The Most Snake Infested Lakes in Mississippi

Mississippi is known for its famous river, but that's not its only body of water. The lakes of Mississippi are perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. Whether you're planning to camp along the placid shores of a Mississippi lake or spend a fun day at the beach, it's essential to watch out for snakes. Mississippi has several kinds of venomous snakes that will ruin the fun of a day out and require immediate medical assistance. Be careful of these reptiles, especially when you're at the lake.

Horn Lake

Horn Lake, Mississippi, is an oxbow lake formed by the meandering and cutoff of a former Mississippi River channel. Also known as Mud Lake by the locals, this candy cane-shaped lake used to be part of the Mississippi River. This lake is just south of the Tennessee state line, only 17 miles from the western side of Memphis and just 12 miles from the suburb of Southaven, Mississippi.

This town has multiple snake removal services, including Apex Wildlife Control. Venomous snakes have triangular heads with pointed snouts, and their eyes have slit pupils that resemble the pupils of a cat at rest. Non-venomous snakes have rounded heads with blunter snouts, and their pupils are usually round. The most common venomous snake in Mississippi is the cottonmouth, which is brown with darker brown bands and is usually found near water. Cottonmouths are named for the white inside of their mouths, which will often "gape" when they feel threatened.

Enid Lake

Enid Lake may be small, but it's home to some big snakes. These have been sighted in this lake over the years, some large enough to raise their heads over the sides of small boats potentially. While there are some species of venomous snakes that can swim, the large snakes sighted in Enid Lake are likely to have been the common watersnake, which may often be mistaken for the cottonmouth. Water snakes are usually yellow, with brown bands spaced widely apart on their bodies, although older serpents may darken to the point where they become completely black. They have white, yellow, or gray bellies with reddish or black crescents and can grow up to 4.5 feet long in the wild. These watersnakes are active both at day and during the night and prefer to hunt small fish, frogs, and bugs along the water's edge. You can often see them basking on lakeshores or the banks of streams, although they will slither into the water when disturbed. They are not venomous, although their bite can be painful.

Grenada Lake

Grenada Lake is renowned for its rich wildlife. Spanning 35,000 acres, it is managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to provide a safe, balanced environment for local animals. As a result, Grenada Lake boasts one of the most vibrant and active ecosystems in Mississippi. It's a prime spot for fishing, featuring 1,200 felled cedar trees that create ideal habitats for crappie. In fact, it is considered the top crappie fishing destination in the United States! Anglers flock here, and events like the Thunder on Water Safe Boating Festival and Children's Fishing Rodeo attract hundreds of young enthusiasts annually.

Due to its thriving ecosystem, Grenada Lake is also home to many coral snakes. The local species are vividly colored, with broad red and black bands separated by narrow yellow bands, and a yellow band encircling the head. These snakes mostly hide under ground or leaves, surfacing only during rain. While venomous, coral snakes are generally non-aggressive and rarely bite—responsible for less than one percent of snake bites treated in the U.S.

Sardis Lake

Sardis Lake is a reservoir located on the Little Tallahatchie River, near the Sardis Dam. It's a popular spot among locals for its sandy beaches and excellent fishing, offering plenty of bass, catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and crappie. The lake is ideal for water sports, with the Sardis Lake Marina providing rentals for boats, tubes, skis, and wakeboards. There are many campsites for overnight stays, as well as a swimming pool and recreation hall for rainy days.

However, the area around Sardis Lake is home to rattlesnakes. These venomous snakes are easily identified by the rattle at the end of their tail, which they produce by moving interlocking scales that develop as they molt. Rattlesnakes can only strike from a coiled position, so if you're hiking or playing golf nearby, stay alert for these tan and brown-striped snakes.

Staying Safe Around Mississippi's Snakes

Mississippi's lakes are scenic, but the wildlife can pose risks. Snakes are a vital part of the ecosystem, helping control rodents and pests that could otherwise become overwhelming. Exercise caution during hikes near the shores, woods, or marshes of a Mississippi lake, especially when turning over logs or reaching under rocks. In case of a snakebite, contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility immediately.