One of four species of water snake in North Carolina, Northern Water Snakes are common in streams and ponds throughout the state, except in the southern Coastal Plain. Water Snakes are non-venemous but mean-tempered and don't hesitate to bite when cornered. They're often confused with "Water Moccasins", but the Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) has a triangular head and vertically-slitted eyes. Compare with the very similar Banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata), which is common in the Coastal Plain.

New Hope Creek, Orange Co., NC 6/2/07.

Jordan Lake, Chatham Co., NC 9/15/07.

Jordan Lake, Chatham Co., NC 9/15/07.

This water snake looks like it is getting ready to molt.

Jordan Lake, Chatham Co., NC 9/19/09.

Jordan Lake, Chatham Co., NC 9/19/09.