Just taken June 1,2019. This is a female Black Northern Water Snake found in the U.S. Their length ranges from 22" to 55". The female is about twice the size of a male. They are grey but as they grow older become more black. They have slightly visible bands of orange on their back, but very bright on their belly. They breed from April to June. This female had two attending males with her. IN the center you can see a narrow bit of a male snake. I would say the width of this female was the width of your thumb and pointer finger. It might be because she was digesting a meal, but they do have a thick body. Fifteen to thirty young are born in August to October and are 61/2" to 12" long They are active both day and night. Their menu is small fish, frogs, juvenile turtles, salamanders, crustaceans and small mammals.

IN this image I wanted to capture the partial twine of her body and head. Later I will post the female with her two male attendants. They were not mating at the time. I hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! :o) Helvi