Located in the southern area of the United States, West Virginia is best understood for its rugged, yet stunning mountains. However, these pave the way to a huge network of rivers, consisting of the Ohio River. These wetlands are home to various animals, from fish to frogs, and even snakes. That’s right, there are 4 water snakes in West Virginia. Let’s have a look at where they live and what they appear like. We’ll likewise discover whether any of them threaten!
1. Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)
The very first snake on the list is the northern water snake which is a big, effective snake that reaches around 5 feet long. Northern water snakes have tan to grayish-brown bodies with dark or reddish-brown markings. Their markings begin as crossbands at their neck and after that end up being big spots as they approach their tail. Many northern water snakes end up being darker as they age, so ultimately they might end up being almost totally black. They are typically incorrect for cottonmouths, offered their comparable look, although cottonmouths don’t happen in West Virginia.
Northern water snakes reside in many freshwater environments, consisting of swamps, streams, rivers, and lakes. They hardly ever roaming far from the water, however might often be seen basking on the coast. They are usually fast to run away back into the safety of the water as the very first indication of any prospective risk. However, they can be extremely protective if they are threatened and might bite. Northern water snakes victim primarily on fish and frogs which they swallow alive.
2. Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
The next water snake in West Virginia is the queen snake. Queen snakes are prevalent throughout the state and live in rocky-bottomed rivers and streams. They are around 3 feet long and have a series of distinct qualities to help them reside in their chosen environment. This is since they have actually a visibly flattened head and big, plate like scales on the top of it. They likewise have thick scales below their chin. This is since they prey almost solely on newly molted crayfish and typically require to reach below and in between the rocks searching for them. Therefore, the thicker scales offer them with defense. Queen snakes are usually brown with a yellow stomach. They have 4 dark stripes on their stomach and numerous stripes on their dorsal side. However, the dorsal stripes are normally just noticeable on juveniles.
Queen snakes are diurnal and can typically be observed near the water’s edge. They are normally active in between April and October with the women delivering in the late summer season or early fall. They are ovoviviparous so the women keep eggs inside them till they hatch, then bring to life live young.
3. Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis saurita)
The eastern ribbon snake is a semi-aquatic snake which usually lives near to water, with a choice for slow-moving water. They just happen in little, scattered populations in West Virginia, and tend to live in swamps and marshes. Eastern ribbon snakes are around 18 to 26 inches long and have slim dark brown to black bodies. They likewise have 3 unique yellow stripes — one down the center of their back and one down each side on scale rows 3 and 4. They likewise have white upper lips and vertical white markings beside their eyes.
Eastern ribbon snakes are not poisonous usually present no risk to people, although they might defecate or launch a foul-smelling musk if they are dealt with. They victimize a range of fish, frogs, and salamanders which are all swallowed alive. Eastern ribbon snakes bring to life around 10 to 12 juveniles which are just 7 to 9 inches long.
4. Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
The last water snake in West Virginia is the typical garter snake which has a comparable look to the eastern ribbon snake. Common garter snakes are usually 18 to 30 inches long and once again have a dark ground color which is overlaid with 3 brightly-colored stripes. However, the stripes on typical garter snakes happen on the 2nd and 3rd row of scales and can be either cream, yellow, orange, or perhaps blue.
Common garter snakes are relatively prevalent in West Virginia an live in a range of environments, consisting of meadows and hillsides. However, they usually live in locations near to water and are capable swimmers, taking advantage of a series of fish and amphibians. Although they are ruled out to be hazardous to people, typical garter snakes are somewhat poisonous. They don’t include real venom, however it’s a venom-like compound which is produced in the Durvenoy gland and can be utilized to debilitate their victim. However, they don’t inject it with fangs. Instead, it remains in their saliva and is just chewed into their victim
Discover the “Monster” Snake 5X Bigger than an Anaconda
Every day A-Z Animals sends a few of the most unbelievable realities on the planet from our complimentary newsletter. Want to discover the 10 most stunning snakes in the world, a “snake island” where you’re never ever more than 3 feet from threat, or a “beast” snake 5X bigger than an anaconda? Then register today and you’ll start getting our everyday newsletter definitely complimentary.