What is the shape of the pupil in the nonvenomous Northern Water Snake?
Answer
Round
The shape of the pupil serves as a fundamental characteristic distinguishing the nonvenomous Northern Water Snake from its venomous counterpart, the Cottonmouth. The pupils of *Nerodia sipedon* are round, similar in appearance to those of a cat observed in bright daylight. This contrasts directly with pit vipers like the Cottonmouth, which possess pupils that are vertical and elliptical in shape. Learning to observe this feature, especially if the snake is positioned where light illuminates the eyes, offers an immediate and reliable way to avoid mistaking this harmless constrictor for a dangerous venomous snake.
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