The 5 Most Snake-Filled Lakes and Rivers in Wisconsin
Love the outdoors but hate snakes with the burning intensity of a thousand bug zappers? Same. Unfortunately, Wisconsin has over 20 species slithering around, many of which love hanging out near water.
If you’d prefer not to reenact a scene from Snakes on a Pontoon, here are five Wisconsin waters where serpents are known to party.
Mississippi River
Beautiful bluffs, great fishing, and snakes. Lots of them. The Mississippi’s Wisconsin stretch is home to northern watersnakes, bullsnakes, and yes, timber rattlesnakes. Venomous and fond of sunbathing on trails. Hard pass.
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Devil’s Lake
Gorgeous views. Excellent hiking. And watersnakes that look way too much like venomous cottonmouths. Even a few rare timber rattlesnake sightings. Soak in the view… while watching where you step.
Lake Winnebago
Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, and also a garter snake hangout. They're technically harmless, unless you’re a mouse. Or someone who cries at the sight of unexpected slithering.
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Fox River
This one's crawling with eastern foxsnakes. They look like copperheads. They’re not. Try explaining that to your adrenaline spike when one rustles a bush next to your flip-flop.
Lake Michigan
Yes, even this Great Lake isn’t snake-free. Common watersnakes and plain garter snakes love the wetlands. So if you’re hiking near Milwaukee or dipping a toe near Manitowoc, maybe don’t.
Share with someone who needs a reason to stay on the boat.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker