5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In North Dakota

Home to the Badlands, North Dakota is a rugged state in the Midwestern United States. Its unique geography houses plenty of unique landmarks, from the Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s prairies to the cascading Missouri River. These vast stretches of open land are home to many species of wildlife, from the elk and American bison to the fox squirrel and snowy owls. While most are harmless or conspicuous like bison, North Dakota is also home to snakes, a more silent and scary animal.

The Peace Garden State is home to eight confirmed species of snakes, among which one is venomous, the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Found throughout the state, many species flock to bodies of water, as they provide hiding spots, water, and abundant small animals to hunt. As people from all over spend time near these lakes and rivers, this article delves into the most snake-filled bodies of water in North Dakota, so you know where to look out for any slithering reptiles.

Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea is a reservoir in western North Dakota. The lake is one of the largest in the state, and the second-largest man-made lake in the United States by area, spanning a whopping 307,000 acres. To this end, the shoreline is full of life throughout the year, with plenty of places for recreation like Lake Sakakawea State Park. Visitors can spend their time camping, boating, hiking, and more along the expansive 1,320-mile (2,120 km) long shoreline. Fishing is also a popular draw here, as the lake is home to many fish species like walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon; there is also a fish cleaning station for convenience.

With the long shoreline flush with greenery and the abundance of fish, snakes are also a known sight in and around Lake Sakakawea. Sightings include the bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) and the plains hog-nosed snake (Heterodon nasicus), both of which are prominent throughout the Midwest. The latter, the plains hog-nosed snake, is endemic to North America and gets its name from its upturned nose, similar to that of a hog. Apart from its nose, these snakes are quite small, reaching up to 20 inches (50 cm) long, and have varying coloration, from light brown to grayish, with patterns similar to most rattlesnakes. They thrive in floodplains and are hard to spot, but are also quite docile and rarely bite. Even if you are bitten, the hog-nosed snake is non-venomous, as is the bullsnake, so bites are not fatal.

Clausen Springs Lake

Home to the elusive and charming smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis), Clausen Springs Lake is a smaller lake in North Dakota. When it comes to snakes, however, this lake isn’t small and is one of the few places where one can spot the smooth green snake. Reaching a length of 20 inches (50 cm), this slender snake has a thin body and is easily identified by its uniform light green coloration. Its scales are also smooth to the touch, and most adults live in marshes, along water edges, and prefer to relax out in the open. Although this can lead to a mistaken encounter, smooth green snakes will usually flee and rarely bite. In some cases, people can also pick them up if they are calm. That said, they can secrete a foul odor, so this isn’t suggested unless you know how to handle snakes.

Apart from the stunning smooth green snake, Clausen Springs Lake is a hidden retreat for outdoor lovers. It rests within the 545-acre Clausen Springs Recreation Area, which hosts a large campground with over 50 campsites, electrical hookups, and RV spaces. The park has a shower house, a dock with a kayak launch, and a horseshoe pit for plenty of activities under the North Dakota sun. Just keep an eye on the ground when walking around to make sure you don’t accidentally step on or near a charming green reptile.

Little Missouri River

The Little Missouri River is a tributary of the Missouri River, one of the largest river systems in the world. This smaller, 560-mile (900 km) long body of water, stretches through the northern Great Plains and all three units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. To this end, the river abounds with wilderness, whether it is badlands, prairies, or floodplains. This diverse environment is ideal for many animals, from larger mammals like bison to over 180 species of birds, including the golden eagle. Snakes also thrive along the Little Missouri River, including the bullsnake, smooth green snake, western plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix), and the red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

Apart from these non-venomous species, the Little Missouri River is also home to the prairie rattlesnake, North Dakota’s only venomous snake. These rattlers can reach a length of around 3.3 feet (100 cm) on average, and boast a brownish coloration with dark brown patches in a dorsal pattern. Thus, they are easily able to hide among debris, often found along riverbanks. They are also quite aggressive and will vibrate their tails when threatened and bite to defend themselves. As their venom has neurotoxic and hemotoxic properties, bites can lead to symptoms such as necrosis and shock, so urgent medical care is vital.

Cannonball River

Flowing for about 135 miles before joining the Missouri River, the Cannonball River winds through the rolling plains of southern North Dakota. Its waters are popular among locals for fishing, canoeing, and camping along the quiet banks. Yet, the river is also known as a place where snakes, particularly the prairie rattlesnake, are often spotted. These venomous snakes use the rocky outcrops and grassy river edges as shelter, blending in with ease. While they prefer to avoid people, they will rattle and strike if threatened, so caution is necessary when hiking or fishing along the shoreline. The river’s rugged scenery adds to the experience, but keeping an eye on the ground is just as important as enjoying the views.

Lake Oahe

Located in both South Dakota and North Dakota, Lake Oahe is a large reservoir formed by damming the Missouri River. This body of water spans a whopping 370,000 acres and has a unique, elongated shape. To this end, the lake stretches from Pierre in South Dakota to Bismarck in North Dakota, and people are always around its shores. The 2,250-mile (3,620 km) shore length is also lined with recreation areas such as Cow Creek, West Whitlock, and Beaver Creek, where tourists can access campgrounds, marinas, hiking trails, and boat ramps. Moreover, the lake has plenty of fish, from walleye to chinook salmon, making it an angler's paradise.

With so many people camping, hiking, and boating in and around it, snakes are a cause for concern, as one can stumble into their home. Here, the ones you need to watch out for are the bullsnake and the prairie rattlesnake. The bullsnake, one of the largest snakes in North America, can reach lengths of up to 8 feet (2.4 m) and is often mistaken for a rattlesnake because of its patterned scales and defensive hissing. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is non-venomous and plays an essential role in controlling rodent populations along the lake’s edge.

North Dakota’s Snake-Infested Bodies Of Water

These five bodies of water stand out in North Dakota’s wilderness as some of the most snake-filled. Each houses a unique array of species, from the bullsnakes at Lake Oahe to the prairie rattlesnakes in Cannonball River. While some are dangerous and some aren’t, it is always advisable to watch out for snakes and give them a wide berth. Moreover, avoid straying off trails and walking without a light, as these mistakes can lead to unwanted encounters with these reptiles.