The Northern Water Snake is nonvenomous. It is often called a "water moccasin" and mistaken for the eastern Cottonmouth which isn’t found in Pittsylvania County, but is found down east on the coastal plain.	The Northern Water Snake is quite common throughout the trail area. In springtime they can be seen warming themselves near the edges of creeks and ponds. Floating logs also provide a good place to bask. It is said that they feed mostly on amphibians and fish. Some biologists believe that water snakes are beneficial to pond life. By culling out the diseased or weaker fish more desirable fish are better able to survive.
Above: The Northern Water Snake is sometimes hard to see in the leaves on the forest floor.
Right/Above: An immature water snake has a slightly different appearance. Notice the shape of the head. Mature northern water snakes become dull brown and are easily hidden among fallen leaves. Most biologists consider this snake beneficial to pond life, because they cull out unhealthy fish.	Immature water snakes are more distinctly marked than adults . Wetting a snake will make its color patterns more visible. Old northern water snakes usually lose their visible bands and become dull brown to almost black. Since these water snakes have a quick temper, they will definitely bite when handled. The northern water snake is not venomous. I have found that the majority of local hunter and fishermen misidentify this snake. Many are convinced that this water snake is the venomous"cottonmouth moccasin." A few simple observations would solve the identification problem for all of us. Yet, there are those of us who refuse to take a really close look at any snake. For those who want to know: a few characteristics of snake lore are necessary. The northern water snake has round pupils. Cottonmouths have vertical, elliptical pupils. The water snake has no facial pits; the cottonmouth has facial pits and is called a "pit viper" because of the pits. Our water snake has a double anal plate and a double row of scales under the tail. Cottonmouths have a single anal plate and a single row of scales under the tail. Fortunately, some of us study and handle snakes. We are well aware of the cottonmouth’s habitat which is primarily on the coastal plain and not in the Pittsylvania County area of Piedmont Virginia.
Right: Here I am using a snake stick to control this large water snake.