In the state of Kansas, which is completely surrounded by land, the snake population is incredibly diverse. There are about forty distinct species of snakes that call the ecosystems of Kansas their home, and there are a great number of lakes and reservoirs in the area where they can try to conceal themselves.
Despite the fact that it is fortunate for both locals and visitors that only five of them are deadly and that there have been no documented deaths caused by snake bites in more than half a century, it is nonetheless unnerving to come across one in the wild if you have even the tiniest bit of fear of snakes.
In the course of your trip to Kansas, it is highly likely that you will come across at least one or two of the state’s several breathtaking lakes. Please find below a list of the lakes in Kansas that have the largest number of snake infestations.
The Lake of Wilson
The Wilson Lake, which spans 9,000 acres and is also commonly referred to as Wilson Reservoir, is widely considered to be among the most attractive locations in Russell County, Kansas.
The rocky shorelines and various outcroppings and cliffsides of Wilson Lake are considered to be excellent real estate by a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, waterfowl, and a huge number of other species.
If you are interested in snakes, there is a possibility that you will come across the Western Rat Snake, which has been seen in this region of Kansas.
A cream-colored abdomen with blotchy patches is one of its distinguishing characteristics. It is also recognizable by its keeled scales, black body, head, and tail. The natural environment can be broken down into several categories, including hillsides, wooded areas, and large bodies of water.
In spite of the fact that it poses no threat to human beings, the Western Rat Snake is not so fortunate when it comes to rodents, birds, and rabbits, which are its primary sources of nutrition.
Lake of the Lone Star
The Lone Star Lake is a true treasure that may be found within the confines of Douglas County in the state of Kansas. It is a lake that is entirely man-made and spans 185 different acres.
Due to the fact that it provides a wide range of activities, such as fishing, camping, and water sports, it is a spot that is frequently visited by those who enjoy being outside.
It is possible that snakes would find it to be an attractive site due to the fact that it provides a naturally abundant habitat from which certain species might develop. For example, the Rough Green snake is one of the species of snakes that may be discovered in this area.
Its yellow underbelly and bright green, thin body make it easy to spot, and it is most active during the day. Its body seems slim and yellow.
In the event that one of them slithers past your toes while you are trekking the paths that surround the lake, you may be quite certain that they are completely risk-free. The Rough Green snake will only eat insects as its sole source of nutrition.
Lake Clinton (La)
Clinton Lake, located in Douglas County, Kansas, is yet another jewel in the county’s crown. As a result of the presence of oceans that are a brilliant blue color, it is a well-liked beach destination.
It features more than fifty kilometers of hiking paths and is also utilized for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Additionally, it handles local flooding and provides water to a population of 10,000 people.
The 9,200-acre Clinton Lake serves as a rich source of habitat for a variety of animals, including, but not limited to, cormorants, gulls, Great Blue Herons, and White-Tailed Deer, to name just a few.
One of the species of snakes that you should keep an eye out for at Clinton Lake is the gopher snake. This snake can be easily identified by the constant hissing it makes when it is approached, and it is likely hiding in the forests that are located in the surrounding area.
In the event that you come across a Gopher Snake, you should not be scared by its hiss because it is not dangerous at all.
Located in Hillsdale
Hillsdale Lake may be found in Miami County, which is located in Kansas. As is the case with a great number of lakes and reservoirs, it is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, who keep a close check on the region in order to manage damage, water supply, and flood control.
The lake is ideal for leisure reasons due to the fact that it encompasses roughly 4,600 surface acres and 8,000 acres of public spaces that are close to it.
As a result of the fact that this region is a component of their natural habitat, it is not unheard of for you to come across a real water snake while you are enjoying these waters.
They are the least aquatic of all the water snakes that can be found in Kansas, and they prefer lakes and mountain streams. The cream-colored belly and dark brown coloring of these creatures can be used to identify them. They measure approximately 55 inches in length.
In order to differentiate themselves from other area snakes, the Graham’s Crayfish Snake is distinguished by the fact that they consume nothing but crayfish as their sole source of nutrition. Most of the time, fish and frogs are the foods that water snakes consume in this area.
Lagoon of Milford
Geary County is home to the largest lake in the state of Kansas, which is known as Milford Lake. In addition to being tucked away amid the well-known Flint Hills, it has more than 160 miles of coastline, which includes sandy beaches and boat landings for recreational purposes.
Additional activities that tourists like include canoeing, kayaking, and camping. It is possible that you will stumble across the Eastern Hog-Nosed snake while you are enjoying your time at Milford Lake; nevertheless, you should not be scared by its big size, rough scales, and upturned snout for any reason.
Despite the fact that they pose no threat to human beings, they prefer to conceal themselves in wooded areas and near bodies of water.
There is only one food item available for this particular species of snake, and that is toads. Toads are the only prey that the Eastern Hog-Nosed snake consumes, and as a result, they play an important role in the environment of Milford Lake because they help bring the toad population under control.
As a conclusion
The state of Kansas is a natural paradise for all kinds of creatures found there. The huge stretches of pristine grasslands and woodlands that surround some of the most beautiful lakes and reservoirs in the region are examples of the area’s natural beauty.
Infestations of snakes actually result in a thriving population due to the fact that they make a considerable contribution to the ecosystems in which they live and the habitats in which they live.
Out of the forty species of snakes that can be found in Kansas, it is extremely rare to stumble across a venomous snake. However, it is quite like that you will come across at least one of the snakes that are listed below, so make sure to keep an eye out and watch your step!