Oklahoma is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including several snake species. The state is well-known for its vast landscapes and outdoor activity possibilities.
Although the majority of these reptiles are not dangerous to people, some lakes in the state are known to have greater than average snake populations.
These particular bodies of water are highlighted in this article, which also offers vital information for outdoor enthusiasts to safely enjoy the state’s natural beauty.
Lake Hefner
This magnificent lake close to the capital city was constructed in 1940 as another lake meant to supply water to the people. Because of the tree cover and the consistent heat waves the state experiences during the summer, water snakes, garter snakes, and rattlesnakes can be found in this area.
Most water snakes are not poisonous, although some garter snakes do have some venom, and rattlesnakes should be avoided if they are in your area.
Lake Texoma
If nothing else, Lake Texoma, which is located close to US Highway 54 and nestled between Oklahoma and Texas, is worth the trek since it offers relief from the intense summer heat in northern Texas. It was created by the Denison Dam and covers an amazing 89,000 acres.
A sizable body of water draws an amazing array of aquatic reptiles, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and common water snakes. They like to stay out of the way of swimmers and boats, preferring to fish and hunt small rodents and insects. That does not imply that they are safe.
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Collinsville Lake
Collinsville Lake is a man-made reservoir that spans 55 acres and is barely 25 feet deep. It is a well-liked location for hiking, mountain biking, water sports, and general nature trekking.
The cottonmouth, a very poisonous water snake that only becomes hostile when confronted, is the most frequent resident of this tiny lake. Among all water snake species, cottonmouths have the largest number. They live and breed in the nearby marshes and lake. There are also rattlesnakes and garter snakes.
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Lake Eufaula
With 102,000 acres and more than 600 miles of shoreline, Lake Eufaula is the largest of the snake-infested lakes. It is a reservoir on the Canadian River that has been built to control flooding and supply water to nearby settlements. Due to its enormous size, it is the ideal place for a wide range of water sports and activities.
The vastness of the lake, as one might expect, also provides plenty of room for snakes of all kinds to establish a home. Three types of snakes that swimmers and boaters may come across include water snakes, copperheads, and western diamondbacks.
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Lake Thunderbird
Thunderbird Lake, which spans 6,000 acres and is a lovely location for picnics and sunset viewing, was formed by an earth-fill dam on the Little River; it was not designed for recreational purposes.
There is an abundance and diversity of wildlife, as is typical in rural Oklahoma. In terms of aquatic life, this area is permanently home to the common water snake.
They can occasionally be spotted sunbathing on a warm rock in the sun. They reside in the sea and on the borders of the coast. Water snakes come in five different types and are generally non-venomous.
To Conclude
Even while most interactions with snakes are benign, it’s important to know the possible risks connected to particular lakes if you want to enjoy the outdoors in a safe manner.
It is possible to reduce the likelihood of coming across these reptiles by exercising caution and respecting their environments. Recall that handling or killing snakes is the primary cause of snakebite incidents.
The best course of action is to observe from a distance and recognize their place in the environment.
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