WEST VIRGINIA (DDN) – Snakes thrive in West Virginia’s diverse geography, which includes multiple lakes, rivers, and woodlands. The lakes in this part of the United States that are popular with a variety of native snake species are listed below.
These bodies of water provide ample habitat for a variety of wildlife, including non-venomous water snakes slithering amid lily pads and timber rattlesnakes coiling on sun-warmed rocks. However, when visiting West Virginia’s most snake-infested lakes, it is critical to understand how to interact with them and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Here are the five lakes in West Virginia with loads of snakes in them.
Bluestone Lake
Bluestone Lake, which covers more than 2,000 acres, is West Virginia’s third-largest lake as a result of a dam built across the New River to control flooding. Numerous tourists seeking water-based recreation are drawn to it. Northern water snakes and garter snakes are widespread species that can be seen hunting small animals around lakes.
The timber rattlesnake and copperhead, two of West Virginia’s venomous snake species, are also present in the area.
Although they are not normally hostile, they will strike if you approach too closely. When you run into them, the best thing you can do is keep your distance and let them go.
Tygart Lake
Tygart Lake, bordered by the magnificent Allegheny Mountains, provides a tranquil location for a relaxing escape. The State Park includes this 1,750-acre region with a 10-mile shoreline. Naturally, travelers flock to the lake for a range of recreational activities, especially during the summer.
Most of the slithery animals, including the milk snake, corn snake, and black rat snake, are native species, and visitors commonly report encountering them. Fortunately, they are not harmful. However, because they are essential to maintaining the balance of the local ecological, you have no right to harm or injure them.
Burnsville Lake
Burnsville Lake, one of the largest lakes in the state’s central region, is both a popular recreational area and a flood control reservoir. Camping, swimming, shooting, picnicking, and other recreational activities attract visitors from all around West Virginia. The lake’s respectable walleye, bluegill, and catfish numbers make it a popular fishing destination.
These, coupled with tiny birds and mammals, provide food for a huge number of snakes, including the eastern hognose snake and northern water snake. Tourists should use caution around timber rattlesnakes and venomous copperheads, even if they do not appear to be harmful.
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Stonewall Jackson Lake
This 2,630-acre reservoir in Lewis County, created by an impoundment on the West Fork River, is a popular destination for boating and fishing. There are numerous fish species there, including walleye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black bass. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources also regularly stocks the lake to facilitate recreational activities.
The 82-mile lakefront is surrounded by a dense wilderness area that provides ideal snake habitat, with northern water snakes along the coastlines and eastern rat snakes hiding among the garbage. The eastern garter snake is among the region’s non-venomous snakes. The two dangerous West Virginia species are rarely encountered, and the majority of species are relatively safe for humans.
Cheat Lake
In 1925, the Allegheny Power System built the Cheat Lake Reservoir to generate energy. The 1,730-acre lake, located about 10 miles from downtown Morgantown, is a popular recreational destination. Visitors have reported several sightings and encounters with various species, including the timber rattlesnake.
Because of their “venomous” reputation, these snakes elicit fear, whether they are swimming in the water or hidden in the long grass near the coast. They are sluggish to act violently, but are otherwise harmless animals.
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