![]() The snake Sanchez found was, at first glance, just another in a long line of biological specimens he examines on a daily basis, except this dwarf boa didn’t match any previously known species. After studying the unknown creature for a few moments, he knew exactly what to do.Īlex Bentley of Salem has been the research coordinator at Sumak Kawsay in Situ, located in Mera county of the Pastaza province of Ecuador, since he moved there in January 2019. It wouldn’t have been too long ago – just four years – when Sanchez would have glanced at the small, coiled snake and done what he always did when coming across these slithery reptiles: kill it. Spending the entirety of one’s life in the most biologically diverse place on Earth can dull one’s astonishment to every creature that crosses one’s path. Marco Sanchez never would have considered himself a “snake guy.” “You remove one of the predators, and it has a trickle-down effect.Want more news from Southwest and Southside? Sign up for our free daily email newsletter. “Everything plays a role” in ecosystems, says Salotti. The snake, which eats primarily amphibians and fish, acts as a major predator in forests and rivers and maintains balance in the food chain. Like other species of snakes, the northern water snake plays an important role in natural areas. However, in the event of a snakebite, wash the wound with soap and water and apply antiseptic. If encountered with a northern water snake, Salotti advises simply leaving the snake alone, as confrontation is unlikely. They can also release a powerful-smelling musk from their tail, or eject fecal matter in self defense.Īccording to the Virginia Herpetological Society, northern water snakes can also mimic venomous rattlesnakes by vibrating their tail to ward off predators. Water snakes have strong bites, which can leave deep cuts. ![]() Salotti says that if confronted by a human or larger animal on land, this snake will “try to flee into the water” to make an escape.īut if a northern water snake feels threatened or backed into a corner, it just might defend itself. Northern water snakes are relatively harmless creatures. Northern water snakes are also protected throughout Georgia, where it is illegal to kill or keep non-venomous snakes.īecome a part of the Appalachian Voices’ network of advocates - sign up for action alerts and the our monthly e-newsletter The Advocate today! Despite loss of habitat due to human population growth, it is not an endangered or threatened species. According to Salotti, northern water snakes are more easily misidentified as they grow older, their patterns fade, and their skin becomes darker.Īlthough this snake sometimes falls victim to death by mistaken identity, Salotti says the overall population is healthy. The snakes have darker skin that ranges from brown to grey. Northern water snakes can grow up to three feet long, and females are larger than males. So, if a snake is not easily identifiable as a non-venomous water snake, it is best to beware. But copperheads, like northern water snakes, swim and can be found near water across the region. Water moccasins are not found in the cooler, higher elevations of Appalachia. ![]() Unfortunately, people sometimes kill these harmless snakes after mistaking them for a more dangerous species, such as a copperhead or water moccasin. The snake is most active in summer, just as people are flocking to water to cool off. The average female can give birth to around 20 live snakes at a time. They mate in late April and give birth between August and September. The northern water snake emerges from hibernation between March and April. “I often notice them hanging in tree branches about six feet above the water’s surface,” Salotti says. Throughout the warmer months, this non-venomous snake will bask on rocks or hang on branches near the water. This means that they can be frequently spotted at recreational water sources like swimming holes or waterfalls. ![]() Photo © John White / Virginia Herpetological SocietyĪccording to Michael Salotti, president of the Virginia Herpetological Society, northern water snakes never stray more than two or three hundred yards from water. The northern water snake is a non-venomous snake found across Appalachia. ![]()
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