Northern Water Snake
Northern Water Snakes are common along the Mississippi River and its backwaters (and throughout the state near water ways). Unfortunately, they are often believed to be venomous Water Moccasins and dangerous. Stories by misinformed individuals who swear that they were aggressively chased by a water moccasin while swimming "up north" during a vacation. Nothing could be further from the truth for Water Snakes are non-venomous and completely harmless. Yet, this mistaken identity can result in many water snakes being wrongfully killed by swimmers, boaters, and fisherman. Furthermore, they are killed by fishermen who believe that they reduce game-fish populations (which is not true). In fact, it has been suggested that Water Snakes may be beneficial to fish populations by consuming the sick, dying, or deformed individuals.These can be aggressive snakes if cornered, and will not hesitate to bite when threatened. However, if left alone, they pose no threat to humans whatsoever. Furthermore, they will readily dump their cloacal fluid (or defecate) on the person who has captured them. This is incredibly unpleasant. Very few snakes in Wisconsin have a more offensive smelling "musk" than the northern water snake.