Among the 18 snake species inhabiting Michigan, several prefer certain rivers and Great Lakes creating water snake hotspots where you’re more likely to encounter the typically non-venomous creatures.
Lakes Michigan, Erie and Superior have earned a reputation, along with rivers such as the Au Sable in the northeast Lower Peninsula, which empties into Lake Huron, and the Detroit and Huron rivers, which empty into Lake Erie, as places you’re more likely to encounter certain snakes, according to a WorldAtlas May 10 article.
Some species lurking near the shore include the eastern garter, northern water, eastern hognose, northern red-bellied, smooth green and eastern fox snakes, as well as a few others.
“The most commonly encountered snakes in Michigan are garter snakes and water snakes, both of which are nonvenomous and, like most snakes, avoidant of people. This means those who live in or visit Michigan can enjoy the Great Lakes and the state’s other waterways peacefully,” WordAtlas said.
Luckily for swimmers and boaters, nearly all snakes in Michigan are nonvenomous, with the exception of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is the only venomous species that lives in Michigan, but it’s rarely seen because of its aversion to human interaction. Their populations have also declined from habitat loss, extermination by humans and illegal collection, according to Michigan State University’s Extension.
While beachgoers generally don’t need to worry about encountering snakes this summer, here’s a roundup of where they might be found sunning themselves on a rock or slithering through the water, according to WorldAtlas and the Michigan-based environmental firm, Herpetological Resource and Management.
Snakes slithering on Lake Michigan’s sandy shores
Along Lake Michigan there are dense forests and miles of sandy beaches, with more than 1,600 miles of shoreline. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — which hugs the shore in the Leelanau Peninsula — provides cozy habitats for snakes. The eastern garter, northern water and eastern hognose snake are most commonly spotted.
The eastern garter snake is an abundant species in North America. They are known for their yellow, green, brown, blue or white stripes along their bodies and can grow to 18-54 inches long, according to HRM.
The northern water snake has a tan, brown or grey appearance with a crossband or blotchy pattern. They grow from 24-55 inches long and are considered a “persecuted species” because from mismanagement or killings out of fear, or the belief that they reduce fish populations, HRM said.
The eastern hognose snake is an easier species to identify because of its upturned snout and wide, triangular head. They grow up to 20-45 inches in length and have grey, brown, tan, olive, orange, yellow, or pink bodies with irregular dark blotches.
Lake Superior hosts its fair share of snakes, and one is particularly flashy
Lake Superior, the northernmost and largest Great Lake, is home to several snake species, including the eastern garter, northern red-bellied and smooth green snakes.
The red-bellied snake is a striking species due to its bright red belly though the color may range from pink, orange or light yellow, according to HRM. They tend to be smaller, growing up to 8-16 inches long.
The smooth green snake is another eye-catching snake found near Lake Superior, with an entirely bright green body. They are the only snake in the state with such a bold appearance. They grow from 12-26 inches in length, according to MSU Extension.
Detroit River, Lake Erie provide habitat for multiple species
The Detroit River, 32 miles between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, is another refuge for snakes in Michigan, including the northern water, common garter, eastern fox, and the Lake Erie water snake.
The eastern fox snake is large, growing from 35-70 inches long. They are considered a threatened species, according to HRM, from habitat loss, pollution, mismanagement, illegal collection and road mortality. They have a pattern of light brown or dark brown blotches along their body. Their heads are typically a coppery reddish-brown color.
The Lake Erie snake is another visitor of the Lake Erie and Detroit River. They have more of a uniform color of gray, greenish or brown.
Snakes you may spot in around the Au Sable River, if you look hard enough
The Au Sable River habitat provides abundant mixed swamplands, trees and various aquatic wildlife. The river stretches from Grayling to Oscoda and empties into Lake Huron in the northeastern L.P. Along its bends, you may find the eastern hognose or eastern garter snake.
“Hognose snakes are reportedly common in the Lower Peninsula, but they are very secretive and spend most of their time hiding. They will often remain hidden in burrows in sandy soil,” WorldAtlas said.
The Huron River is home to an uncommon species of snake
The Huron River is about 125 miles long and cuts through Milford, Dexter, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti in the southeast corner of the L.P. before emptying into Lake Erie.
The queen snake has been sighted near the Huron River watershed, according to WorldAtlas, which is an indication that their populations are improving, as they are of special concern from habitat loss. They range from 13-36 inches long with brown, olive, or grey bodies and have noticeable light yellow or white stripes along their sides.
“Three individuals (of the queen snake) were found near Fleming Creek, which is within the Huron River’s watershed, northeast of Ann Arbor. This discovery has led scientists to believe that the local population of queen snakes in the area is healthy,” the publication said.
The northern brown snake are also found in the Huron River. They are relatively smaller, ranging from 9-20 inches long with brown, grayish, or tan bodies and two parallel rows of dark spots down their back.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Headed to the beach? 6 places snakes might make you jump
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
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