Known for its breathtaking scenery and plethora of outdoor activities, Oregon is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including several snake species.
Although the majority of these reptiles are not very dangerous to people, some bodies of water in the state are known to have greater than average snake populations.
The lakes in Oregon where snake sightings have been recorded the most are examined in this article, which also provides vital advice for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy these natural treasures responsibly.
Crater Lake
It so happens that the deepest lake in the country, Crater Lake National Park, is its main draw. These days, the crystal-clear blue waters attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to trek the nearby trails and take pictures of the mountains reflecting in the water.
They also attract an estimated 19 native species of reptiles, including three of Oregon’s four species of garter snakes. The National Park Service claims that because intraspecies pigmentation varies so greatly, genetic study is required to distinguish between them.
For example, they can occasionally be complete black because of a condition called melanism on Wizard Island, which is situated in the west-central portion of Crater Lake.
Waldo Lake
Two important snakes can be found in Waldo Lake/Waldo Lake Wilderness, which is about 80 miles north of Crater Lake. They are the northern rubber boa, also known as the rubber boa (Charina bottae), and the common garter (Thamnophis sirtalis).
The most common snake in Oregon is the common garter, which may be found in stores as frequently in coastal environments as in highland woodlands.
The valley garter snake (T. s. fitchi) is the subspecies that is most likely to be seen in the Waldo Lake area. Although it is rarely seen, unlike the common garter snake, the rubber boa has one of the largest distributions in the state.
Read Also: The Most Snake-Infested Locations in Pennsylvania Revealed
Wallowa Lake
Even while calling Wallowa Lake “snake-infested” might be a bit of an exaggeration, this is still an excellent chance to talk about Oregon’s only poisonous snake, the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis).
To be more precise, we should concentrate on the Northern Pacific rattlesnake, a subspecies that is important to our region.
Despite their preference for hiding away under rocks or fallen logs, western rattlesnakes can also swim rather well and hibernate in caves that face south. This species is distinguished by its large, triangular head, vertical pupils, and distinctive rattle, which vibrates in warning when it senses danger.
Read Also: Dangerous Waters: Georgia’s Lakes with the Most Snakes
Lake Billy Chinook
In relation to rattlesnakes, let’s move on to Lake Billy Chinook in central Oregon, which is known to be home to an imposter snake. Although not poisonous, the gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), sometimes known as the bull snake, goes to considerable measures to imitate its fearsome counterpart.
The gopher snake’s coloration, which consists of dark blotches over tan skin, and defensive behavior, which includes flattening its head, coiling, shaking its tail, and striking, can occasionally startle visitors to The Cove Palisades State Park, which is located on the southeast side of the reservoir and is only 40 miles north of Bend, Oregon.
But again, these snakes would much rather not have to deal with us bipedal enigmas than continue with their regular activities of hunting insects, lizards, rodents, and the rare rabbit.
Read Also: Discover the Arkansas Lakes with the Most Snake Sightings
To Conclude
The breathtaking lakes of Oregon provide chances for leisure and relaxation, but it’s important to be mindful of the possibility of snake presence in these regions. Although most snake species in Oregon do not pose a threat to people, there are some lakes with a greater concentration of these reptiles than others, including Crater Lake, Waldo Lake, Wallowa Lake, and Lake Billy Chinook.
You may enjoy your outdoor adventures safely if you are aware of the snake species that are common in these places and take the appropriate measures.
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