Arkansas is home to over 40 species of snakes, including those from both the Eastern and Southern regions of the United States. In Arkansas, snakes are easiest to spot in the summer. One place in the state where you may not expect to encounter snakes is in the water.
Arkansas has a variety of water and semi-aquatic snakes. These snakes can be found in many lakes. Here, we will talk about the lakes in Arkansas that have a lot of snakes and the different kinds of water snakes you can find in them.
Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita, the biggest lake in Arkansas, covers 700 miles of shoreline and 65,000 acres of water. The lake runs through Garland and Montgomery counties.
The northern and plain belly water snakes are some of the most common snakes found in the lake.
Ouachita National Forest, surrounding the lake, is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and camping. Here, you can find a variety of venomous snakes along with other semi-aquatic species.
Rattlesnakes and cottonmouths are often spotted in this area. The cottonmouth is one of the most semi-aquatic snakes found in the United States. These creatures come in shades of brown, gray, and black, and their diet mainly consists of fish.
Fayetteville Lake
Lake Ouachita is bigger than Lake Fayetteville. The waters continue to be filled with snakes, however.
The lake covers 450 acres of land and 200 acres of water, hosting various snake species, such as semi-aquatic and water snakes. The lake is home to bass, carp, bluegill, and catfish, drawing in water snakes.
Visitors flock to the lake to enjoy fishing due to the plentiful fish available. If you’re heading to the lake for some fishing, keep in mind that you might encounter a snake. There are frequent reports of snake sightings in the area.
Rattlesnakes are another species that can be spotted in the beautiful park near the lake. Along the trails by the lake, you might spot creatures such as pygmy and diamondback rattlesnakes from time to time.
Greers Ferry Lake
Greers Ferry Lake is known for having snakes in Arkansas. A lake formed in 1962 features two large bodies of water connected by a narrow valley.
The lake spans 40,000 acres and features well-known campsites and hiking trails for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Visitors enjoying the lake should be aware of the presence of snakes in the area. The rough green snake, known for its bright colors, is often seen in the area.
These snakes are harmless and do not pose any threat to humans. A common sight in the area is the diamondback water snake, which is non-venomous.
Navigating the Lakes Filled with Snakes in Arkansas
Water and semi-aquatic snakes thrive in the lakes of Arkansas. Snakes can be frequently found in Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Ouachita, and Lake Fayetteville.
These spots in Arkansas are definitely worth a visit, despite the presence of many snakes. These lakes offer various outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing.
Water snakes generally aren’t a danger to humans, making visits to these areas quite comforting. Recognizing semi-aquatic snakes is key to staying safe in areas where they are found, even if some of them may be poisonous.
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