Northern water snake

What does Northern water snake look like?

A heavy-bodied snake, brown to grey with dark crossbands that break into blotches toward the tail, usually found in or near water. Non-venomous.

Is Northern water snake dangerous?

Non-venomous, though it will bite hard if cornered and flatten its head defensively. It's often killed by mistake for a cottonmouth.

Commonly confused with

• Cottonmouth: venomous, found further south; gapes a white mouth in warning

What should I do about Northern water snake?

Give it space and leave it alone; it poses no real threat.