REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND STATE GEOLOGIST 1902 1*141 



WATER SNAKES 



Natrix fasciata sipedon (Linn.) 

 Water snake 



This snake is (falsely) called "moccasin.'' The "moccasin" 

 of authors is a member of the Crotalidae and is a very dangerous 

 snake; but the snake under consideration is harmless. It is 

 often seen along" the banks of the Hackensack and other streams 

 in the country, but it is not so common as the " black snake." It 

 lies si ret clied out on fallen trees or on the fiat leaves of water 

 lilies that are strong enough to hold it, and it swims very readily 

 with a rapid, sinuous motion. 



A very large one that Avas seen on the Hackensack swam for 

 some distance in front of a pursuing canoe, and then dove like a 

 duck; nor did he reappear anywhere while we were in the vicinity. 

 Another dropped into the stream from a limb fully 10 feet or 

 more above the surface of the river. 



Storeria dekayi (Holb.) 



Delia if s snake 



Two of this species were taken above the town of Blauvelt on 

 the Hackensack in May 1901. 



The larger was an adult male and had recently shed his skin. 

 He was coiled tightly around a small clump of alder twigs and 

 did not hear or see me till my hand was within a few inches, when 

 it was too late to escape capture. 



The smaller was an immature specimen, only 50 mm long. He 

 was, nevertheless, swimming upstream, against a powerful cur- 

 rent, and making good headway Avhen captured. 



It seemed strange to find these generally land-loving, little 

 snakes not only sleeping in a bush which grew in water, but 

 actually swimming about. 



DeKay's snake is not common anywhere in the county, or at 

 least is not frequently seen, which is owing to its diminutive size 

 and secretive habits. 



