*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 only twice 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 rarely herped in its habitat and range in the state.
