Lake Erie Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon insularum) - Ohio Herp Atlas

Lake Erie Watersnake Nerodia sipedon insularum - Threatened

A subspecies of the common watersnake, the Lake Erie watersnake is similar to its relative, except that the dark pattern of crossbands is very pale or completely missing. The general coloration is gray, greenish, or brownish. The belly is white or pale yellow, occasionally tinged with pink or orange down the center. These snakes are limited to the islands of Lake Erie. The snake has benefited from the construction of docks and shoreline protection done in a snake-friendly manner demonstrating its ability to coexist with people. The favorite food of the Lake Erie watersnake is the round goby, an invasive aquatic nuisance species. LENGTH: 24”–42”

Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub354_Reptiles-opt.pdf

Distribution Map
Distribution of the Lake Erie Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon insularum)
Photographs