Swimmers and boaters may be in danger from the snake population that resides in Indiana, a state renowned for its stunning scenery and an abundance of animals.
Though most snake encounters are benign, it’s important to understand the risks and take appropriate safety measures when admiring these amazing creatures.
Providing information on the kinds of snakes you might come across and safety advice for a fun and safe day on the water, this article will examine a few of the lakes in Indiana that have a higher-than-average snake population.
Patoka Lake
Situated close to the Hoosier National Forest in Southern Indiana, Patoka Lake is a picturesque body of water. Currently holding the title of second-largest reservoir in the state, Patoka Lake spans about 9,000 acres of surface area.
Many of Indiana’s snake species have their primary breeding grounds in the Hoosier National Forest and Patoka Lake, along with fish and birds. The northern watersnake, common garter snake, and grey rat snake are a few of the most prevalent types.
The northern watersnake can swim a great distance from the coast, therefore it’s likely that you may observe it in the water. This species, which can also be brown or reddish with dark crossbands running the length of its body, is sometimes known as the “black water snake” due to its dark coloring.
Read Also: The Snake-Infested Waters of Wisconsin: Lakes You Might Want to Avoid
Brookville Lake
Another artificial reservoir in Indiana is called Brookville Lake. Because of its abundant fish population and lush shorelines, Brookville Lake has one of the highest rates of snake infestation in the state.
Particularly noteworthy is a 2022 incident in which two boaters discovered a dead, 4.5-foot-long snake with a fish in its mouth. This specimen is extremely unusual in length even though it is thought to be a local northern watersnake.
In addition, there have been reports of the eastern garter snake and the Dekay’s brown snake, which are smaller, non-venomous snakes that shouldn’t be too frightening.
Read Also: Utah’s Snake Hotspots: The 5 Lakes with the Most Snakes
Lake Michigan
To begin with, one of the most well-known Great Lakes in North America is Lake Michigan. As the third largest of the Great Lakes, encompassing 22,404 sq miles (58,030 sq km), it is a well-liked destination for leisure activities.
It’s estimated that about ten different species of snakes, including the eastern massasauga, blue racer, northern watersnake, and common garter snake, live in and near Lake Michigan.
Although the majority of these species are not poisonous, one should be cautious around the Eastern massasauga, which is among the most venomous in America.
This pit viper is 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 inches) long, with big dark blotches on its grey body. This snake can cause internal bleeding, clotting, excruciating pain, and other symptoms after biting.
Read Also: Snakes on the Shore: The 5 Most Snake Infested Lakes in Kansas
Monroe Lake
One of the worst snake infestations in the state is found in Monroe Lake, the only reservoir in Indiana bigger than Patoka Lake. Many snake species, including the timber rattlesnake and common garter snake, can be found there.
Being one of the few poisonous snakes that inhabit water in Indiana, the timber rattlesnake is something to be cautious about. This type of pit viper has a yellowish-brown appearance with darker zigzag crossbands, and it can reach lengths of up to 60 inches (152 cm).
Because of their long fangs and high venom output, they are frequently regarded as one of North America’s most poisonous snakes. Blood loss and nerve damage are among the signs of a bite, albeit seldom deadly.
To Conclude
The lakes in Indiana are famous for their snake populations in addition to their amazing beauty and recreational options. It’s essential to know what kinds of snakes are in these lakes and to take the appropriate safety measures in order to appreciate these natural treasures without risk.
In Indiana, lakes with a higher snake prevalence are Patoka Lake, Brookville Lake, Lake Michigan, and Monroe Lake. You can responsibly explore these lakes and take in the distinct beauty of Indiana’s natural surroundings by being aware of these dangers and implementing the necessary safety precautions.
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