With summer in full swing, today's edition of #RBWinterWildlifeWednesday takes a look at one of the most common species of snakes you'll encounter at R. B. Winter State Park: the Northern Watersnake!
Northern Watersnakes are one of Pennsylvania's twenty-one native species of snakes and can be found in various habitats, including rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and marshes. At R. B. Winter State Park, you can find them anywhere near water, whether basking in the sunlight streaming through the trees along Rapid Run or chasing tadpoles and minnows along the shore of Halfway Lake. These snakes typically have a reddish-brown to grayish-brown body with dark crossbands. Younger snakes exhibit brighter coloring, which darkens as they age, making the pattern less distinct. Juveniles are usually around seven inches long at birth and can grow to over four feet as adults!
Should you come across a Northern Watersnake while visiting the park, remember to stay calm and give the snake its space. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, Northern Watersnakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to people. However, they may defend themselves if they feel threatened, so you should never attempt to handle or harm a watersnake. They are much more likely to flee and, when given the opportunity, will quickly slide into the water and swim away or slip under a rock to hide. If you walk away and come back in a couple of minutes, they'll most likely have silently moved away to an area where they are less likely to be disturbed.
In the 1800s and 1900s, Northern Watersnakes were considered a "fisherman's worst enemy," and bounties were offered for killing them. Today, we recognize that Northern Watersnakes play an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of the natural ecosystem. For instance, they often prey upon diseased or dying fish or amphibians, limiting the spread of pathogens, especially in areas where fish or frogs may be overpopulated.
The next time you're visiting the park, watch for these fascinating creatures and the other wildlife that can be found at R. B. Winter State Park!
Picture by Friends of R. B. Winter State Park Board Member Kyle Fawcett