COLORADO (DDN) – The vast plains, majestic Rocky Mountains, and powerful Colorado River are just a few of the wonders this great state has to offer its visitors. You’ll never be disappointed in Colorado, from rock climbing and hiking to haunting villages to finding new hobbies in unexpected places.
This applies to boating, fishing, and swimming on the many waterways that attract them each year. But beware. In the depths and surrounding lakes and rivers, all is not peaceful. Colorful Colorado’s hospitality attracts snakes. Three lakes stand out. Education and foresight can make your vacation serene instead of terrifying.
Common Colorado Water Snakes
Colorado has about 30 snake species due to its unique topography. The northern water snake is Colorado’s only watersnake, but numerous others live surrounding lakes. No one is hurt by these, but they’re still venomous. Garter snakes employ microscopic venom glands to paralyze their prey and aid digesting, although the venom rarely affects humans.
- Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The western terrestrial garter snake lives in grasslands, woodlands, and forests near still water in much of the state except the northeast near Nebraska. Usually 24–42 inches long, they are brownish-black or gray with white, yellow, or orange stripes down their length. They hunt fish, amphibians, and small mammals and swim well.
- Plains Garter Snake
Between April and October, the Plains Garter Snake is most active in the east. It has a wide orange band running down its greenish-gray to brown body and can grow to 16 to 42 inches. Slugs, earthworms, and small amphibians are the snake’s diet in swamps, streams, marshes, and ponds.
- Common Garter Snake
Common Garter snakes in northeastern Colorado have varied appearances. Its body is brown or black, but its rear strip might be green, yellow, blue, orange, or white. They devour fish, earthworms, amphibians, snails, and small animals and can stun and kill them with venom. This venom is harmless and causes only little discomfort and swelling.
Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Colorado
Electra Lake
Electra Lake covers 1,100 acres when full. Electra Lake, north of Durango, is a privately owned reservoir that only opens during certain seasons. Most of the time, it’s tranquil and suitable for snake breeding and hunting on land and in water.
Luckily, the blackneck garter snake is the most prevalent water snake in Electra Lake. Garter snakes can survive Colorado winters, unlike many other species. They shelter in abandoned shelters, rubbish heaps, and pine-oak woodland foliage.
Lake Pueblo
Fishing is popular at Lake Pueblo, which has 4,600 acres of water. On bright summer days, boaters and water sports enthusiasts flock there. Summer in Colorado is hot, but Lake Pueblo is a nice break.
Visitors have reported a long, pinkish water snake, not its venomousness. Coachwhip snakes, sometimes known as Red Racers, can reach 6 feet. While not poisonous, they will attack if threatened, so avoid them if you encounter them sunning on a rock or roadside. They dislike water but are sometimes seen in it.
Boyd Lake
Boyd Lake, 50 miles north of Denver and near Loveland, with 1,700 acres of soft sands, tranquil boating, and great fishing. Campgrounds, activity centers, and beautiful spots for family picnics and sunsets behind the mountains border its shoreline. Many call it a water sports paradise, and there’s a marina for year-round boat storage.
The garter snake and bull snake are the most frequent water snakes near Boyd Lake. Bull snakes are non-venomous despite their appearance and ridiculous posturing when threatened. It jerks its tail like a rattler but runs away if approached.
Conclusion
Before entering Colorado’s wilderness, ask forestry and wildlife professionals about snakes. Most will leave you alone, and many will run to the water when frightened, but others may not. Snakes are predictable, yet they are animals motivated by instinct, and their best known instinct is fight or flight.
Some of Colorado is desert-like and hot in summer. The availability of fresh water, rock cover, and prey will attract undocumented snake species like rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes rarely swim, but they may and will attack if disturbed, even accidentally. Listen and watch your step when fishing or playing in lakes in these situations.
Leave a Reply