Snakes are one of these creatures, and there are over 30 native snake species in Indiana, four of which are poisonous.
For this reason, visitors should be aware of which snake species inhabit different lakes in order to guarantee a safe swimming, boating, or fishing experience.
So that you know what to look for when enjoying yourself by the water, get ready to go into some of Indiana’s most snake-infested lakes.
Patoka Lake
A picturesque body of water, Patoka Lake is located close to the Hoosier National Forest in Southern Indiana.
The grey rat snake, common garter snake, and northern watersnake are some of the most prevalent. Since the northern watersnake is an enthusiastic swimmer and can swim far from the coast, you will probably spot it in the water.
Because of its dark coloring, this species is also called the black water snake, however it can also be brown or reddish with dark crossbands along the length of its body.
Northern watersnakes are not venomous, but they will bite if they feel threatened. They also have an anticoagulant in their saliva that causes bleeding. However, bites are rarely severe, so you should merely avoid these swimmers.
Lake Michigan
First off, one of the most well-known Great Lakes in North America is Lake Michigan.
The common garter snake, blue racer, northern watersnake, and Eastern massasauga are among the approximately ten snake species said to live in and near Lake Michigan.
The Eastern massasauga is one of the most venomous species in America, yet the majority of these species are not. This pit viper is grey with big dark blotches and measures between 24 and 30 inches (60 and 75 cm) in length.
This snake can cause internal bleeding, clotting, excruciating agony, and more when it bites. It can swim well, thus it’s always important to watch for Eastern Massasauga snakes.
Monroe Lake
Another of Indiana’s most snake-infested lakes is Monroe Lake, the only reservoir bigger than Patoka Lake.
Numerous snake species, including the timber rattlesnake and the common garter snake, can be found there. One of the few venomous and water-loving snakes in Indiana is the timber rattlesnake, so keep an eye out for it.
This type of pit viper has deeper zigzag crossbands and a yellowish-brown coloring. It can reach a maximum length of 60 inches (152 cm).
Brookville Lake
Another artificial reservoir in Indiana is Brookville Lake. In 1974, an earthen dam built it.
Because of its abundant fish population and lush beaches, Brookville Lake has one of the highest snake infestations in the state.
One instance from 2022 that comes to me is when two sailors discovered a dead snake that was 4.5 feet long and had a fish in its mouth.
The enormous length of this species makes it a notable anomaly, even though it is thought to be a northern watersnake that inhabits the area.
Other species that have been documented include the Dekay’s brown snake and the eastern garter snake, which are both smaller and non-venomous snakes that you shouldn’t be overly terrified of.
