The 6 Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Ontario

Ontario, Canada, is home to 17 types of snakes. Only 3 of these are water snakes, however there are a range of semi-aquatic snakes that can be discovered around the lots of rivers, streams, and lakes.

Ontario has an abundance of lakes. Over 250,000 to be specific. In truth, one-fifth of the world’s freshwater remains in Ontario. Four of the 5 Great Lakes are within the borders of Ontario, and it’s the only province in Canada that touches the Great Lakes. While Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake that doesn’t border Ontario.

Swimming around in all of that freshwater is a range of water snakes and semi-aquatic snakes. Although not almost as snake-infested as lakes in warmer environments, like Florida or Texas, it is possible to find a snake wriggling by in a lake in Ontario. 

What are the 6 most snake-infested lakes in Ontario? Read on to learn. But initially, let’s have a look at some fascinating truths about snakes discovered in Ontario.

What Is the Most Common Snake in Ontario?

The eastern garter snake is a subspecies of the typical garter snake. They have greenish, brown, or black bodies, and unique yellow or white stripe. The eastern garter snake is plentiful in Ontario and it’s the snake individuals are more than likely to area. 

Eastern garter snakes are strong swimmers. Their environments are near freshwater sources like lakes, ponds, and streams. It’s a non-venomous snake and tends to be fairly safe. However, if you attempt to choose one up, it will protect itself by biting. Although not poisonous, the bite might trigger small swelling or itching.

Are There Any Venomous Snakes in Ontario?

Yes, however just one. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is a threatened types and the only poisonous snake in Ontario. Although not a water snake, the Massasauga is a good swimmer. The Massasauga is really shy and attempts to escape individuals. However, it will assault if threatened. An unusual types to find, the Massasauga has actually been reported on the eastern side of Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula (Lake Huron), and in the Wainfleet Bog on the northeast coasts of Lake Erie.

And now, let’s have a look at a few of Ontario’s most snake-infested lakes.

#1: Lake Huron

Lake Huron boasts the longest coastline of all the Great Lakes (3,827 miles) and is home to about 30,000 islands. The second biggest of the Great Lakes, Lake Huron has beautiful dune, soft sandy beaches, stunning lighthouses, gleaming blue-green water, wetlands, forests, and lots of coves, channels, and bays. 

An fascinating truth about Lake Huron is the huge quantity of shipwrecks that have actually taken place in the waters. In truth, there have actually been over a thousand shipwrecks there, and lots of messed up vessels are still sitting someplace on the bottom of the lake. The location of Thunder Bay, on the Michigan side of Lake Huron, is called “shipwreck alley.” Almost one hundred shipwrecks have actually been discovered in a 4,300-square-mile location around Thunder Bay.

Lake Huron is likewise home to varied wildlife, consisting of reptiles, and is among the most snake-infested lakes in Ontario. The uncommon Massasauga resides in some locations of Lake Huron. The eastern garter snake is a typical website around the coast. The threatened eastern fox snake, among Ontario’s biggest snakes, resides in marshes and coastlines near the Georgian Bay. Other snakes you may find around Lake Huron consist of the typical water snake, typical ribbon snake, and queen snake.

#2: Lake Erie

The fourth biggest lake of the Great Lakes when you pass area, Lake Erie is among the smaller sized of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie borders Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Ontario. An essential lake to both Canada and the United States, Lake Erie offers drinking water to over 11 million individuals and as its water clears through the Niagara River, it offers hydroelectric power to countless individuals through Niagra Falls.

It’s more shallow than the other Great Lakes, and its waters are warmer, making it home to a varied variety of snake types. The poisonous Massasauga lives in bogs and marshy locations along the lake. The Lake Erie watersnake is a subspecies of northern water snake. Its environment is on a few of Lake Erie’s lots of islands.

Other snakes you might see around Lake Erie consist of the northern water snake, eastern foxsnake, gray ratsnake, eastern garter snake, and the typical water snake.

#3: Lake Ontario

The tiniest of the Great Lakes by area, and the most easterly, Lake Ontario is bounded on the north by Ontario, and to the south by New York. It’s situated in between Lake Erie and the St. Lawrence River and is close to the Atlantic Ocean. Every little water from the Great Lakes streams through Lake Ontario and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Lake Ontario supports a range of environments consisting of forests, wetlands, barrier beaches, rocky cliffs, and dune. The coastline consists of 712 miles of primarily narrow sand beaches and striking bluffs. The Scarborough Bluffs in Toronto is a nine-mile stretch of spectacular cliffs with panoramas of the lake. The bluffs, formed by wind and water disintegration from the lake, are a popular treking area.

Main Duck Island is a little island in the eastern part of Lake Ontario. This small island within the Thousand Islands National Park is understood for its big population of northern water snakes. One of the biggest snakes discovered in Ontario, northern water snakes can grow from 24 to 42 inches long. Other snakes discovered around Lake Ontario consist of the eastern garter snake and gray ratsnake.

#4 Lake Superior

Lake Superior, the most northwestern Great Lake, is the biggest freshwater lake worldwide by area and the 3rd biggest worldwide by volume. It’s the inmost of the Great Lakes with an optimum depth is 1,332 feet. Ontario, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin all surrounding the lake.

Lake Superior has beautiful and sparsely inhabited coasts with heavy forests surrounding it. The shoreline has deep bays, high cliffs, and natural harbors. It’s the coldest Great Lake, and likewise the least impacted by intrusive types and environment damage. Its water remains cold year-round. In summer season the water temperature level just gets up to around 40 degrees Fareighnheit. 

Although the water in Lake Superior remains cool all year, you can still discover snakes in and around the water. Snakes you might encounter in Lake Superior consist of the northern water snake and eastern garter snake.

#5: Lake Nigipon

Lake Nigipon is the biggest lake that lies completely within Ontario. The lake remains in the Great Lakes drain basin, and its waters drain pipes into the Nipigon River, then the Nipigon Bay, and lastly into Lake Superior. The Nigipon River is the biggest tributary of Lake Superior. Like Lake Superior, Lake Nigipon’s waters are cold and beautiful. The optimum depth is 540 feet, and it’s home to lots of little islands. 

Sometimes called the 6th Great Lake, it’s understood for its beautiful landscapes with high cliffs, and special green-black sand beaches. The sand gets its unique coloring from minute particles of a dark green mineral referred to as pyroxene. 

The eastern garter snake, typical throughout Ontario, can be discovered around Lake Nipigon.

#6: Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods remains in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, and the state of Minnesota. Like Lake Nipigon, it’s often described as the 6th Great Lake. Astoundingly, this lake includes over 14,500 islands. The islands are nesting websites for numerous hundred sets of bald eagles. They likewise supply environment for the piping plover, a threatened shorebird understood for spending its summertimes along the coasts of the Great Lakes.

The lake is a well-known area for fishing muskellunge (typically referred to as muskie), the biggest member of the pike family. Other fish perfectly discovered in the lake consist of trout, bass, lake whitefish, and walleye. As for snakes, the eastern garter snake is plentiful in the location and might be discovered swimming in the lake. 

Summary of the 6 Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Ontario

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