Beautiful Colorado alpine lakes have cool waters and gorgeous views, but there’s a danger lurking beneath their placid exteriors. The majority of snake species in the state are benign, although a few are seriously dangerous to people.
Finding the lakes where these poisonous reptiles are more common is crucial to a fun and safe outdoor experience. Come along with us as we investigate the perilous depths of Colorado’s rivers tainted with snakes.
Boyd Lake
Boyd Lake, which is closest to Loveland, is 1,700 acres in size, 50 miles north of Denver, and is well-known for its gentle dunes, serene boating, and excellent fishing.
Numerous fantastic locations for family picnics and watching the sun set behind the mountains to the west can be found along its coastline, along with campgrounds and entertainment areas.
A marina is available if you would want to store your boat on site all year round. It is referred to as a sanctuary for water sports enthusiasts.
In and around Boyd Lake, the garter and bull snakes are the two most prevalent species of water snakes. Bull snakes are harmless despite their appearance and the goofy poses they take when in danger.
Electra Lake
Electra Lake has a surface area of about 1,100 acres when it is fully filled. Electra Lake is a privately owned reservoir located just north of Durango that is only open to guests at specific seasons of the year. It is a wonderful breeding and hunting area for snakes, both on land and in the water, and is serene and calm the rest of the time.
Thankfully, the blackneck garter snake is the most frequently observed water snake in and around Electra Lake. Unlike many other species, garter snakes are able to endure the bitterly cold temperatures that are typical in Colorado throughout the winter.
This makes them distinctive. They seek cover wherever it’s possible, whether it’s beneath trees in pine-oak forests, an abandoned shelter, or a rubbish pile.
Lake Pueblo
Many people refer to Lake Pueblo as a “hot spot” for fishing because of its 4,600 acres of surface area.
Boaters and lovers of water activities, particularly in the hottest months of the summer, are big fans of it. Summertime in Colorado can be very hot, and Lake Pueblo provides a much-needed break from the intense heat.
Numerous tourists have reported seeing a long, pinkish water snake; the main issue is not with its length, but rather with its potential for venom. The Red Racer, or Coachwhip snake, reaches a maximum length of 6 feet.
Though they are not poisonous, they will attack if they feel threatened, so ignore them and carry on with your day if you spot them lounging on a rock or by the side of the road. Although they dislike the water, they can occasionally be seen in it.
Common Colorado Water Snakes
The varied geography of the Colorado region is home to about thirty different species of snakes. Although the northern water snake is the only species of water snake found in the state, the edges of Colorado’s lakes are home to a number of other snake species as well.
Blackneck Garter Snake
The blackneck garter snake is found in the southern and southwestern regions of the state, usually in grasslands or forests close to bodies of water.
Their body color ranges from 12 to 42 inches, and they have lateral bars running the length of their black or olive body, similar to other garter snakes.
Read Also: Minnesota’s Slithering Hotspots: The Most Snake-Infested Lakes Revealed
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The western terrestrial garter snake, with the exception of the northeast region close to Nebraska, inhabits grasslands, woodlands, and forest habitats near still water.
They are brownish-black or gray in color, with longways stripes of orange, yellow, or white running the length of them. Their normal length is between 24 and 42 inches.
Read Also: Brace Yourself: Wisconsin’s Most Snake-Infested Areas Revealed
Plains Garter Snake
The Plains Garter Snake, which is mostly active from April to October, gravitates toward the eastern part of the state. Its length ranges from 16 to 42 inches, and it has a unique appearance with a wide orange stripe running laterally along the length of its body, which is greenish-gray to brown.
Read Also: Top Snake-Infested Lakes in Alabama: Where to Watch Out for Snakes
To Conclude
Even though the majority of Colorado snakes are benign, there are more poisonous reptiles in some lakes than others. At Lake Pueblo, Electra Lake, and Boyd Lake, exercise caution.
Blackneck garter snakes, western terrestrial garter snakes, and plains garter snakes are common water snakes. To make sure you have a safe outdoor experience, be vigilant and mindful of the wildlife.
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