GEORGIA (DDN) – Georgia is a forest-covered state in the southeastern United States. Forests encompass around 40% of the state, providing several opportunities for outdoor recreation and animal observation. Snakes are among the many bird, animal, and reptile species that people enjoy seeing, but they must be cautious of them.
Although the majority of the state’s over 50 snake species are harmless, there are approximately seven venomous species known to exist. Several of them, including the eastern copperhead, live in lakes in Georgia. Here are Georgia’s most snake-infested lakes so you can stay safe when on a water adventure.
Lake Lanier
Since the Chattahoochee River was dammed here in 1956, it has become a wildlife preserve. With a surface area of 37,000 acres, it has significantly reduced Chattahoochee River flooding. It also houses a variety of snake species from across Georgia. The most widespread species in the area is the common black rat snake. The black rat snake is recognizable by its black-gray hue, as the name says, and can grow to be 6 feet (183 cm) long.
These snakes are large and enjoy swimming, but they are not venomous and most bites are harmless. Another species present in this lake is the little, non-venomous DeKay’s brown snake.
Lake Hartwell
In addition to being one of the largest, Lake Hartwell has one of the highest snake infestation rates in the country. This body of water contains numerous dangerous and non-venomous species. The common water snake, rat snake, and garter snake are among the most common non-venomous species. Due to their cautious nature, these animals pose little harm to people.
However, there are many poisonous snakes, including well-known species such as the timber rattlesnake and the eastern copperhead. The eastern copperhead is said to be the most common due to its distinctive brown hue and hourglass markings.
Lake Sinclair
Georgia Power manages the lake, which has roughly 15,000 acres of surface area. It has a characteristic shape and extends into three large “arms,” each with smaller streams emerging from it. This is why Lake Sinclair’s shoreline is 417 miles (671 km) long, allowing lots of opportunity for outdoor hobbies like fishing and boating. There is also plenty space for reptiles to live.
The most common species of these reptiles are snakes, such as the common watersnake. This nonvenomous snake can grow to be up to 4 feet 5 inches (135 cm) long and is quite agile in the water. Because of their black bands and brownish coloration, they are easily noticeable in and around Lake Sinclair.
Lake Allatoona
Lake Allatoona is one of Georgia’s most snake-infested lakes, demonstrating the state’s endless nature. DeKay’s brown snake, eastern hognose snake, eastern garter snake, grey rat snake, and ring-neck snake are among the most commonly seen species in and around the lake. They include the relatively dangerous eastern hognose and eastern garter snakes, which travelers should be aware of.
Fortunately, both species are easily identifiable, with the garter snake having a visible body strip of bright color and the hognose having striking brown pigmentation. So, if you see these patterns, keep your distance from the snake.
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