Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) - Green Ridge State Forest in Maryland

Green Ridge State Forest in Maryland. Thank you to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for identifying the snake. Here is their response to me:

It appears to be a Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), a common non-venomous snake found throughout Maryland. It is typically found in or near wetlands and waterways, where it feeds primarily on fish and frogs. This snake is often mis-identified as a copperhead or water moccasin (aka "cottonmouth") but it is neither of these venomous snakes, and the latter does not occur in MD. However, the watersnake does have a reputation for being cantankerous; it will readily defend itself and is also somewhat inquisitive, coming to explore any disturbance on the water (a sign of a potential meal). This can be interpreted as being aggressive when it is really not. Because of these behaviors people will often kill this beneficial snake. It is really no threat to your family or pets if you give it the opportunity to retreat or just leave it alone. If you do attempt to handle it be prepared to be bitten and/or musked.

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