Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I was wondering if this is the time of the year when northern water snakes start breeding? Today when I went to the park I found two curled up together right away, and then later found two more groups, one group with two and the other with three. It looked like there tails were wrapped around each other at the end. All these snake groups were really close to each other along a small stream leading to a lake. This was the first time I had ever seen that many waters all in the same place. I'm hoping they'll be doing this for at least a few more days because I'd love to get photos of them. I was so mad at myself for not bringing it today! I also had a question about there size. In all the groups there was a small one and a big one. The small ones were skinny when compared with the big ones, one that was huge, probably 3-3 1/2 feet long but a little fatter than my index and middle finger put together. I have never seen one as fat as that when compared to it's length. The big ones also had wider heads. Is one of the sexes usually alot fatter than the other? Thanks!

Yes it is the season to be jolly (if you're a water snake). The precise extent of that season is dependent on the individual and geographic range of the species.
Size differences (a sexual dimorphism like colour differences in male/female birds) is present in our nerodia. The females are the larges ones. The males look like strings with heads compared to them. This is of course assuming healthy, robust snakes of either sex. And as you observed, it is common to see one to several males trying to breed with a single female - you may have heard of "mating balls" with regard to anaconda - same thing.
Michael

Like this???
HD

Exactly like that!! In fact, the size discrimination in some turtles is FAR more exaggerated!
OK, I confess ... my wife is a tall, beautiful woman, and I'm a runt. What can I say, experience is a great teacher.
Nice picture.
Michael