*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: Only the Midland Watersnake, Nerodia sipedon pleuralis, occurs within Louisiana.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: The Florida Parishes, with an isolated record from Ouachita Parish in north-central Louisiana.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Common Watersnakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Common Watersnakes do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have found this species a handful of times in the state, in 2014 on the road in the Pearl River WMA in St. Tammany Parish, and in 2018 in Lee Memorial Forest in Washington Parish. I have seen a few in Washington Parish creeks when surveying for Stripe-necked Musk Turtles in the 2020s.
