Northern Water Snake - Nerodia sipedon

I was following a river through a forest, looking for animal sign, when I came across this dead snake. It was belly up and stiff. There wasn't any obvious wounds, but it had a few scattered spots on its dorsal surface where it looked like it had been hit or stomped. I don't know who did this, but I feel like it was probably a human. I assume most predators would eat the animal they kill and not leave it there to rot. But, people around here tend to fear snakes and assume this species is poisonous. It isn't though. Northern water snakes are peaceful and friendly snakes. I have found them dead several times in NW CT and am really tired of people's ignorance.

Habitat: Streamside