There are about 28 snake species in Iowa, five of which are poisonous.
The Hawkeye State is home to a variety of habitats for these reptiles, like as wetlands, prairies, woods, and bodies of water. Many snake species find refuge and feeding grounds in lakes, especially.
The cold-blooded animals frequently hide among docks, lakesides, and greenery during sweltering summer days.
The majority of human contacts are benign, yet when a deadly creature bites, some can turn disastrous.
Therefore, knowing what to do and what not to do when you see a snake is essential. This not only keeps the serpents from reacting aggressively, but it also permits them and people to live in harmony.
Some of Iowa’s most snake-infested lakes are listed here.
Saylorville Lake
At full flood level, Saylorville Lake covers 16,700 acres, making it one of Iowa’s largest reservoirs. It was the outcome of the Saylorville Dam’s construction, which was approved by the US Congress in 1958 in order to manage floods in the Des Moines River.
In addition to managing floods, it has developed into a thriving recreational area with a wealth of facilities along its beaches.
Visitors from all over the region can hike, camp, fish, hunt, and take in the scenery thanks to marinas, boat ramps, campgrounds, picnic shelters, a fishing pier, and a vast state park infrastructure.
Saylorville Lake is also home to a diverse range of animals, including fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. They include a robust population of poisonous and non-venomous snakes to be aware of.
On the lakeshores, copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are frequently sighted, which could endanger visitors who enjoy having a good time.
Lake Wapello
The lake is surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of verdant forests and rolling hills, making the tranquil surroundings ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
About seven miles from Drakesville is Davis County’s artificial lake, Lake Wapello.
Although seeing birds and small creatures is always pleasant, many people find it frightening to encounter snakes.
The majority of the species found here, such as the milk snake and common garter snake, are fortunately harmless to people, with the exception of deadly timber rattlesnakes.
Lake Red Rock
The largest reservoir in Iowa is Lake Red Rock, which covers more than 15,000 acres. It was created during the Des Moines River’s damming in 1969. It is a regional center for recreation and is roughly 45 miles from Des Moines.
Anglers flock to the lake waters to catch a variety of species, such as northern pike, black crappie, white bass, and others. 35,000 acres of a first-rate playground encircle the lake, where visitors may camp, hike, and have picnics.
The most frequent occurrences are brown and black rat snakes, which are frequently seen on the grassy lakeshores where they hunt tiny animals.
Additionally, you can encounter toxic species such as prairie rattlesnakes and copperheads.
Coralville Lake
The construction of the Coralville Dam across the Iowa River in 1949 created this stunning reservoir in Johnson County. Despite being one of the biggest lakes in the state, it is also one of the most visited due to its pure water.
Thousands of Iowans and other Midwestern tourists flock to this recreational attraction to partake in various water-based activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
While swimming or lounging on the lake’s banks, visitors frequently report coming across snakes.
Among the most prevalent species are smooth green snakes, which frequently blend in with the grassy shorelines. Although they are rarely seen, the water moccasin is a venomous snake that should be avoided.
West Lake Okoboji
The deepest natural lake in the state is West Lake Okoboji, commonly known as West Okoboji Lake. It serves as the focal point of the five-lake Iowa Great Lakes chain.
The many reactionary activities on the lake are framed by the cities of Wahpeton, West Okoboji, Arnolds Park, and Okoboji, which are situated on the lakeshore.
Here, local adventurers come together to enjoy a variety of activities, such as motorboating, sailing, swimming, and water skiing.
Northern water snakes and eastern garter snakes are among the more prevalent non-venomous species. However, because copperheads are a dangerous menace to people, you should be cautious when exploring the lake’s edge.
The same is true of timber rattlesnakes, despite their extreme rarity.