Minnesota is well-known for its stunning lakes and profusion of animals, but it also has a little-known side when it comes to its reptile residents.
Certain bodies of water in the state have gained a reputation for being more snake-centric than others, despite the fact that snakes are frequently misunderstood yet essential members of the environment.
This article explores the lakes that are home to the majority of snake sightings, which may pique your interest in these sly hotspots and help you avoid an unplanned encounter.
Otter Tail Lake
Another sizable lake in central-west Minnesota, Otter Tail Lake covers an area of around 14,000 acres. The plains garter snake and the common garter snake can both be found in this lake. Given that neither species of snake is poisonous or lethal, Otter Tail Lake continues to be a well-liked recreational area.
The lake is well-liked by tourists; in the past, it has even hosted yearly sailing competitions.
For a relaxing summer holiday, guests can therefore set aside their concerns about reptiles and enjoy the enormous body of water and the adjacent Otter Lake Recreation Area.
Lake Pepin
This lake is formed by the Mississippi River and is situated near its eastern border. Lake Pepin, one of the biggest lakes on this river, is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a haven for aquatic life.
This lake is home to two species of water snakes: the northern water snake and the common garter snake.
The common garter snake, which is easily recognized in Minnesotan waters by its short red or yellow stripes along the length of its body, is typically seen in black or gray color. On the other hand, the darker bands on the paler body of the northern water snake help identify it.
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Red Lake
Red Lake is the largest naturally occurring freshwater lake inside the borders of Minnesota and the sixteenth largest lake in the nation. Like Lake Pepin, Red Lake is home to two different species of semi-aquatic snakes.
These are the plains garter snake and the common garter snake.
The side stripes of the plains garter snake are clearly orange or yellow, and it can be either brown or black in color. These snakes are common in the central United States, with an average length of three feet (91 cm).
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Lake of the Woods
Because of its 25,000 miles of shoreline—one of the longest in the world—and its breathtaking scenery, Lake of the Woods is one of the most well-known lakes in North America.
It is home to a wide variety of wildlife species and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It follows that the presence of some reptile species here is not surprising.
Still, compared to other lakes on this list, these waters are considerably less frightening because just the common garter snake is found there. It also provides wonderful outdoor travel, with its 14,522 islands offering fantastic natural scenery to adventurers.
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To Conclude
Even while the existence of snakes in these lakes may initially raise questions, it’s critical to keep in mind the vital role that these reptiles play in the ecology. The majority of snake species in Minnesota are not dangerous to people and are safe to handle.
Numerous leisure activities are available in these lakes, including swimming, boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. You may enjoy your time at these stunning lakes fearlessly by being aware of the different kinds of snakes that call these waters home and by adopting the appropriate safety measures.
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