The 5 Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Wisconsin

Key Points

Nicknamed “America’s Dairyland,” Wisconsin is home to a vibrant dairy manufacturing trade, the scenic Great Lakes, and Harley Davidson. With a vibrant aquatic ecosystem, Wisconsin is home to a plethora of snakes that thrive inside its many rivers. There are 22 totally different native species of snakes in Wisconsin, however solely 2 are venomous, with each being rattlesnakes. None of Wisconsin’s rivers have native venomous water snakes.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state has roughly 12,600 rivers and streams, together with the well-known Mississippi River. Let’s discover out the highest 5 most snake-infested rivers in Wisconsin!

Water Snakes Found in Wisconsin Rivers

Though Wisconsin shouldn’t be probably the most snake-populated area within the United States, it nonetheless has a big number of species that reside inside its borders. Some of those snakes inhabit the rivers inside the state, equivalent to water snakes. Other varieties of snakes will enterprise into the water, together with the venomous timber rattlesnake and the jap massasauga, although that is much less frequent.

Every species of snake can swim, however solely water snakes are labeled as semi-aquatic. This means they’ve tailored to reside in water-based habitats and on land over time. About 200 species of snakes are labeled as water snakes on this planet.

There are six species of water snakes in Wisconsin:

• Northern watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
• Plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix)
• Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
• Eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis saurita)
• Western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus)
• Queen snake (Regina septemvittata)

None of the water snakes in Wisconsin are venomous. The western ribbon snake, jap ribbon snake, and queen snake are state-endangered species. The plains garter snake is threatened.

No native snake species in Wisconsin, together with the 2 venomous snakes listed, will assault unprovoked.

Some snakes present in Wisconsin should not native to the state, however people have launched them there. Normally, these are former pets that the homeowners didn’t need or couldn’t maintain. The Burmese python, and the carpet python, have each been discovered outdoors of their pure habitats on account of human relocation.

Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Wisconsin

With the quantity of rivers that cross by way of Wisconsin, it’s no marvel snakes inhabit a few of them. Find out the highest 5 most snake-infested rivers in Wisconsin!

1. The Mississippi River

One of probably the most well-known rivers in America, this river is home to all kinds of wildlife, together with some species of snakes. Some of the species that reside within the Mississippi River in Wisconsin are the northern watersnake, the bullsnake, and the timber rattlesnake. Sometimes the uncommon and endangered jap massasauga inhabits the close by riverbanks too. Both timber rattlesnakes and the jap massasauga are venomous.

2. The Menominee River

Stretching 116 miles throughout each Michigan and Wisconsin, the Menominee River is a pure marvel that’s admired throughout each states. After 30 years of conservation and restoration efforts, the river was lately delisted from a listing of probably the most polluted rivers within the Great Lakes. Because of this, wildlife populations such because the northern pike, osprey, otter, and painted turtle have began to flourish once more. With the ecosystem being so vibrant, it’s no marvel that some snakes inhabit the river. These snakes embrace the frequent garter snake, jap milksnake, and butler’s garter snake.

3. The Chippewa River

A hotspot for tourism for kayaking and canoeing, the Chippewa River is a scenic spot to go to. Before visiting, nevertheless, folks ought to know that snake sightings are frequent on this river. The Chippewa is home to snakes such because the jap massasauga, which is generally discovered on the mouth of the river. The jap massasauga is venomous and needs to be averted. The jap massasauga is terrified of people and can solely assault if provoked, and it’s unlawful to kill them due to their endangered standing. Another snake that inhabits the Chippewa River is the northern watersnake, which might develop as much as 2 to 4 toes lengthy. Other snakes that reside within the river are the jap foxsnake, the frequent watersnake, the jap hognose, and the jap milksnake.

4. The Fox River

The principal tributary of Green Bay, the Fox River is a crucial ecological landmark in Wisconsin. The Fox River sadly has been polluted for a lot of years due to its historical past of being an essential industrial website. Efforts have been made to scrub the polluted river, however a lot of the chemical and sewage waste nonetheless stays. Despite this, wildlife finds a method to survive. This consists of many species of snakes, together with the queen snake, northern watersnake, and jap foxsnake.

5. The Wisconsin River

Approximately 430 miles lengthy, the Wisconsin River is the longest river within the state. It is home to stunning surroundings and wildlife which can be admired by residents and vacationers alike. Some of this wildlife consists of snakes such because the frequent watersnake, ring-necked snake, North American racer, and the timber rattlesnake. The river does have venomous snakes, with the timber rattlesnake being a pit viper which is all the time venomous.

Other Animals Found Near Rivers in Wisconsin

The badger is a crucial image to the folks of Wisconsin and is their official state animal. Badgers are nocturnal small mammals with lengthy claws to burrow with. They are of least concern in Wisconsin however are nonetheless protected beneath the regulation in opposition to trapping and searching. They are associated to otters, ferrets, and minks.

The river otter is an important animal within the historical past of Wisconsin and within the modern-day. It was a predominant draw for fur trappers to return to the state and provided the Native American inhabitants with a useful resource for 1000’s of years. They are playful and sociable animals, usually dwelling in teams to make sure higher survival probabilities. Otters are wonderful swimmers and eat fish, frogs, and turtles.