright orange, yellow, or red underbelly.
If threatened they will bite and release a foul odor.

The Plain-bellied Water Snake can be found around all types of water sources, such as wetlands, ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, culverts, and floodplains. Even though this is a species of water snake, it likes to spend quite a bit of time on dry land.

When the weather is humid, it is not uncommon to find them in the woods and not very close to a water source. These snakes will eat both aquatic and terrestrial prey, such as fish, frogs, salamanders, and crayfish.

Eastern Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis saurita – Characteristics:

The adults have a very long tail, and they can grow to over 2 feet in length.
They are a dark brown or black color, with three bright stripes.
They have brown and white on the throat.
Unlikely to bite, but will leave a foul odor.

The Eastern Ribbon Snake is almost always near a water source. They can be found in Ohio’s wetlands, floodplains, ditches, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. When they are not in the water, they like to relax in trees and bushes.

Eastern Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis – Characteristics:

These snakes can grow to over two feet in length when they are adults.
Colors can be different between individuals, usually green or black.
All individuals have a yellow stripe down the center of their backs.
If threatened will release an odor and will strike and bite.

This species of snake likes basking in the sun. The best place to see them is close to sources of freshwater. They can also be found in parks, gardens, lawns, and farmland. They do prefer grassland that is close to ponds and marshes, but they can be found in other environments as well.

Northern Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon sipedon – Characteristics:

The adults of this species can grow to over 4 feet in length.
They are dark brown or grey, with black bands.
The older these snakes get, the darker they become. The elders are usually black.
The male of this species is smaller than the female.
Can and will give a nasty bite!

This is the most common species of water snake in Ohio. Northern Water Snakes prefer either slow-moving or flat-calm water, such as pools, ponds, and lakes. When they are not in the water, they can be spotted basking on logs and rocks. They eat fish, toads, frogs, and salamanders.

Common Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon – Characteristics:

This species of snake can grow to over 3 feet in length.
They are brown with a thick body.
They have sandy-colored blotches.
Can bite if provoked

The Common Water Snake can be found throughout Ohio. They are so common that they are found in all sorts of water sources like streams, rivers, swamps, ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Kirtland’s Snake

Clonophis kirtlandii – Characteristics:

Adults are usually just over a foot in length.
They are a reddish brown, with dark blotches.
Their underbelly is usually pink or orange.
They have a black head and a white throat.

Kirtland´s Snakes are always found near water. They live in swamps, prairies and wetlands. These snakes are very shy, and they are unlikely to be seen in the daytime. These snakes prefer the cover of darkness, and this is when they feed. They eat prey like grubs, fish, young crayfish, and leeches.

Unfortunately, due to loss of habitat, their numbers have shrunk, but in Ohio, there are healthy populations. These snakes also like to live in burrows near their respective water areas.

Seeing Water Snakes in Ohio!

Have you seen any Water Snakes in Ohio? We would love to know! Leave a comment below telling us about your experience!

If you love wildlife, have you seen any Hawks In Ohio? It isn´t just spectacular Hawks that visit Ohio. There also some lovely Owls In Ohio. There are also Stink Bugs In Ohio, and Salamanders In Ohio.

If you are looking for some other fantastic places in Ohio, we suggest: Blue Rock State Park, Dillion State Park, and Great Seal State Park.

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Water Snakes in Ohio