2. One of the larger snakes in
Michigan, the copper-bellied
water snake can grow to a
length of 4-5 feet. Adult snakes
are easily identified by their
dark brown or black back
which contrasts easily with the
unmarked reddish-to-orange
belly and chin. The young have
a blotched pattern which may
remain visible in some adult
specimens.
3. The copper-bellied water snake prefers to live near wooded floodplains,
shrub wetlands, and adjacent to slow moving rivers. As excellent swimmers,
they hunt aquatic species including tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, insect larvae,
and crayfish. In the spring, tadpoles seem to be especially tasty to hungry
copper-bellied water snakes.
Mating takes place in May, and one to two dozen young are born in
September or October. It is one of ten species of snakes that do not lay eggs
but bare live young. The young snakes are about 8 to 11 inches long.
Habitat for the copper-bellied water snake has declined dramatically.
Wetlands drainage and development in preferred habitat has limited distribution
to only a few small populations. It has been found only in the southern third of
the Lower Peninsula. Indiscriminate killing of snakes has also been a problem
in local areas. It is listed as ENDANGERED by the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources and is protected by law in the state. Any sightings should be
reported to the DNR Wildlife Division in Lansing.
