Lake Erie Watersnake Nerodia sipedon insularum

Identification
This species has a gray or brown body with faint banding. It is adapted to rocky coastal habitats.

Location
Threatened but recovering

Size
24 to 40 inches

Diet
It feeds mainly on fish including invasive species.

Habitat
It occurs primarily on Lake Erie islands.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is highly aquatic and frequently basks on shoreline rocks. It has shown remarkable recovery due to conservation efforts. It is most active in warm months along shorelines.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females give birth to live young in late summer.

Population
The population is now stable due to protection.

History
It was once severely threatened but has rebounded.

Human Interactions
It is harmless but may behave defensively.

Facts
It is a conservation success story.

Sources
USFWS ODNR

Fish amphibians aquatic animals | Rocky shorelines islands | Lake Erie islands