The northern water snake is one of the most common water snakes in the country, and easily the most common snake found near water sources in New York. They are often seen basking on rocks and in open spaces along the banks of rivers or ponds, or on branches overhanging the water. Northern water snakes are found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, creeks (both tidal and freshwater), rivers, lakes, ditches, swamps, and marshes (both brackish and freshwater). They prefer relatively still or slow moving waters, but are also capable of navigating strong currents. The species are excellent swimmers, and can be found three meters below the surface and several kilometers from shore. Occasionally they will move further onto land, especially the juveniles, but they never go too far from their aquatic environment.
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