Look Out for These 4 Water Snakes Found in Delaware 

The world is home to many amazing species of snakes, including those that live in water. Many of these snakes can be found in Delaware. While over a dozen species of snake live in this state, only four can be found in or around water. Ready to learn more? Keep reading to meet the different water snakes in Delaware!

Top 4 Water Snakes in Deleware

The term “water snake” typically refers to a genus of snakes. However, many people also use it to describe snakes commonly in the water. Below, you’ll get the chance to meet a combination of both water snakes and snakes that live semi-aquatic lifestyles. 

1. Eastern Garter Snake

Garter snakes are some of the most widespread snakes. This means that you can also expect to see them swimming along the freshwater of certain states, along with the water snakes in Delaware. They can be recognized by their thin bodies and vertical stripes. 

Eastern garter snakes are nonvenomous. 

2. Common Water Snake

The common water snake (or the northern water snake) is often mistaken for the cottonmouth, which also lives around water. However, despite its large size and sometimes intimidating appearance, the common water snake is nonvenomous. They’re clandestine creatures, preferring to live in waters with lots of vegetation to keep them hidden. 

3. Plain-Bellied Water Snake

The plain-bellied water snake is closely related to the common water snake. Not only are they in the same genus, but they live in the same location. Like the eastern garter snake, they’re a widespread species. As a result, they can be plentiful in the waters of Delaware. However, like the common water snake, they’re nonvenomous.

4. Queen Snake

The queen snake goes by many different common names. As a result, if you’re not familiar with this name, you may be familiar with one of its other names, including diamond-backed water snake and banded water snake. Like many of the other water snakes in Delaware, the queen snake is nonvenomous. It is also unrelated to the diamond-backed rattlesnake, although they have similar names. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Erik Agar/Shutterstock.com