The Most Snake Infested Lakes in Louisiana
Louisiana is a state renowned for its rich history, good food, and culture. While these are all great aspects of the state, the natural scenery of Louisiana is often underrated. The magnificent terrain, combined with the gorgeous weather, makes Louisiana one of the best states for snakes to thrive in. Louisiana is home to a variety of snakes, including rattlesnakes, pit vipers, and water snakes. An unexpected spot for most people to find snakes is waterbodies. There are several beautiful natural and man-made lakes in Louisiana with an abundance of snakes. Explore some of the state's most snake infested lakes.
Lake Pontchartrain
One of the most snake-infested lakes in Louisiana is Lake Pontchartrain. The large body of water covers 630 square miles, stretching 24 miles from south to north. Technically, Lake Pontchartrain is an estuary with several bayous and rivers flowing into it. Mostly freshwater, the lake attracts a variety of snakes. Some common ones in the area include the ball python, brahminy blindsnake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, glossy swampsnake, eastern copperhead, gray ratsnake, western ratsnake, scarlet snake, and mudsnake.
The common water snake is one of the most abundant water snakes and is also found in the lake. The environment of Lake Pontchartrain provides a rich food source for these snakes. Their diet includes fish, frogs, small reptiles, small mammals, rodents, and invertebrates.
Lake Maurepas
Another large snake-filled lake in Louisiana is Lake Maurepas. The lake covers over 15,000 acres and is located in a remote area. This makes it a picturesque spot, with its tupelo and cypress swamps. Nearby freshwater bodies, including the Amite, Blind, Natalbany, and Tickfaw Rivers, feed into the lake. The undisturbed surroundings and local wildlife make it an ideal habitat for snakes. More than 18 different species of snakes have been found in the lake. Some include the ball python, gray ratsnake, glossy swampsnake, and mudsnake.
Calcasieu Lake
Calcasieu Lake is located on the Louisiana-Texas border. Like Lake Maurepas, Calcasieu Lake also has a peaceful natural setting, with plenty of marshland. Situated on the Chenier Coastal Plain, a variety of animals thrive in this marsh habitat. These include Gulf Menhaden, shrimp, and waterfowl, which serve as a good food source for snakes. Around 26 different types of snakes live in Calcasieu Lake, including the eastern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, northern cottonmouth, Texas coral snake, and glossy swamp snake.
Lake Claiborne
Lake Claiborne, covering 6,400 acres, is a man-made lake home to around 26 snake species. Its rural surroundings make it a popular fishing spot. Among the snakes found here are Graham’s crayfish snake, diamondback water snake, rough earthsnake, flat-headed snake, Texas coral snake, and pygmy rattlesnake. The venomous Texas coral snake is easily identified by its distinctive red, yellow, and black stripe pattern.
Honorable Mentions
While the lakes listed above are some of the most snake infested, there are other lakes in Louisiana with snakes. These are great spots to visit and have beautiful scenery. One of the most popular is Caddo Lake.
Caddo Lake also sits on the Louisiana-Texas border. The lake covers 25,400 acres and is the largest freshwater lake in the South. Around the lake there is a beautiful cypress forest habitat. This is the largest Cypress forest in the world. Caddo Lake is internationally protected because of the wetlands around the lake. Considering the beautiful scenery, it is no wonder the lake hosts several recreational activities. Since there is more human activity on this lake, there are fewer snakes. There are three snake species in total in the lake, including the North American racer, western ratsnake, and northern cottonmouth.
Another popular lake for recreation is Lake D'Arbonne. While not as snake infested as other lakes in the state, the lake is home to a few snake species, including speckled kingsnake, banded water snake, northern cottonmouth, and eastern copperhead. Lake D'Arbonne covers 15,280 acres, and has a state park around it. Camping, fishing, and hiking are popular activities around the lake.
Visiting Louisiana
The lakes listed here are the most snake-infested in Louisiana. While the thought of snakes might deter some people from visiting the state, don't let this stop you from taking a road trip. Remember, snakes don't attack people unless they feel threatened. This is particularly true for common water snakes, which are non-venomous. If you stay respectful of a snake's space, they will also be respectful of yours.
