THE REPTILES OF OHIO 85 



(TZS 1760); Mud Lake, Northwest Twp. (TZS 1761). Wood County: Bowling 

 Green; opposite Maumee; Rossford. Wyandot County: Mifflin Twp. (TZS 581); 

 2 mi. E of Upper Sandusky (TZS 1282); Tymochtee Twp. (TZS 582). 



Habitat and Habits. — The water snake is one of the most widely distrib- 

 uted and certainly one of the most abundant snakes in Ohio. It was taken on 

 practically every field trip and in many cases when collecting in general was 

 poor, it was found in numbers. Almost every permanent body of water in the 

 state is inhabited by it and it is frequently seen in streams which become dry 

 in midsummer; it is absent, perhaps, only from streams heavily polluted with 

 industrial waste. 



Its association with water is quite marked. Even when specimens were 

 found in such places as woods, rock piles, sawdust piles, in public dumps and 

 on cliffs, they were all within a short distance of the nearest pond or stream. 

 Individuals, and especially young ones, traveled up small rills and ditches 

 sometimes for considerable distances. They occasionally were found high up 

 on the hills in unglaciated Ohio but even here they were almost invariably 

 close to a spring or at least a trickle of water. 



Water snakes are fond of basking, especially in early spring. They usually 

 choose a stump, log or bush above or extending into the water and from which 

 they can drop when they are alarmed. They are wary and are difficult to 

 stalk; it is usually easier to get close to them from the water side of their 

 resting place, either by wading or by approaching in a boat or canoe. Once 

 in the water they either swim rapidly away or dive to the bottom to hide. 

 They sometimes secrete themselves under the bank or log on which they were 

 resting and if one probes for them with the hands they often can be located. 

 They swim well and occasionally traverse sizable bodies of water. 



Specimens hide under flat stones and logs lying at or near the water's edge, 

 and systematic overturning of these often netted large collections. On dark 

 cloudy days few individuals appear to be active and the great majority remain 

 in concealment. Those which have just eaten or are about to shed their skins 

 usually are found in hiding. 



Water snakes are almost always aggressive when caught and the experi- 

 enced collector wears leather gloves to protect his hands. They bite viciously 

 and large 6nes are capable of producing deep scratches. Their pugnaciousness 

 causes them to be known locally as "water moccasins," but the true venomous 

 water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorns) of the southern states has not been 

 found as far north as Ohio. Unlike the latter snake the water snake seldom 

 stands its ground but instead usually flees from man. Some specimens flatten 

 their bodies when they are alarmed. The secretion from the musk glands is 

 exuded profusely at the time of capture and since it is of a vile smelling odor 

 it serves well as a weapon of defense. 



Specimens were collected in every month from March to October, inclusive, 

 but by far the greatest number was taken in May, June, and July. Owing to 

 its abundance and widespread distribution, the water snake was found at one 

 time or another in association with almost all of the other species of snakes 

 known to occur m Ohio. 



