Known for its varied animals and stunning scenery, South Carolina is home to a number of snakes that can be dangerous for boaters and swimmers.
Even though snake encounters are uncommon, it’s still important to understand the risks and take the appropriate safety measures when admiring these amazing natural phenomena.
This article will examine a few South Carolina lakes where snakes are more common and offer safety advice and information on the kinds of snakes you might come across for a fun and safe time on the water.
Lake Moultrie
One of South Carolina’s biggest reservoirs is Lake Moultrie. It was made possible by damming the Santee River to provide hydropower, and it spans more than 60,000 acres. Due to its large area, it offers several recreational opportunities that draw a lot of people.
Additionally frequent and disturbing to tourists are the local snakes. This shouldn’t be the case, though, as they hardly ever launch an attack without sensing danger or being cornered.
Visitors to the region may come across a few poisonous species, most commonly the cottonmouth, which is typically dark grey or back in color, and the copperhead, which has scales that are colored brown-red.
Lake Keowee
With more than 300 miles of shoreline, pristine blue waters, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 18,000-acre family-friendly paradise draws a horde of water enthusiasts.
In addition, there are a lot of snakes in this vibrant ecology, which visitors should be aware of to avoid unwarranted contact. Sadly, the majority of species are not poisonous and are sometimes mistaken for their venomous counterparts.
They are not dangerous to people, and they typically want to stay apart. On the other hand, copperheads are occasionally sighted in busy areas like beaches.
Read Also: Beware! The Most Snake-Infested Lakes Across the U.S.
Lake Marion
The largest lake in South Carolina covers 110,000 acres of former farmland, marshes, and river valleys throughout five counties. The enormous marsh, which is frequently referred to as the state’s “inland sea,” offers countless leisure opportunities.
Numerous serpentine species are also present in Lake Marion’s shoreline and water. The lakeshore is home to the cottonmouth, which is frequently spotted feeding on amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
In contrast, the brown water snake and eastern ratsnake are frequent sightings and are generally harmless. These snakes are not known to bite, but when they do, they can become hostile and have a strong hemotoxin.
Read Also: The Snake-Infested Waters of Wisconsin: Lakes You Might Want to Avoid
Lake Jocassee
One of South Carolina’s most snake-infested lakes is most likely Lake Jocassee. The 7,500-acre reservoir in Oconee and Pickens Counties is well-known for its cool, crystal-clear waters.
In Lake Jocassee, it’s not uncommon to come across snakes along the water or on the grassy banks.
Fortunately, the majority of species—including the northern water snake and the eastern garter snake—are non-venomous and do not pose much of a threat to people. But, you should use caution because the poisonous copperhead might attack suddenly if you approach too closely.
Read Also: The Top Snake-Infested Lakes in Indiana You Should Know About
Lake Wylie
Building a dam over the Catawba River to generate hydroelectric power resulted in the formation of Lake Wylie. The reservoir spans the boundary between the two Carolina states and occupies an area of about 13,000 acres.
Snakes find a balanced diet in the fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals that inhabit the lake and its environs, making it an ideal environment.
Observations of the copperhead along the water’s edge have been reported, despite the fact that most encounters are with non-venomous species such as the eastern garter snake and common watersnake.
To Conclude
The lakes in South Carolina are renowned for their snake populations in addition to their amazing beauty and recreational options. It’s essential to know what kinds of snakes are in these lakes and to take the appropriate safety measures in order to appreciate these natural treasures without risk.
The following lakes in South Carolina have higher snake prevalence: Lake Moultrie, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Wylie.
You can responsibly explore these lakes and enjoy the distinctive beauty of South Carolina’s natural landscapes by being aware of these dangers and adopting the necessary safety precautions.
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