New Mexico (TDMN)- Within the state of New Mexico, there are 46 different kinds of snakes, and they can be found in marshes, grasslands, woodlands, and desert bottoms. It is possible that these ancient reptiles benefited in a number of unique ways from bodies of water, thereby combining the most advantageous characteristics of both worlds.
These areas are home to a large number of populations of snakes, both those that are poisonous and those that are not poisonous. Before making travel arrangements to The Land of Enchantment, the following is a list of the few things that the traveler should take into consideration.
Lagoon of Conchas
The quail, coyotes, deer, and hawks that call this 9,600-acre area their home are just some of the many animals that call it home.
Due to the fact that they are all highly suited to a variety of environments and adept in aquatic environments, huge bullsnakes, coachwhips, and gopher snakes are commonly seen hunting at Conchas Lake.
In addition, guests have the opportunity to observe and hear deadly rattlesnakes, such as the prairie rattlesnake and the western diamondback rattlesnake, in and around the lake grounds.
For the purpose of subduing their prey, they inject them with venom.
Due to the fact that these snakes are predatory in nature, visitors must always be on the lookout for potential threats while they are in close proximity to grassy areas and the shoreline. This is because, despite their desire to avoid conflict, these snakes are highly aggressive.
Lagoon of Cochiti
The lake, which spans around 11,000 acres, is a favorite destination for both locals and tourists alike who are interested in activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and picnicking. A healthy population of snakes can also be found there.
These herbivores are very vulnerable to being eaten by predatory snakes because, in addition to using the lakeside access locations for hydration, a wide array of pests devour the scattered vegetation.
Within a short distance of the lake, the western diamondback rattlesnake, which is the primary predator, has relatively unfettered access to its food, which includes rodents. The poison that it uses is incredibly dangerous.
In addition, these regions are home to non-venomous dangers such as the checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus), the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus), the shiny snake (Arizona elegans), the coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum), the western garter snake (Thamnophis elegans), and the bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer).
The fact that these snake bites are not pregnant does not change the fact that it is prudent to keep vigilant in locations that are grassy and along the coast.
Lake of the Elephant Butte
The Elephant Butte Reservoir, which is often referred to as Elephant Butte Lake, is the largest body of water in the state of New Mexico. It is located in the southern part of the Rio Grande River.
The United States Bureau of Reclamation completed it in 1916, and it is currently the 84th largest artificial lake in the United States, with a total area of 36,500 acres within its boundaries.
The Mojave rattlesnake, also known as Crotalus scutulatus, the prairie rattlesnake, also known as Crotalus viridis, and the western diamondback rattlesnake, also known as Crotalus atrox, are all able to live in these habitats that are both destructive and dangerous.
The kingsnake, also known as Lampropeltis getula, the bullsnake, also known as Pituophis catenifer sayi, the western ribbon snake, also known as Thamnophis proximus, and the gopher snake, also known as Pituophis catenifer, are some of the non-venomous threats that are similar to this venomous kind.
There are a number of reasons that contribute to the success of the snake population in Elephant Butte Lake. These factors include the lake’s wide area, its favorable environment, and its convenient access to prey.
In any one period of time throughout the year, it is believed that the number of snakes can range anywhere from several hundred to thousands.
Lake Heron Inn
Heron Lake is located in close proximity to the state’s northern boundary, and it is a component of a larger network that links the Rio Chima River and the San Juan River in Colorado.
The competition for prey, which includes rodents like mice, rats, voles, and chipmunks, is fierce. Prey is comprised of rodents. The prairie rattlesnake is still considered to be the most dangerous predator in the state of New Mexico, and Heron Lake is not an exception to this rule.
A heightened level of awareness is required in the vicinity of shorelines due to the fact that the menacing rattle can be heard during ambushes and the pursuit of the next prey.
This exceedingly poisonous hazard is known to move or escape from a threat by using bodies of water, despite the fact that it is mostly responsible for terrestrial activities.
There are several species of snakes that are not as hazardous that may be found in the areas surrounding Heron Lake. These include the bullsnake, the smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis), the striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus), and the western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus).
On the other hand, in general, these snakes only become harmful when they are provoked or threatened.