These Are The 5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In FL

Florida is home to 46 species of snakes, but what residents may not know is which bodies of water in the Sunshine State contain the greatest numbers of these often-feared reptiles.

An analysis by geography website WorldAtlas identified what they claim are the five most snake-filled bodies of water in Florida.

The six venomous snakes that call Florida home are:

• Pygmy Rattlesnake
• Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
• Timber Rattlesnake
• Cottonmouth
• Copperhead
• Coral Snake

The timber rattlesnake (also known as the canebrake rattlesnake) and the copperhead are only found in certain areas of northern Florida. The cottonmouth or water moccasin is also a pit viper, according to the University of Florida.

These are the five most snake-filled bodies of water in Florida, according to WorldAtlas:

The Lakes Of The Everglades

Established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, and marine habitats and the native plants and animals that call it home, according to the National Park Service.

According to WorldAtlas, "The large and powerful (lethal but nonvenomous) Burmese python has dominated the Florida Everglades for several decades. Because of a combination of intentional releases by dissatisfied pet owners (pythons are popular exotic pets in this region) and 1992's Hurricane Andrew destroying a breeding facility (which released untold specimens into nearby swamps), the population of these snakes has grown at unmanageable rates. Given their overwhelming reproductive habits, and the fact that they can grow to over 15 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds, these stealthy constrictors constitute one of the worst-case examples of invasive species on the planet."

Lake Okeechobee

The second-largest freshwater lake entirely within U.S. boundaries, it is contained by the Herbert Hoover Dike, built in 1928. Waterways on either side run into the "Big O," as the lake is called, making it part of a 152-mile boating passage way through the middle of the state known as the Okeechobee Waterway, Visit Florida said.

According to WorldAtlas, "Central and Southern Florida has 34 or 35 native species (four of which are venomous), and three invasive species of snakes. The outbreak of Burmese pythons has even been traced to West Palm Beach and the general vicinity of Lake Okeechobee. With that said, the most commonly sighted snakes are Florida green watersnakes, brown watersnakes, the Eastern kingsnake, Brahminy blind snakes, and the Florida king snake."

Lake Seminole

The manmade lake is 37,500 acres and borders Florida, Georgia and Alabama. At the bottom of the lake lies the remains of Fort Scott, a fort built in 1816 to defend the border from the Spanish. …
The lake teems with many varieties of fish, including black crappie, striped bass, chain pickerel and bluegill, according to Florida State Parks. Various waterfowl can be seen diving in and out of the lake, being careful to avoid the alligators that can be seen floating around the lake.

According to WorldAtlas, "As they are wont to do, snakes seek out bodies of water. In the case of Northern Florida, this means 45 out of the state's 46 known native species and all six of the venomous varieties (can be found at Lake Seminole). Three different rattlesnakes are reported around Lake Seminole (timber, diamondback, and pygmy), as well as the cottonmouth (also known as the water moccasin). And yes, even reticulated pythons have been pulled from this area and euthanized."

Lake Iamonia

Being a prairie lake, Iamonia north of Tallahassee drains its water, through a natural sinkhole, during dry periods. … Because Lake Iamonia is a shallow lake and is home to many alligators, it's not recommended as a swimming destination, according to Lakes Online. Other wildlife in the area include alligators, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, armadillos, river otters, white-tailed deer and various species of turtles, frogs, snakes and fish.

According to WorldAtlas, "Even if it weren't for the infamous ambush predators, visitors would want to think twice about splashing around this lake because of the healthy populations of snakes in the region. Identified species include banded watersnakes, Florida green watersnakes, cottonmouths, Eastern kingsnakes, corn snakes, red-bellied snakes, Southern ribbon snakes, ringneck snakes, and scarlet snakes."

Lake Talquin

Freshwater fishing at the state park west of Tallahassee will net largemouth bass, striped bass, speckled perch, bream and catfish caught off the park's boardwalk or dock. The park is an excellent place for wildlife viewing and bird-watching, says Florida State Parks. Wildlife that call the park home includes deer, squirrel, turkey and the occasional bear, along with bald eagles and ospreys.

According to WorldAtlas, "Cottonmouths, red-bellied watersnakes, and brown watersnakes are the three snakes commonly found in the lake and around its 40 miles of shoreline. … The Burmese python is a notable exception, but in general, snakes help keep disease-spreading rodent populations in check and service many local species that are higher on the food chain."

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