This is a Midland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis). These are some of the most common snakes found in the Johns Creek area and will be one of the species featured in our upcoming “Snakes of Johns Creek” program (This coming Saturday at 2 p.m.). This program will seek to inform local citizens about the various species found in our area. Participants will get a chance to see and touch some of the animals, and a question-and-answer session will take place at the end of the program.
Back to the animal in question, this is likely a large female. Animal care volunteer Jake and I spotted this one today when the high temperatures had a number of species out and about. In addition to the six (you read that right, we spotted six - this was the most productive day of snake sightings either of us had ever experienced) Midland Water Snakes we saw, we also encountered a Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) a Five Lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), and a few unidentified Rana species frogs.
Midland Water Snakes are harmless serpents who fill a very important niche in local ecosystems. They not only help to keep amphibian and fish populations healthy by culling sick, slow, or weak individuals; but they themselves also serve as a food source for hawks, herons and other snakes.
