Northern Copperbelly Water Snake

The northern copperbelly water snake is proposed to be listed as a threatened species. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered and threatened species is the primary objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicežs endangered species program.

What is the Northern Copperbelly Water Snake?

Scientific Name

Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta

Appearance

The snakes have a solid dark (usually black) back with a bright orange-red belly. They grow to 3 to 5 feet in length. They are not poisonous.

Habitat

The snakes live in lowland swamps or other warm, quiet waters. Upland woods are used as winter hibernation sites.

Reproduction

Young snakes are born in the fall near or in the winter hibernation site. The average litter size is 18 young.

Feeding Habits

The snakes feed on frogs, tadpoles, crayfish, and small fish.

Range

The snakes live in the lower Ohio River Valley and lower Wabash River Valley in extreme southwestern Indiana and adjacent Illinois and Kentucky, and in southern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio. Reports of this snake in Tennessee may actually be of offspring resulting from northern copperbelly water snakes mating with yellowbelly water snakes (Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster).

Why is the Northern Copperbelly Water Snake Proposed to be Listed as Threatened?

Habitat Loss or Degradation

The snakes have declined mainly because of the drainage and filling of their lowland swamp habitat and clearing of adjacent upland woods where they spend the winter (hibernation sites).

Collection

Northern copperbelly water snakes are collected fairly regularly because of their rarity, large size, unique color, and value in the pet trade. If the snake is added to the list, collection will be illegal without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Predation

During migration, snakes are vulnerable to predation, especially when their migration routes are interrupted by cleared areas such as roads, mowed areas, and farmlands.

What is Being Done to Prevent Extinction of the Northern Copperbelly Water Snake?

Listing

The northern copperbelly water snake was proposed to be added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on August 18, 1993. After a public comment period, a decision will be made whether or not to officially add the snake to the list.

Recovery Plan

If the snake is officially listed as a threatened species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will develop a recovery plan that describes actions needed to help the snake survive.

Research

Researchers will study the northern copperbelly water snake to find the best way to manage for the snake and its habitat.

Habitat Protection

Where possible, the snake's habitat (lowland swamps and adjacent upland woods) will be protected and improved.

Public Education

Public education programs will be developed to raise awareness of the snakežs plight.

What Can I Do to Prevent the Extinction of Species?

Learn

Learn more about the northern copperbelly water snake and other endangered and threatened species. Understand how the destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and our nation's plant and animal diversity. Tell others about what you have learned.

Write

Write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or your state fish and game agency to learn more about endangered and threatened species and to voice your opinion.

Join

Join a conservation group; many have local chapters.

How Can I Get More Information?

Call or write to:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Endangered Species
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building
1 Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056
(612) 725-3276