The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Utah

If you like snakes, Utah’s your location. The state has a massive 31 types of snakes! Although it has a credibility for a hot, dry environment, Utah likewise has more than 2000 lakes. At a lot of these, you’ll come across a few of Utah’s gorgeous snake types. So which lakes are most “infested” with snakes? We played a little bit of a cheat capturing your attention with that concern, however we require to explain that an “infestation” of pests or wildlife is a population that is so big that it triggers damage or the spread of illness. No lake in Utah is “infested” with snakes in that sense. The snakes that exist belong there as part of a healthy eco-friendly balance. But some Utah lakes are especially kept in mind as supplying environment for plentiful snake populations, and we’d like to inform you to those in case you wish to go there to appreciate these charms yourself . . . or to getaway elsewhere to prevent them!

Common Snakes Near Utah’s Lakes

What we typically describe as “water snakes” are of the genus Nerodia, which are foreign to Utah. However, lots of types of snakes stick around near lakes and even require to the water searching for food or to get away from predators. Here are a few of the most typical snakes you might come across on a getaway at one of Utah’s lakes:

Great Basin Rattlesnake

The terrific basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus) is a subspecies of the western rattlesnake. It resides in the farms, plains, and canyons of western Utah. It grows over 5 feet long and is poisonous. Note nevertheless that just a couple of individuals pass away of rattlesnake bites in the United States every year. If you get bitten, get prompt healthcare and you’ll be great.

Maybe it’s unexpected to believe a rattlesnake would regular the water, however in truth, a few of Utah’s lakes are surrounded by rock developments that make perfect hiding locations for rattlesnakes. They will enter into the water to rehydrate themselves, to capture victim near the coast, or to cross brief ranges to get where they’re going or get away from predators. So if you’re ever boating and see a stick float by, look two times and make certain it’s actually a stick! The terrific basin rattlesnake can be identified by its pale gray, olive-brown, or yellowish-brown color with dark spots that have pale centers diminishing their backs. They work in the environment for keeping down populations of squirrels, bunnies, rats, and mice.

Black-Necked Garter Snake

The black-necked garter snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) resides in southern Utah. They have dark bodies with an orange-colored stripe down their backs and big black spots at the base of their skulls, providing their head the look of a black heart. Their bodies are covered with little cream or white areas that appear like dashes. These vibrantly-colored snakes are non-venomous predators that consume generally little fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

The western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a little types balancing 11-23 inches (30-60 cm) long. They can be olive green or brown with white, yellow, or green stripes running lengthwise down their bodies. Their venom is moderate and safe to human beings however deadly to little victim such as invertebrates, little fish, frogs, and lizards. They frequently hunt in grassy locations near a water source.

Valley Garter Snake

The valley garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi) is among the most gorgeous snakes you’ll find around Utah’s lakes. They are dark brown or black with a brilliant yellow or greenish stripe running along their spinal columns. The underbelly is yellow or cream-colored and red or orange areas stress their sides. They grow to about 17-27 inches (45-70 cm) long. As a non-venomous types, this snake consumes fish, frogs, and pests.

Great Basin Gopher Snake

The terrific basin gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) is intimidatingly big. Fully fully grown males can rise to 8 feet long! Never worry, however, as these are non-venomous snakes that usefully eat bugs like mice and rats in addition to other little mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have big heads and eyes. Their pigmentation is a splotchy pattern of cream-tan, light brown, and dark brown-black. This assists them remain camouflaged amongst leaves and rocks. This types is frequently puzzled with the terrific basin rattlesnake since of their comparable color and markings and the practice of the gopher snake of jerking its tail when it is under hazard. A method to discriminate is that the rattlesnake looks fatter and has a triangle-shaped head while the gopher snake is thin and has a more cone-shaped or bullet-shaped head.

Western Yellow-Bellied Racer

The western yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) is a subspecies of the eastern racer. They can rise to 5 feet long and have narrow heads and long, slim bodies that can be found in strong tones of black, grey, blue, or olive-brown. They get the name “yellow-bellied” from the truth that their underbellies are light yellow to white. Racers reside in a great deal of varied environments, from dry warm locations, forests, fields, and thickets, however they likewise regular marches, bogs, and the edges of lakes. Young ones consume pests, spiders, little frogs, and young rodents. Adults consume birds and their eggs, little rodents like squirrels and young bunnies, little turtles, and other snakes. Racers are non-venomous, however they simulate to vibrate their tails in dry leaves to impersonate rattlesnakes.

