6 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In Utah

The landlocked state of Utah is most noteworthy for having one of the largest population of Mormons in the US, as settlers from the church came out here in the 1840s. It's also a beautiful state to visit as it's filled with dunes, pine forests, mountainous regions and more. Visitors also come to Utah to explore its great variety of bodies of water, from the Great Salt Lake to Utah Lake and others.

However, these bodies of water are home to many types of creatures, including snakes some of which can be dangerous to humans. Although most snakes in Utah aren't venomous and even the venomous ones are unlikely to bite humans, it's important for visitors to these bodies of water to be on the lookout for snakes. These creatures should be respected as a bite from one of them could send you the hospital.

Here are six of the most snake-filled bodies of water in Utah.

Great Salt Lake

This is the most famous lake in all of Utah. After all, it's the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere with salt levels that can reach almost eight times higher than the ocean. Although climate change and drought has shrunk the Great Salt Lake's size, it remains the biggest landmark in the state at 950 square miles, with several islands resting within its interior. Due to its high salt content, it's easy to float in the lake, especially at Antelope Island State Park's beaches.

However, there's more than just people floating in the waters of the Great Salt Lake. You might also run into snakes swimming along or sunbathing near the shore. Many of them are harmless, but some are venomous. For example, there are the nonvenomous valley garter snake and the Western terrestrial garter snake. They tend to measure between 1 foot and 2 feet and 1 foot and 3 feet respectively and are strong swimmers.

Other nonvenomous snakes you might see include the striped whipsnake, the Great Basin gopher snake (the largest snake in Utah), and the North American racer. This snake can move up to 3.5 miles an hour, making it one of the fastest of its kind.

There is one species of venomous snakes that live around the Great Salt Lake to watch out for. It is the Great Basin rattlesnake, which measures between 2 and 4 feet and typically has a muddy color complexion with pale grey, brown and olive brown coloration. Don't let its desert-like appearance fool you; all rattlesnakes are strong swimmers.

Although these snakes rarely bite humans, their venom can cause internal bleeding and can lead to heart problems if left untreated.

Utah Lake

Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake entirely within Utah. The area itself is fairly dry, only seeing 15 inches of rain a year. The lake is popular among Utah residents and out-of-state visitors for its warm water temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, access to great fishing of catfish, bass and panfish, and boating.

Much like Great Salt Lake, there are snakes in the area, but the most common ones you'll find are mostly harmless. Garter snakes are common in the waters of Utah Lake, as they swim on the surface. Like any creature, it should be shown respect and given space if encountered.

Although it's more rare, Utah Lake does sit in the middle of the range of the Great Basin rattlesnake. Visitors are most likely to see these rattlesnakes during the late spring and early summer as they move about looking for food and mates. One fact to remember is that under Utah law it is illegal to kill or harass a rattlesnake. It is recommended to check carefully when on trails or going through dense brush for rattlesnakes, as it is possible to encounter one on accident due to their camouflage.

Virgin River

As a tributary of the Colorado River, the Virgin River winds for 162 miles through the Utah countryside. It has carved deep canyon valleys, which is most prevalent at the Zion National Park. For this reason, it has been dubbed Utah's wild and scenic river. The river is home to four native species of fish: the Virgin spinedace, flannelmouth sucker, desert sucker, and speckled dace.

While visiting Zion National Park, one may see snakes both along the Virgin River and in surrounding area. For example, the Western garter snake is typically seen right along the river. It's known for a yellow line along the top of its body and a gray underbelly. Some call it a water snake due to its affinity for water.

The Great Basin gopher snake can also be found next to the river. It can grow up to six feet in length, but surprisingly it isn't known for being aggressive. Some have noted it's actually one of the easiest snakes to capture, although it's usually best not to touch any wild creature.

In the larger Zion National Park, one also might discover both the Great Basin rattlesnake and the common kingsnake. The kingsnake itself is noteworthy for being immune to rattlesnake venom and may at times even eat a rattlesnake.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is nestled on the border between Utah and Idaho in the northern part of the state. Visitors from both states come down to sunbathe at the beaches, go boating out from the marina, or go hiking in the larger Bear Lake State Park. Water sports are also a popular activity such as jet-skiing. The lake is particularly noteworthy for its beautiful green-blue color that comes calcium carbonates within the lake.

As with the other entries, the Western terrestrial garter snake may be seen here along with the Great Basin rattlesnake and at times the striped whipsnake. This reptile measures between 30 inches and 72 inches long with black, dark brown or gray color on its back. It's nonvenomous but it does at times eat other lizards even rattlesnakes.

Fun fact, this lake has a legend of a massive 90-foot-long brown snake that inhabits the waters. The Shoshone tribe first told legends of this creature that would capture people in the waters. Legend says this snake can move as fast as a boat through the water.

Navajo Lake

This lake is much smaller than other bodies of water on the list. In fact, Navajo Lake is only 25 feet deep. A lava flow was responsible for creating this natural reservoir, which is a popular site for people looking to fish for brook trout, rainbow trout and splake trout. Navajo Lake sits within the larger Dixie National Forest in southern Utah.

Thankfully there aren't many venomous snake sightings around the lake, although a few nonvenomous snakes do call the area home. These include the Western terrestrial garter snake and the Western patch-nose snake. The garter snake usually measures around 18 inches to 31 inches. They do have slightly venomous saliva, but it's harmless to humans. The Western patch-nose snake tends to be a bit larger at 20 inches to 46 inches and commonly eats other lizards, snakes, reptile eggs and rodents.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell sits on Utah's southern border with Arizona with the larger Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There's a vast shoreline to explore in Lake Powell, along with trails through the canyons surrounding the lake. In the wider area, visitors can discover marvelous sites such as the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, a massive naturally forming bridge that was sacred to many of the Native American tribes in the area.

The environment in Lake Powell is ideal for a wide variety of snake species. For example, Great Basin gopher snakes are commonly seen in the area. Their range includes most of Utah as well as Northern Arizona, where Lake Powell sits. This nonvenomous snake is known for its dark brown or black dorsal spots and averages about 4.5 feet in length.

Some visitors have reported a wide variety of rattlesnakes in the area, including Prairie Rattlesnakes. This creatures average about 3.3 feet in length and are identified by dorsal patches of dark brown colors. They will shake their rattles to warn potential predators of their presence, which includes humans. They are not particularly aggressive however and are more likely to slither away from people than bite them, but they will if they feel sufficiently threatened.

Utah has a great diversity of life, including snakes. There are common garter snakes, venomous Great Basin rattlesnakes, massive but gentle Great Basin gopher snake and many more. Although snakes can be frightening to some, like most creatures they just want to be left alone to live, sleep, and hunt for prey.

When visiting these snake-filled waters, it's important for visitors to be aware of their surroundings. While actually encountering a snake may be a rare occurrance, stepping on one by accident or antagonizing one can lead to dire consequences. If you are bit by a snake, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think the snake wasn't venomous. It's better to be safe than sorry.