Large, toothy rodents (as well as other iconic Pacific Northwest mammals) may be the Beaver State’s most well-known feature, but snakes are also widespread there. In reality, there are fifteen different species of serpents in Oregon.
Even though none of the water snakes make it onto our list, a number of semi-aquatic species prefer to congregate in and around important bodies of water. Here is a quick overview of the state’s most snake-infested lakes.
The intention is to honor some underappreciated figures in Oregon’s diverse ecosystems rather than to incite ophidiophobia, or the fear of snakes.
Lake Billy Chinook
Speaking of rattlers, let’s move on to Lake Billy Chinook in central Oregon, which is believed to be home to an imposter snake.
Despite being non-venomous, the gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), also known as the bull snake, goes to considerable measures to imitate its menacing counterpart.
The gopher snake’s coloration (dark blotches over tan skin) and defensive behavior (flattening of the head, coiling, shaking of the tail, and striking) can occasionally startle visitors to The Cove Palisades State Park, located on the southeast side of the reservoir (also only 40 miles north of Bend, Oregon).
Before we continue, we should mention the North American racer, also known as the racer (Coluber constrictor), which is another noteworthy serpent in the area of the lake/state park.
This slender and nimble snake is unlikely to go swimming with summer visitors because it often favors warm, dry, open, or bushy environments.
Crater Lake
It was created 7,700 years ago when one of the Cascade Mountain Range’s peaks collapsed due to a powerful volcanic eruption.
In addition to the hundreds of thousands of visitors that come each year to stroll the nearby trails and take pictures of the mountains reflected off the water, the pristine blue waters are home to an estimated 19 native reptile species, including three of Oregon’s four garter snake species.
The National Park Service states that because intraspecies pigmentation varies so much, genetic analysis is required to distinguish between them.
Melanism, for example, causes them to occasionally be complete black on Wizard Island, which is situated in the west-central portion of Crater Lake.
The majority of the garter’s diet consists of insects and amphibians, regardless of the species or subspecies. However, when the chance arises, they may even grab a baby bird or mammal if they’re feeling very daring.
Therefore, prospective hikers and swimmers need not be alarmed because the snakes of Crater Lake do not wish to interact with people at all, regardless of their appearance (bright, striped, or dark).
Wallowa Lake
The centerpiece of Wallowa State Park, this little ribbon lake is surrounded by the stunning Wallowa Mountains and lies within Wallowa County and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Western rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers, although they usually hibernate in winter dens facing south or lie low near rocks or fallen logs.
This species is distinguished by its broad, triangular head, vertical pupils, and distinctive rattle, which vibrates as a warning when threatened.
Although their color patterns vary according on the habitat, western rattlers typically range in length from 18 to 36 inches.
In Wallowa County, the Northern Pacific rattlesnake has bitten a number of pets, while adverse encounters with people are uncommon.
Fortunately, both dogs and cats usually recover fairly quickly, but it’s still advisable to watch them closely (or to keep them on a leash) and to get medical help if they are hit.
Waldo Lake
Two important snakes can be found in Waldo Lake/Waldo Lake Wilderness: the northern rubber boa, sometimes known as the rubber boa (Charina bottae), and the common garter (Thamnophis sirtalis).
All creatures, including snakes, benefit greatly from such pristine habitats. The most prevalent snake in Oregon is the common garter, which can be set up in stores just as easily in coastal areas as it can in mountain forests.
The valley garter snake (T. s. fitchi) is the subspecies most likely to be seen in the Waldo Lake area. Despite being less frequent than the common garter snake, the rubber boa has one of the state’s broadest ranges.
This is paradoxical because it is a member of the same family as the largest snakes in the world, the anaconda and boa constrictor.
To Conclude
At first glance, snakes and lakes may seem like an odd mix, yet it makes perfect sense given the plentiful freshwater supply, the surrounding flora, and the sporadic locations for sunbathing.
Since many of the 15 native snake species in Oregon are also semi-aquatic, they are equally at home on the surface as they are in the surrounding brush when the need arises.