Life History & Michigan History
One of the larger snakes in Michigan, the copper-bellied water snake can grow to a length of 4-5 feet. Adult snakes are easily identified by their dark brown or black back which contrasts easily with the
unmarked reddish-to-orange belly and chin. The young have a blotched pattern
which may remain visible in some adult specimens.
This snake is extremely rare in Michigan. Its population is so low that it is listed as an "endangered" species in Michigan.
It has also recently been listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a nationally "threatened" species.
Photo © Jim Harding
The copper-bellied
water snake prefers to live near wooded floodplains, shrub wetlands, and adjacent to slow moving rivers. As excellent swimmers,
they hunt aquatic species including tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, insect larvae, and crayfish. In the spring, tadpoles seem to be especially tasty to hungry copper-bellied
water snakes.
Mating takes place in May, and one to two dozen young are born in September
or October. It is one of ten species of snakes that do not lay eggs but bare
live young.
The young snakes are about 8 to 11 inches long.
Habitat for the copper-bellied water snake has declined dramatically. Wetlands drainage and development in preferred habitat has limited distribution to only a few small populations.
It has been found only in the southern third of the Lower Peninsula. Indiscriminate killing of snakes has also been a problem in local areas. It is listed as ENDANGERED by the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is protected by law in the state.
Any sightings should be reported to the DNR Wildlife Division in Lansing.
Keeping this species as part of Michigan's natural heritage will require protection of remaining habitat and management of lowland hardwoods. If you find a copper-bellied
water snake, count yourself lucky to be one of a very few to experience this unique heritage species.
Non-DNR Links
Species Profile (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Nerodia erythrogaster (University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology)
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