Georgia is a state in the Southeastern United States that is home to forests. There are countless chances for outdoor leisure and wildlife viewing because about 40% of the state is covered by forests.
Snakes are one of the many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles that people love to observe, but they may need to be on the lookout for.
Although the majority of the almost 50 snake species found in the state are innocuous, there are roughly seven venomous species known to exist.
In Georgia, lakes are home to a number of them, including the eastern copperhead. Here are Georgia’s most snake-infested lakes so you can avoid any slithering hazards while on a waterside adventure.
Lake Lanier
Since the Chattahoochee River was dammed here in 1956, it has developed into a wildlife refuge. With a 37,000-acre surface area, it has played a significant role in reducing Chattahoochee River flooding.
Additionally, it serves as a home for a variety of snake species throughout Georgia. In the area, the common black rat snake is the most prevalent species.
The black rat snake is distinguished by its black-gray coloring, as the name implies, and it may grow up to 6 feet (183 cm) in length.
These snakes are big and love to swim, yet they aren’t poisonous, and they usually bite without harm. Another species that can be found in this lake is the little, non-venomous DeKay’s brown snake.
Lake Hartwell
In addition to being one of the biggest, Lake Hartwell has one of the highest rates of snake infestation in the nation. Numerous poisonous and non-venomous species can be found in this body of water.
The common water snake, rat snake, and garter snake are some of the most prevalent non-venomous species. Due to their tendency toward shyness, these species pose little threat to humans.
But there are also plenty of dangerous snakes, including well-known species like the timber rattlesnake and eastern copperhead.
Because of its unique brown coloring and hourglass markings, the eastern copperhead is said to be the most prevalent.
Lake Sinclair
With a surface area of almost 15,000 acres, the lake is managed by Georgia Power. With its distinctive shape, it extends into three sizable “arms,” each of which has smaller streams that emerge from it.
This is why Lake Sinclair’s shoreline is 417 miles (671 km) long, offering plenty of space for outdoor pursuits like fishing and boating.
There is also plenty of room for reptiles to live. The most prevalent species of these reptiles are snakes, such the common watersnake.
Reaching up to 4 feet 5 inches (135 cm) in length, this nonvenomous snake is incredibly nimble in the water. Because of their black bands and brownish coloring, they are very visible in and around Lake Sinclair.
Lake Allatoona
Lake Allatoona is one of Georgia’s most snake-infested lakes, a testament to the state’s boundless nature.
In and near the lake, the DeKay’s brown snake, eastern hognose snake, eastern garter snake, grey rat snake, and ring-neck snake are among the most often observed species.
The somewhat venomous eastern hognose and eastern garter snakes are among them, so tourists should be on the lookout for these.
Fortunately, both species are rather noticeable, with the garter snake having a noticeable body strip of light hue and the hognose having striking brown coloring. Therefore, if you ever notice these patterns, make sure to keep your distance from the snake.