5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In South Carolina

From its coastal lowlands with their beaches and wetlands to the array of lakes spread throughout the state’s forested landscape, South Carolina abounds with bodies of water. Many offer endless opportunities for recreation, from fishing along the coastline to boating within cascading waters. However, along with benefiting humans, they also offer ideal habitats for many animal species. While beavers, white-tailed deer, and fish are a welcome sight, there are some that you might not want to see.

Among these are snakes, nature’s slithering reptiles, and South Carolina has a lot of them. According to most estimates, the state houses 39 species, from non-venomous ones like the common water snake (Nerodia sipedon) to the dangerous eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Many species can hide in waterfront foliage, slithering near trails, and even swim and hunt in the water. So, to keep your encounters with snakes, especially the venomous kind, to a minimum while in the water, here are five of the most snake-filled bodies of water in South Carolina.

Savannah River

The Savannah River is one of South Carolina’s major rivers, flowing from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast to the Atlantic Ocean. It spans a total of around 300 miles (484 km) through South Carolina and Georgia, with multiple tributaries like Black Creek, Broad River, and the Seneca River. To this end, the Savannah is a hub of activity, crossing through communities like Savannah and Augusta and natural areas like the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. This 31,000-acre protected area houses endless wildlife, including American alligators, bald eagles, and occasionally even Florida manatees.

Among these many animals are some species of snakes, which thrive in the mix of forested land and flowing water. The most common in the adjacent Savannah National Wildlife Refuge are the rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus), eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), and cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). The cottonmouth is one you are most likely to see near the water, as it is one of the most adept swimmers in the region. Also known as water moccasins, these snakes have a cotton-like white mouth and can swim long distances in running water. They reach up to 35 inches (90 cm) long and have a distinct black to brown coloration with darker crossbands along their body. While these snakes tend to avoid humans, their venom is cytotoxic, and a bite can lead to swelling, pain, and necrosis. Thus, it's best to keep an eye out when roaming in or around the Savannah River.

Pee Dee River

The Pee Dee River flows through northeastern South Carolina, winding its way from the Appalachian foothills before joining the Atlantic Ocean, similar to the Savannah. Stretching across forested wetlands and farmland, it has long been an essential waterway for trade, recreation, and wildlife. Today, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking along its calm stretches, with nearby towns offering access points to explore its scenic views and historic banks.

Amidst this setting, snakes are not uncommon, with the brown watersnake (Nerodia taxispilota) being the most notable species here. Growing up to 60 inches (152 cm) long, these snakes are often mistaken for venomous cottonmouths because of their dark brown blotches and habit of basking near the water. However, they are non-venomous and rely on fish as their primary food source, frequently diving into the water to hunt. While not dangerous to humans, their abundance along the Pee Dee makes them a frequent sight, so it is best to stay alert when moving through the river’s wetlands and wooded shores.

Lake Murray

Unlike the previous two, Lake Murray is not a river, but a lake. This reservoir rests in central South Carolina and spans a whopping 50,000 acres, making it one of the largest in the region. In fact, it was the world’s largest man-made reservoir when it was made in 1930. Today, the lake is a popular tourist attraction, with fishing and boating among the most popular activities here. Popular areas along the coast, such as the Dreher Island State Park, also open up opportunities for hiking and camping. At the same time, Spence Island hosts annual events like Fireworks on the 4th of July.

With so many people in and around the lake, knowing which species of snakes live here is vital. However, it can be a bit difficult as this is one of the state’s most snake-filled areas, home to the eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula), eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum), eastern corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), and the infamous water moccasin. Among these species, the eastern milksnake is one that stands out, specifically for its vibrant coloration. This milk snake has shiny scales split in a pattern of red, black, and white bands along its length. Adults reach 36 inches (91 cm) long, and they prefer to live in forest edges and use cover objects to hide. Thankfully, their color pattern makes them easy to spot, so you are unlikely to get too close by mistake. While most snakes here are harmless, be sure to watch for the venomous water moccasin when out on the lake.

Lake Marion

Lake Marion is also in central South Carolina and is even larger than Lake Murray. Spread over nearly 110,000 acres with a 315-mile-long shoreline, the snakes have endless areas to call home. To this end, the brown water snake and eastern ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) are two that are commonly seen. The latter, the eastern rat snake, is found east of the Apalachicola River and reaches lengths of up to 6 feet (163 cm). This makes it one of the largest snakes in the state, and its distinct white-yellow coloration with longitudinal stripes makes it a charming sight in the wild. These snakes can be found throughout the forested wetlands and tend to hunt at night and occasionally enter water. Thankfully, the eastern ratsnake and most species here are non-venomous, and you only need to watch out for the cottonmouth.

Apart from the slight risk of snake encounters, Lake Marion offers public access through multiple boat ramps. Apart from heading out on the water, Santee State Park and Santee National Wildlife Refuge are ideal for fun along the coast, with hiking trails, parks, and more. Fishing is also commonplace here, as the lake is home to striped bass, channel catfish, and bream. A 16.2-pound largemouth bass caught in the lake holds the state fishing record for largemouth bass.

Lake Wylie

Hidden away on the coastline of North and South Carolina, Lake Wylie is a reservoir that was formed in the early 1900s. Today, it spans 13,400 acres, surrounded by recreational destinations, forested areas, and cities along the 325-mile (523 km) shoreline. Fort Mill and Rock Hill are among the largest waterfront communities in South Carolina, and people from these towns often come over for boating, hiking, and more. That said, locals know to keep an eye out for snakes here, as the lake is home to the common water snake and the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

The common water snake is frequently seen along the shoreline, basking on rocks or logs before slipping into the water to hunt. Reaching up to 4 feet 5 inches (135 cm) long, they rely on fish and amphibians for food and are entirely non-venomous, though their defensive behavior can make them seem aggressive. Their dark bands and habit of swimming with only their head above water often cause people to mistake them for cottonmouths, but they pose no real danger to humans at Lake Wylie.

These Bodies Of Water In South Carolina Abound With Snakes

Among the many charming bodies of water that are full of outdoor activities, wildlife, and more, snakes are also part of the package. These slithering reptiles adore wetlands, and with around three dozen species in South Carolina, you are bound to bump into one someday or another. So, it's best to stay informed, so you know which ones to avoid and what to do in case of a close encounter or bite. However, always remember that most snakes are more scared of you than you are of them, and if you respect their space, they probably won’t bother you.