Southwestern Black-headed Snake

The southwestern black-headed snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi) is a little, slim snake that grows to about 8 inches long. They’re light brown all over with a black head, providing their name. They are safe to individuals. If you have them in your garden, consider yourself lucky. They nest under damp leaves, rocks, and particles and consume pests like spiders and centipedes in addition to earthworms. Because they like damp locations, they’re likewise discovered near rivers, streams, and lakes.

Ring-Necked Snake

The ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) is another reptile that populates the marshy locations near some Utah lakes. They’re safe and protect themselves by huddling in a ball and showing the brilliant yellow-orange or red underside of their tails. On their dorsal side, ring-necked snakes are dark olive, brown, blue-gray or black with a yellow, red, or yellow-orange band around their necks. Adults can grow to 15 inches long. They are nighttime and consume little snakes, lizards, frogs, and other similarly-sized victim.

5 Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Utah

Now that you understand a few of the typical snakes discovered near the water in Utah, what are the most “snake-infested” or “snake-friendly” lakes in the state?

The Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is the biggest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Really, it’s more of an inland sea surrounded by shining salt flats. Given the high salinity levels of the location, you may presume there would be no snakes. However, garter snakes, racers, and others reside in the brackish marshes and wetlands near the lake. Don’t be shocked if you’re checking out the location to see the periodic snake sunbathing on a rock.

Utah Lake

Utah Lake is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in the state. It’s popular for nature fans, fishing, boating, and other watersports. The fish population consists of channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass. The marshy coasts are home to a number of snake types that prosper in varied environments. You can discover garter snakes, racers, and the bullsnake along the coasts of this freshwater lake. Bullsnakes can mature to 6 feet long and can be frightening, however they are non-venomous.

Bear Lake

Sitting on the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake is the inmost lake in Utah. It’s respectable for its beautiful blue-green waters, prospering fish populations, and leisure opportunities. While not as snake-infested, safe garter snakes wriggle near the coastline.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell pushes the Colorado River, where the Glen Canyon Dam takes the water. It extends throughout the Utah-Arizona border and provides gorgeous red rock landscapes and entertainment such as boating and fishing in addition to outdoor camping and treking around the coastline. Various snake types occupy the rocky locations surrounding the lake. The lake’s long coastline through desert surface provides areas for snakes to dwell. So, watch for the periodic rattlesnake besides the gopher snake.

Sand Hollow Reservoir

Situated near Hurricane in southwestern Utah is Sand Hollow Reservoir. It supplies a rejuvenating retreat for water lovers. The surrounding desert locations might provide encounters with rattlesnakes and gopher snakes. They are regular around camping areas, routes, and rocky or brushy areas. for this reason, bear in mind these animals as you check out the canyons and lakeshore beaches.

Other Animals Found Near Lakes in Utah

While you’re looking out for snakes, you might encounter some of these animals in the vicinity of Utah’s lakes as well:

Birds

Lakes in Utah provide habitat for many species of birds, especially waterfowl. Watch for ducks, geese, swans, grebes, herons, egrets, pelicans, and gulls. Utah has some of the best bird-watching spots you’ll find anywhere. You may spot rare or unusual migratory birds stopping at the lakes in spring and fall.

Fish

Utah’s lakes contain many types of fish, including trout, bass, catfish, and perch. Be sure to get the proper licenses and follow rules on catch limits.

Mammals

Common mammal species around lakes in Utah include beavers, otters, muskrats, deer, coyotes, and small rodents. You may spot beavers and muskrats swimming in areas where they’ve built lodges and dams. Keep your campsite clean and store food well to avoid attracting coyotes and rodents.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Be on the lookout for lizards, turtles, and frogs. Many species of lizards and frogs inhabit the areas around Utah’s lakes. Give turtles plenty of space, and do not disturb them. But you can try eating invasive bullfrogs to help curb their populations!

Insects

Mosquitoes, flies, dragonflies, damselflies, and other insects inhabit regions around lakes. You should use insect repellant in the mornings and evenings when mosquitoes are most active. Check for ticks that transmit lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Your Role in the Ecosystem

Whenever you’re visiting the wilderness, it’s a good time to think about your role in the ecosystem. You’re really a visitor in an environment that is not your usual habitat. This means you will come across creatures you may have never seen in real life before, including snakes and other species. As a visitor, it is best to observe at a safe distance, take photos if you want, but don’t disturb whatever wildlife you find unless it is actively threatening you. In that case, back away, make some noise, or throw rocks and sticks to scare off the threat. Most of all, remember that whether you personally like a particular animal or not, it has a role to play in the natural balance. And sometimes, when we learn more about the creatures we find most scary and threatening, we can understand why they do what they do and even see them as wonderful and beautiful, each in their own way.

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