Water Snakes of Ohio: A Guide
Introduction
Ohio is a state that offers a wide range of wildlife habitats, from the Great Lakes to the Appalachian Mountains. It’s also home to a variety of water snakes that can be found in both freshwater and brackish water environments. In this guide, we’ll look at the different species of water snake that can be found in Ohio, as well as how to identify them and where to find them.
Types of Water Snakes in Ohio
There are five species of water snake that are native to Ohio. These include the Northern Water Snake, the Midland Water Snake, the Eastern Water Snake, the Diamond-backed Water Snake, and the Banded Water Snake. Each species has its own unique characteristics and can be found in different parts of the state.
Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a large, heavy-bodied snake that is found in most of the northern parts of Ohio. They can reach up to four feet in length and have a brown or grayish-brown coloration with darker brown or black blotches. Northern Water Snakes can be found near slow moving streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds.
Midland Water Snake
The Midland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis) is a smaller species of water snake that is found in the central parts of Ohio. They can reach up to two feet in length and have a light brown or grayish-brown coloration with darker brown or black blotches. Midland Water Snakes can be found near slow-moving streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds.
Eastern Water Snake
The Eastern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) is a large, heavy-bodied snake that is found in the eastern and southern parts of Ohio. They can reach up to four feet in length and have a grayish-brown coloration with darker brown or black blotches. Eastern Water Snakes can be found near slow-moving streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds.
Diamond-Backed Water Snake
The Diamond-Backed Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer) is a medium-sized snake that is found in the western and southern parts of Ohio. They can reach up to three feet in length and have a greenish-gray or brownish-gray coloration with darker diamond-shaped blotches. Diamond-Backed Water Snakes can be found near slow-moving streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds.
Banded Water Snake
The Banded Water Snake (Nerodia fasciata) is a medium-sized snake that is found in the northern, central, and southern parts of Ohio. They can reach up to three feet in length and have a brown or grayish-brown coloration with darker brown or black banding. Banded Water Snakes can be found near slow-moving streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds.
How to Identify Water Snakes
Identifying water snakes can be difficult because they can look similar to other species of snakes. However, there are a few characteristics that can help you differentiate between them. For instance, water snakes have keeled scales, which means that their scales have a ridge down the center, giving them a rough texture. Additionally, many species of water snakes have a dark band that runs along their back or dark spots along their sides.
Where to Find Water Snakes in Ohio
Water snakes can be found in a variety of habitats in Ohio, from slow-moving streams and rivers to marshes and ponds. They can also be found in the Great Lakes and along the shorelines of the Ohio River. Some of the best places to find water snakes in Ohio include the Ohio and Erie Canal in Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Grand River Wetlands in Lorain County.
Conclusion
Water snakes are an important part of the Ohio ecosystem, and it’s important to understand their role in the environment. By understanding the various species of water snake that can be found in Ohio, as well as how to identify them and where to find them, you can better appreciate the importance of these aquatic creatures.