There are a few locations across the state where you should keep an eye out for the slithery reptiles, even though North Carolina isn’t recognized for having many snakes.
Lakes are a favored home for many reptiles, including snakes, so you should be aware of this whether you want to avoid them or want to get up close.
In light of this, this article lists a few lakes in North Carolina that are thought to be hotspots for a variety of native snake species that you can find—or avoid—this year.
Scuppernong Lake
Scuppernong Lake in northeastern North Carolina is a part of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Many snake species can be found in the surrounding marsh areas, which are often visited by lake visitors.
Some of the species that might be found at Scuppernong Lake include common watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon), eastern rat snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis), water moccasins (Agkistrodon piscivorus), and eastern garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis).
They are frequently observed hunting along the shore, gliding through the water, or lounging on logs.
The lake’s closeness to brackish waterways sustains a flourishing population of reptiles along with a variety of other plants and animals.
Jordan Lake
The 180 miles of shoreline around Jordan Lake, which is close to Raleigh, is inhabited by more than simply cottagers. Numerous snake species find perfect homes among the rocky shoreline, swamps, and dense forests that surround the lake.
Near the lake’s edge and in its more forested regions, snakes like the eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) and northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) are commonly sighted.
While the eastern rat snake loves to climb trees and rocky outcroppings, the northern water snake is frequently seen swimming or lounging by the shore. Both species are crucial to the management of amphibian and rodent populations surrounding the lake.
Encounters are frequent but rarely fatal because Jordan Lake is a part of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, a well-liked location for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
Lake Norman
Despite being a popular vacation and cottaging destination, Lake Norman, the largest artificial lake in North Carolina, is located just north of Charlotte and is home to a thriving snake population.
The residential, recreational, and natural areas that encircle this 50-square-mile lake provide a variety of snake habitats, including non-venomous species like the eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) and the northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon).
These two are common at shallow shorelines, especially around docks and in rocky places.
The likelihood of human-snake contacts is increased by Lake Norman’s popularity for boating, fishing, and hiking.
It is recommended that you stick on designated routes, refrain from reaching into unprotected bush or rock crevices, and use caution when near the water’s edge.
Both your safety and the health of the local snake populations depend on this.
Lake Mattamuskeet
With an area of more than 40,000 acres, Hyde County’s Lake Mattamuskeet is the biggest natural lake in the state. Numerous snake species find perfect homes in the marshes that surround it and in its shallow, brackish waters.
Along the shores of lakes, water snakes, such as the non-venomous Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon), are frequently observed hunting fish and tiny amphibians.
Venomous cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are also found in the area’s wetlands, where they flourish due to the moist conditions and thick flora.
The lake is a component of the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, which is well-known for conserving waterfowl but also serves as a haven for a variety of reptile species. Be cautious when strolling along trails, near water, or through the area’s tall grasses to prevent upsetting these reptiles.
Lake Waccamaw
Located in Columbus County in the state’s extreme southeast, Lake Waccamaw is a naturally oval lake that spans over 9,000 acres and is part of Lake Waccamaw State Park.
The lake’s distinct water chemistry, which is more alkaline than that of other North Carolina bodies of water, creates a thriving ecology that is home to a number of snake species as well as other fauna.
The poisonous cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), which can occasionally be seen swimming in the lake or lounging along the banks, is found in the vicinity. It loves wetland habitats.
However, non-venomous species like the eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) and the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) are frequently found near the lake’s shores and in marshy areas.
Final Thoughts
Numerous stunning lakes in North Carolina provide both recreational opportunities and scenic views. But these lakes also need to be used with caution because of their snake concentrations.
Knowing which lakes have increased snake activity can help you stay safe and contribute to the protection of these important ecosystems, even if harmful snake encounters are relatively uncommon in this state.
Staying on designated trails, avoiding dense vegetation (especially if you’re not wearing long clothing), and being mindful near water are important safety precautions that everyone should be aware of when exploring the cypress swamps of Lake Waccamaw, the marshy edges of Scuppernong Lake, or the bustling shores of Lake Norman.
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