Opinion | Northern Water Snake been around Muskoka longer than any cottagers, writes university student - www.muskokaregion.com/

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MUSKOKA — The Northern Water Snake is one of 15 snake species in Ontario, and has been a native resident to the Muskoka lakes much longer than any cottager. They are widespread in a variety of permanent freshwater bodies, found in the shoreline habitat of many lakes, rivers and wetlands throughout most of Ontario. Primarily diurnal species, typically active from April to late October, they are one of the more commonly encountered snakes in Muskoka.

Why should we care about the Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) you might ask? Not only are they a predator species, they are a food source to other animals as well. They are preyed upon by Muskoka’s Great Blue Heron, Osprey, fox, raccoons, and even other snake species. Feeding on fish and amphibians along the water’s edge, they are an important link in the food chain where without them, the ecosystem would be unbalanced.

Understanding of the physical characteristics of the snakes we share Muskoka with, might help mitigate confusion between the Massasauga Rattlesnake (Ontario’s only venomous snake) and the less feared water snakes. The Northern Water Snake is variable in size and colour depending on age. They grow up to about 135 cm long, whereas Massasaugas typically don’t exceed 70 cm in length. Juvenile water snakes have pronounced banding on their backs and sides which overtime, appear darker and more uniform with the rest of the body. Massasaugas have permanent blotching, much more robust bodies, a triangular shaped head and an obvious rattle at the end of their tail (although rattles may fall off). Other snake species in Muskoka that might be confused with the Northern Water Snake are all harmless to people. Learning which species occur in your area can eliminate uncertainty in identification as well, because a lot of species are restricted to a certain range.

The Northern Water Snake is harmless to humans, but will often bite in self-defence if it feels threatened. The bite is relatively painless but can cause mild bleeding because the snakes saliva contains an anticoagulant. Curiosity will occasionally lead them to approach swimmers in the water but they pose no threat to anyone and will quickly lose interest.

This species is progressively suffering from urban development in many areas throughout its range. A special consideration to the Northern Water Snake is that they depend on an aquatic and terrestrial habitat, spending the majority of their time within the buffer zone between these two habitat types. The ideal natural buffer width is 30 metres, but any natural shoreline is better than none. Lakefront development and construction has had negative impacts on this species in Muskoka, along with persecution by humans.

It is important that we consider what changes are made to the lakefront and keep our shorelines as natural as possible, because this area is critical to the survival of this species and many others. Fallen trees (in water and on land), vegetation mats, rocks, and shrubs along the water’s edge, all serve as microhabitats. The snakes use these areas both for retreat, and as thermoregulation sites. Reptiles cannot maintain their own body temperature, and water snakes use these areas to bask in the sun, with the safety of the water nearby. People also benefit from allowing shrubs and grasses grow along the shoreline as it is one of the best defences against erosion. The roots of plants hold the soil in place and filter run-off that flows into the lake. There are many ways to contribute to keeping your shoreline natural. Planting native trees and shrubs along your shoreline creates shade to protect frogs and small fish from the sun and being preyed upon by birds. As well, leaving fallen trees and aquatic vegetation in the water creates important basking sites and protection for reptiles.

The Northern Water Snake is not so different from people in many ways. They, unlike many reptiles, give birth to their young instead of laying eggs, and an ideal day for this species consists of a fish dinner while spending every spare hour basking in the sun. If we can overlook the stereotypes that portray snakes as creatures to be feared, we can learn to appreciate the underappreciated and understand the misunderstood. Preserving the ecosystems in Muskoka begins with accepting the presence of not just the four-legged and feathered, but all of the wildlife we share this unique place with.

Hannah Dodington is a third-year ecosystem management technology student at Sir Sandford Fleming College. As a component of her Urban Ecosystems class, she has chosen to submit an article pertaining to shoreline naturalization and the Northern Water Snake as her major project in the course. She has spent every summer in Port Carling, Muskoka and have seen the impacts of development on wildlife habitat over the last 20 years. Since starting the program in 2016, she has developed a strong and passionate interest in reptile and amphibian conservation, leading her to choose this topic in hopes to further inform the residents of Muskoka.



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