Northern Water Snake

[Denninmi]

Quote:
I think that might be the best solution.

I didn't mean to "start something" with my original comment. I was merely trying to point out that a lot of our native reptile and amphibian species are in real trouble due to habitat loss, pesticides, being killed by humans, feral animals, and cars. If it were some abundant species or a nuisance species like a raccoon or possum, I'd say be all means live trap and dispose of humanely per your state's nuisance wildlife laws. But many snakes, such as the Kirtland's Water Snake here in Michigan, are in real trouble.

 

[Duckchick2011]

I once let my ducklings out into the lake for a nice little swim, and guess what, a big ol' water moccasin swam up on us. First he swam towards my ducklings, I splashed him and he started swimming towards me...I splashed a third time and he finally left us alone but boy was that a heart attack...

Trust me, you would much rather be dealing with an northern water snake than a mean as fire moccasin any day...

A northern you can just catch and re-locate, a moccasin...I don't even want to think about that *shudders*


(good luck with you little babies by the way, the snake should stop eying them once they get a little bigger

)

 

[toadbriar]

oooh I hear the moccs are wicked aggressive too. I love reptiles but I'm glad I don't have to mess around with those guys in our area.

 

[Sparkyman]

Hello everyone. Not sure whereabouts you are and I do understand the issues that this predator can cause. I am in Ontario and here the northern water snake is a protected species. There is a fine for killing them. As for relocating them I know that is something you might want to consider as well. In late August or September they have a litter of up to 20 live snakes. Winter hibernation is spent under water or in rock crevices and they need to have time to find a suitable place before winter sets in or they will die. If you are going to relocate them and you know of an old beaver lodge in the area, that is one of their favourite spots. They love to hide in the sticks and mud and this would provide a good winter hibernation spot for them. Hope this information helps. When catching them for relocation keep in mind they do have a pretty good bite even though they are non venomous so be careful.