Ohio is home to more than two dozen species of snakes, and several of the Buckeye State's lakes and waterways are absolutely slithering with activity.
The majority of snakes in Ohio are non-venomous and helpful at controlling pests like insects and rodents. The state has three species of venomous snakes — the eastern copperhead, massasauga and timber rattlesnake — mostly in southern Ohio, but they are rare and tend to shy away from people.
Most snakes in Ohio are harmless, but many people have an aversion to the reptiles and shudder at the thought of sharing space with them. So, they'll want to steer clear of these Ohio lakes and rivers. Here are the five most snake-infested bodies of water in the state, per WorldAtlas:
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Northern water snakes thrive in Lake Hope in Vinton County, Ohio
Lake Hope, surrounded by Lake Hope State Park, in southeastern Ohio's Zaleski State Forest, is one of the top locations for snake encounters, according to WorldAtlas, "due to its surrounding wetlands, pristine woodlands and rock-strewn shoreline that allow for wildlife to flourish."
The area has a large population of northern water snakes, per WorldAtlas, which are known to thrive in quiet, freshwater lakes across much of the country. Lake Hope's combination of shallow coves, decaying vegetation and ample fish populations creates an ideal habitat for them to hunt and breed.
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Water snakes, garter snakes, rattlesnakes call Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area in Wayne and Holmes Counties home
The slow-moving channels, stagnant pools and seasonal flooding at Killbuck Marsh in Holmes and Wayne counties create prime conditions for both aquatic and semi-aquatic snake species.
Northern water snakes and eastern garter snakes are common, and massasauga rattlers have been spotted in the area as well. The thick cattails and muddy banks provide cover, while the abundance of frogs, minnows and small invertebrates that also thrive there ensures a constant food supply. Killbuck’s protected status limits human encroachment, allowing all sorts of local flora and fauna to remain stable and highly visible.
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Ohio's Salt Fork Lake houses water snakes, garter snakes, ringnecks
Resting within Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork Lake has a decent number of snakes in and around it, thanks in large part to its crooked shoreline and untouched coves.
The lake’s irregular shape creates isolated pockets of shallow, warm water, perfect for northern water snakes, garter snakes and ringnecks, as well as dry, wooded habitats for Ohio's state reptile, black racers. Queen snakes are less common in this area but have been spotted. Northern water snakes are often seen swimming across open water or coiled along boat ramps and fishing docks.
Caesar Creek Lake north of Cincinnati home to northern water snakes, black rat snakes
Caesar Creek Lake in southwest Ohio, surrounded by woodlands and wetlands, is home to northern water snakes that prey on small fish and amphibians as well as black rat snakes.
Also, the lake's floodplain and tributary system increase the range of suitable habitats for a variety of reptiles, attracting aquatic and semi-aquatic snakes alike. During warmer months, these creatures are often spotted near the spillway and around submerged and semi-submerged vegetation.
Mosquito Creek Lake in Trumbull County supports an active snake population
Bordered by marshes, backwaters and wood-blanketed lowlands, Northeast Ohio's Mosquito Creek Lake supports one of the region’s most active snake populations. The northern water snake dominates the shoreline, often visible near boat docks, along with copper-bellied water snakes.
The lake’s proximity to Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area allows a high concentration of amphibians and small fish, providing ample food sources for snakes and other predators. Land-based species, like eastern fox snakes and sometimes even the eastern massasauga, take advantage of these resources.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Which Ohio lakes have the most snakes? See the full list
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