Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon )
	Generally this species is found around the perimeter of the county on the shores of Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River and Lake Erie.  It is always found near or in water where it hunts mainly fish and frogs and is especially common along rocky shorlines.  It can grow to be about 55 inches and becomes quite heavy bodied making it one of Essex Counties largest snakes.  If captured this species can be defensive and will often bite and musk all over the attacker.  When Northern Watersnakes are young they are rather boldly patterned but as they grow they become dull and lose much of the contrast between blotches and background colour.
		Photo taken in Amherstburg
		Photo taken in Amherstburg
		Typical Northern Watersnake habitat.  Permanent water with lots of food items and suitable hibernation sites.
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