Page 50 - Outdoor Oklahoma - May/June 2021 Issue

By Brooklyn Bloomfield, Communication Intern

O K L A H O M A’ S
Watchable Wildlife

DI AMON D-BACK ED WATERSNAK E
BY BROOK LY N BLOOMFIELD, COMMU N ICATION I N TERN

The diamond-backed watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) is crayfish, and minnows. They can also be found sunbathing
a nonvenomous snake native to the central United States on beaver dams in early spring. When threatened, these

and northern Mexico. They are large, heavy-bodied snakes watersnakes often hiss and flatten their head and body to
ranging from 38 to 40 inches long but can appear much appear larger to the intruder. Oftentimes, they only resort
larger. They are usually found in or near water. They have a to biting when physically handled, but the bite isn’t venom-
dark brown or olive green color along with black, irregularly ous. Attempting to bite is often seen as aggression from the
shaped diamond markings that link together like a chain snake and is another reason this species may be mistaken

covering the length of their body. Their underbelly is typ- for a cottonmouth or a rattlesnake.
ically yellow or light brown and may have black splotches. Diamond-backed watersnakes are solitary creatures. They
The coloration and prefer to spend their days
The coloration and diamond
diamond patterns on the alone. But when hibernat-
patterns on the diamond-
diamond-backed water- ing, they will share a den
snake often causes people with other snakes. Their
backed watersnake often
to mistake them for ven- reproduction season is in
causes people to mistake
omous rattlesnakes, espe- spring, and females can
them for venomous
cially when they are seen carry from seven to 50
on land. But watersnakes young at a time depending
rattlesnakes, especially
have round pupils in the on the mother’s size. These
when they are seen on land.
eyes, while rattlesnakes snakes are also ovovivip-
have pupils that are ver- arous, meaning they give
tical slits. birth to live young. The young are born in mid-August
Diamond-backed watersnakes are primarily found in through early October. The snakelets are born around 8 to 10
rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and boggy areas. They can inches long and are independent at birth. They grow rapidly

also be found away from water sources during or after heavy and will reach reproductive maturity at 2 years old.
rainfall. These snakes tend to sit on tree limbs overhanging The diamond-backed watersnake is relatively common
the water, dropping into the water when disturbed. While in Oklahoma. To observe them without disturbing them,

on the limbs, these snakes hunt for their next meal. They try walking along shorelines of ponds and lakes, or search
will hang from the branch with their head submerged under in the trees and branches near the water. They can easily
the water and wait for their prey to come within range. be seen in clear streams and by searching the water at night
They feed on fish, toads, large tadpoles, salamanders, with flashlights.
48 WATCHABLE WILDLIFE

4/19/2021 9:01:25 AM
OutdoorOK-2021-May-June.indd 48 4/19/2021 9:01:25 AM
OutdoorOK-2021-May-June.indd 48