Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I'm trying to located Northern Water Snakes in PA, specifically around the Centre County/State College area. Does anyone have any tips for where to find them?

Even places where they could be found would be helpful...

Anyone have any tips on handling them as well? Thanks a bunch

Interestingly enough, I just happened to find my first Northern Water Snake (which I will be posting pics of soon) in Michigan. I found it basking above a drainage pipe going from a small pond under a road. The pipe turns the overflow into a small stream that goes who-knows-where, but on the side of the road where the water comes out, I've found this snake, I've seen another of this species, and a large Butler's garter snake. So far, I've yet to see any other snakes anywhere else here in Michigan this year.

Hope this helps!
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~Venom~

Hybrid Breeders Association

Finding northerns in PA shouldn't be too difficult. They are extremely common snakes. Just find a lake or pond with cover around the edges and they'll be there. Make sure the lake or pond is somewhat secluded; there's a lake in the woods near my house and tons of northerns are found there. Too much human activity could startle them. However the ones by me allow me to get pretty close to them(check out my previous posts for Northern Water Snake pics). Oh, it might be a good idea to visit this lake or pond in the morning between 9 and 12. Around that time they are getting warmed up and sit out in the open.

Now to catching them. The thing you MUST remember is to MOVE SLOW. If it sees you and starts moving away, stop moving immediately and NO SUDDEN MOVEMENTS. This may sound crazy, but I took a lesson form the chameleon's book and actually sway back and forth while moving slowly towards them. This sounds comletely insane, but it works! When you get in close enough, make the grab. I usually grab them gently by the tail. If it starts trying to bite, look for a stick and pin it's head. This makes it easy for you to grab it by the head. I never let go of the head, no matter how tame it seems. Also, wear gloves. Good luck!