Numerous lakes and other bodies of water in Illinois serve as habitat for a variety of snake species. In particular, there are forty different kinds of snakes in this area, many of which may be found in some of the state’s most picturesque lakes.
It’s interesting to learn which lakes are known to have a higher concentration of snakes, even though the majority of them are harmless and essential to the environment.
Rend Lake
Rend Lake provides water to the surrounding community and the wildlife that lives there, with its 18,900 acres of water.
The eastern ribbon snake is a common snake species in these areas. Its stripes make it easy to identify. They prefer to hunt in wetlands, and because they mostly seek frogs, toads, tiny fish, and sometimes insects, they are excellent swimmers.
Gliding through these waterways is also a subspecies of the northern water snake that is completely suited to aquatic conditions. These non-venomous opportunistic feeders will consume anything that is present in the waters of Rend Lake.
The poisonous copperhead uses the woodland areas and water’s edge of Rend Lake to hunt large amphibians, birds, and small mammals, thus you should be careful near these places.
In leaf litter, their colors, hourglass-shaped bands, and bodies provide the perfect camouflage. It’s interesting to note that their young have yellow-tipped tails that are meant to attract prey.
Lake Shelbyville
The 11,000-acre Lake Shelbyville is inhabited by beavers, white-tailed deer, and raccoons.
Lake Shelbyville is home to the eastern garter snake, which is typically seen close to the water’s edge. This species will emit an unpleasant stench to warn off potential dangers.
Although its venom is believed to be somewhat venomous, humans cannot damage them from it.
It is also possible to see the northern water snake swimming in search of fish and amphibians. People frequently mistake northern water snakes for cottonmouth snakes due to their similar appearance, although the two species are not poisonous.
It is a little difficult to miss the vivid green at a lake, so if the smooth green snake is anyplace but between foliage or tall grass, you will be able to spot it. These tiny snakes typically prefer to hide and are rather docile.
Because they mostly eat insects and spiders, they play a crucial role in managing the insect population.
Clinton Lake
Encircled by deer, rabbits, and red foxes, Clinton Lake boasts 4,900 acres of crystal-clear water that is home to trout and eastern newts.
However, visitors should be aware that this lake is home to a few snakes. For instance, this lake is frequently visited by the eastern milk snake, which is typically found in locations with more stony water. Its body is surrounded by bands of red, white, and black.
This species of non-venomous constrictor suffocates its victim.
The lake’s extensive grassy areas are also home to the common garter snake. It is distinguished by the three horizontal lines that traverse the length of its body. This species is frequently found slithering around the lake because it mostly consumes frogs and tiny fish.
Then there is the hognose snake, which is distinguished by its distinctive snout form. This species, which is non-venomous, inhabits the rocky areas of the lake and consumes birds, amphibians, and lizards.
Carlyle Lake
One of the newest artificial lakes in Illinois, Carlyle Lake is home to adorable shorebirds, muskrats, foxes, and American white pelicans.
You can come across a snake species that is well-known for having an unblemished belly when you visit this lake.
The semi-aquatic, non-venomous plain-bellied water snake flattens its body and emits an unpleasant odor to ward off predators.
This species has a variety of colors on the rest of its body, but its belly is always left bare. These hues vary from deep reddish-brown to olive to gray.
The rat snake is another common resident snake.
The rat snake is renowned for its skillful climbing and, as its name suggests, its preference for rodents. But if necessary, it will target birds and their eggs. They can live up to 20 years and are typically calm and reluctant to bite!
Another animal that inhabits this lake is the western fox snake. Listed as a non-venomous species, it is frequently confused for a copperhead.
Because of its similar patterns, people frequently confuse the western fox snake for a copperhead.
Lake Decatur
With 30 miles of shoreline and 2,800 acres of water, Lake Decatur is accessible to the public for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
There are a couple of snakes that are visible. The lake’s surroundings are home to the prairie kingsnake, which mostly uses them as ambush sites to capture lizards, other snake species, and unwary rodents.
Despite its appearance, it is a distinct, non-venomous species rather than a subspecies of the copperhead.
The midland brown snake is an unusual species found around Lake Decatur.
This species, which ranges in size from 9 to 15 inches, feeds on slugs, earthworms, and other invertebrates found in the lake’s moist muck. It poses little threat to people, as you may assume, and some people even keep it as a pet.
Last but not least, a skilled swimmer in these waters can frequently be seen seeking practically anything in and out of the lake, except for people.
Anything from fish to tadpoles can be consumed by the diamond-backed water snake. It only acts aggressively when confronted and is thought to be non-venomous.
To Conclude
If you go to any lake in Illinois, you will most likely come across at least one kind of snake.
It is crucial that you always stay alert and aware of the kind of animals you might come across when you are out in nature, regardless of whether you are a snake enthusiast or just want to exercise caution.
If you’re planning a fun vacation to any of the lakes mentioned, maybe our snake guide will help you know which snakes are safe to approach and which should be avoided.