New Hampshire has only eleven snake species, while most other states have between 20 and 60. Aside from the Timber rattlesnake, which has pretty potent venom but rarely bites people because it’s generally gentle, most of them are safe for humans.
The Northern Water Snake, also known as Nerodia Sipedon, is one of the harmless snakes found in New Hampshire. These snakes like to hang out in semi-aquatic spots, usually near rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Even though it’s common in the lake and river-rich central part of the state, it’s not found anywhere in northern New Hampshire.
Squam Lake
Squam is the second-biggest lake in New Hampshire, right after Lake Winnipesaukee, and it’s located in the central part of the state known as the “Lakes Region.”
Squam Lake is famous for being a nesting spot for loons and is home to wildlife like bald eagles and great blue herons. You can find largemouth bass, landlocked salmon, and lake trout swimming around in the lake.
You can usually spot the northern water snake hanging out by the water’s edge, where it goes after small fish, frogs, tadpoles, turtles, and sometimes even little birds. The lake is right south of West Rattlesnake Mountain, so it makes sense to think that the Timber Rattlesnake, which is the only rattlesnake species in New Hampshire, might live around here too.
Massabesic Lake
Massabesic Lake is within the northern water snake’s range in New Hampshire, even though it’s situated on the eastern side of Manchester, New Hampshire.
The lake is famous for fishing, kayaking, and sailing, and its shores are dotted with hiking trails that provide stunning views of both the city and the lake. Even though swimming isn’t permitted in this lake, it’s mainly because it provides drinking water for Manchester, not because of any risks from the snake population for swimmers.
Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is the biggest lake in New Hampshire, sitting to the south and east of Squam Lake. It’s bigger than Squam and has a larger population. Besides being a favorite spot for fishermen and birdwatchers, Lake Winnipesaukee is famous for its strong ecosystem and has even been spotted hosting moose.
The lake is home to the northern water snake, which slithers around its many islands and goes after all sorts of prey like insects, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Ossipee Lake
Lake Ossipee is located to the northeast of Lake Winnipesaukee. This lake is just a few kilometers north of Ossipee and doesn’t have any villages along its shores. Still, there are plenty of fun things to do around the lake, like campgrounds, cottage rentals, RV parks, and nature preserves.
Even though they usually don’t live much farther north than the northern coast of Ossipee, northern water snakes would likely see Lake Ossipee as a great spot for hunting because it has relatively low human activity.
Piscataqua River / Great Bay
The Piscataqua River isn’t a lake, but it does flow into the Great Bay tidal estuary, found between Portsmouth and Newmarket. This area is where fresh and salt water mix together. The eastern hognose snake lives in the river and is usually most active in the summer. They’re toxic, but humans aren’t affected by their venom at all.
The Great Bay region is where New Hampshire’s water snakes live, but they’ve only been spotted along the western coast of the estuary. They don’t seem to hang out on the northern, eastern, or southern shores, probably due to the saltwater in those areas.
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