Wisconsin is home to at least 20 snake species, with waterways throughout central and western Wisconsin providing good conditions to host a diverse range.
Most of the state’s snakes are harmless and help control rodent populations. Only two Wisconsin snake species – the timber rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasagua – have venom that’s harmful to humans.
Here are the five most snake-filled bodies of water in Wisconsin, according to the World Atlas:
Devil’s Lake
Located in Devil’s Lake State Park in Sauk County, the lake hosts at least 10 species of snakes. The timber rattlesnake is the only venomous species and it’s rarely seen in the park.
Open shorelines and beach areas aren’t typical rattlesnake habitats. Instead, they typically live on the east bluff trails and the rocky areas above the lake.
Another common species in the park is the water snake, often found along shorelines, rocky tops and banks of the lake.
Lake Winnebago
In this east central Wisconsin lake, the state’s biggest inland lake, you’ll find the North American racer and the common watersnake. Both species eat frogs, fish and tadpoles.
The watersnake will flee into the water if threatened or startled. The North American racer may advance toward people, but will typically back down.
Wolf River
The river flows through northern and central Wisconsin, hosting a diverse landscape of marsh, thickets and rocky shorelines. The habitat bordering the river makes it optimal for snakes.
The common garter snake, Wisconsin’s most widespread and frequently encountered species, can be found in the river’s watershed, along with several other snake species.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River forms much of the border of western Wisconsin. Timber rattlesnakes live in the bluff on the river’s eastern shoreline.
Timber rattlesnakes are protected wild animals in Wisconsin, according to the World Atlas. They continue to face threats from intentional killings of humans, road mortality and habitat loss.
Castle Rock River
Located in central Wisconsin, the river has soil that provides a suitable habitat for the eastern hognose snake, a species that thrives in sandy prairies, savannas and other well-drained habitats.
The eastern hognose snake has an upturned snout, which it uses for digging and burrowing in loose soil, according to the World Atlas. The species isn’t considered dangerous to humans but does have mild rear-fanged venom that helps subdue prey.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: These are considered Wisconsin’s most snake-filled lakes, rivers
Reporting by Shane Colpoys, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Shane Colpoys, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
