While Indiana is known for its charming rural towns, it also has beautiful lakes that appeal to nature-lovers across the country. Popular spots such as Lake Monroe, Patoka Lake, or even the renowned Lake Michigan are all top contenders for travelers making a trip to indulge in the state’s waterfront beauty. Of course, when you consider which place to visit, snake-filled lakes are probably not what you have in mind. However, once you’ve plotted out your journey and planned your lake day activities, you may want to take note of which waters are most likely to offer a run-in with some local snakes.
Indiana has a wide variety of scenic lakes, reservoirs, and other bodies of water that, while relaxing, are ideal habitats for snakes. Luckily, water snakes typically aren’t dangerous, and they seek out quieter areas around water for their dwellings rather than populous swim beaches or busy boat launches. In the entire Hoosier State, there is only one venomous species of snake that occupies rivers, marshes, or lakes. When visiting bodies of water, look out the Eastern cottonmouth snake. This species is sometimes referred to as the water moccasin and is a pit viper that lives most of its life by water. It is commonly found in Southeastern parts of the U.S. like Florida as well as in some Midwestern locations. In Indiana, it is an endangered species.
There are a few other venomous species of snakes that don’t live in the water but may be found near it, including timber rattlesnakes, copperheads, and Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes. It’s a good thing for travelers that the majority of the snakes found in Indiana’s lakes aren’t likely to harm you. But if you’re a snake-phobe or you’re just curious about where these animals usually linger, here are a few of the most snake-filled lakes in Indiana.
Lake Monroe
With around 10,000 acres of water, the reservoir of Lake Monroe is the largest lake in Indiana. It attracts over a million visitors per year and is home to several species, including the endangered clubshell mussel, Indiana bat, and a few snakes…