Lake Erie Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon insularum
Family: Colubridae
Current Status: Threatened
Appearance: Adult Lake Erie Watersnakes are uniform gray in color or have incomplete band patterns. They resemble the closely related northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon), but often lack the body markings, or have only a pale version of those patterns. Lake Erie Watersnakes grow to 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet in length. They are not poisonous.
Habitat: The snakes live on the cliffs and rocky shorelines of limestone islands.
Reproduction: Young snakes are born mid-August through September. The average litter size is 23 young.
Feeding Habits: The snakes feed on fish and amphibians.
Range: Lake Erie Watersnakes live on a group of limestone islands in western Lake Erie that are located more than one mile from the Ohio and Canada mainlands. All Lake Erie Watersnakes found on those islands are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Watersnakes on the Ohio mainland, Mouse Island, and Johnson's Island are not protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Why is the Lake Erie Watersnake Threatened?
Eradication - The snakes are often killed by humans.
Habitat Loss or Degradation - Lake Erie Watersnakes have also declined because of destruction of their shoreline habitat by development and other shoreline alterations.
What Is Being Done to Prevent Extinction of the Lake Erie Watersnake?
Listing - The Lake Erie Watersnake was added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants and receives the protections provided by the Endangered Species Act.
Recovery Plan - As a threatened species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must develop a recovery plan that describes actions needed to help the snake survive.
Research - Researchers are studying the Lake Erie Watersnake to find the best way to manage for the snake and its habitat.
Habitat Protection - Where possible, the snake's habitat will be protected and improved.
Community Involvement - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel are working with local communities to develop programs that benefit both the community and the snake.
Public Education - Public education programs are being conducted to raise awareness of the snake's plight.
