The Snake-Infested Waters of Wisconsin: Lakes You Might Want to Avoid

Wisconsin is a state renowned for its breathtaking lakes and plethora of wildlife, but it also has a snake population that can be dangerous for boaters and swimmers.

Even though snake encounters are uncommon, it’s still important to understand the risks and take the appropriate safety measures when admiring these amazing natural phenomena.

This post will discuss some of the Wisconsin lakes where snakes are more common and offer safety advice and information on the kinds of snakes you might come across for a fun and safe time on the water.

Lake Winnebago

Located in Wisconsin’s east central region is Lake Winnebago, a shallow freshwater lake. It is the largest lake fully in Wisconsin, covering approximately 140,000 acres, and the splendor to match.

Snakes are among the many species that favor Lake Winnebago’s tranquil waters in addition to humans. The eastern garter snake inhabits this lake in addition to the common garter snake, which is the moniker found in most lakes.

This snake, which is native to North America, is one of the state’s smallest snakes, reaching a maximum length of 26 inches (66 cm). Despite not being poisonous, garter snakes can produce non-allergic symptoms in people due to their Duvernoy’s gland.

Lake Pepin

A natural lake called Lake Pepin is located between Wisconsin and Minnesota along the Mississippi River. The lake, which has a surface area of more than 25,000 acres and a length of more than 22 miles (35 km), is one of Wisconsin’s biggest bodies of water.

In particular, Lake Pepin is home to a variety of water-loving snakes, including the common garter snake and water snake.

The Snake-Infested Waters of Wisconsin: Lakes You Might Want to Avoid — Image By: Midwest Wine Press

The former is one of the most frequent snakes in the area and can be recognized by its striking black and yellow stripes. Fortunately, none is poisonous, so guests can enjoy themselves without fear of being bitten.

Lake Michigan

Despite its size, Lake Pepin is nothing compared to one of North America’s Great Lakes, Lake Michigan.

This enormous body of water is the third largest of the Great Lakes, covering an area of about 22,404 sq miles (58,030 sq km). Wisconsin has a lakeshore that stretches 407 miles (655 km) and is home to a wealth of natural regions, recreational possibilities, and animals.

Few snakes are more adept at swimming than the northern watersnake, which is mostly found in and near huge bodies of water. This snake has dark-colored bands and a yellow-to-black hue, reaching a maximum length of 4 feet 5 inches (135 cm).

Despite their intimidating appearance, northern watersnakes are actually fairly cautious, and people cannot be harmed by their bite.

Devil’s Lake

Devil’s Lake is a well-known 374-acre lake in the Baraboo Range and is frequently cited as one of the state’s most snake-infested places. It’s common to see people hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in and around the river at the 9,217-acre state park.

Numerous species, including the black rat snake, timber rattlesnake, little red-bellied snake, and northern watersnake, are known to call the lake home.

The timber rattlesnake is the only one among them that may be poisoned, so be careful around it. This slithering viper has a noticeable dark crossband coloring on a light brown backdrop, and it may grow up to 60 inches (152 cm) in length.

To Conclude

The lakes in Wisconsin are renowned for their snake populations in addition to their amazing beauty and recreational options. To appreciate these natural treasures safely, it’s important to know what kinds of snakes are prevalent in these lakes and to take the appropriate precautions.

In Wisconsin, lakes with higher snake incidence are Lake Michigan, Lake Winnebago, Devil’s Lake, and Lake Pepin. You can enjoy the distinct beauty of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes and appropriately explore these lakes by being aware of the dangers involved and adopting the necessary safety precautions.

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