These Are The 4 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In GA

Georgia is home to 47 different species of snakes, but what residents may not know is which bodies of water in the Peach 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 Georgia.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the state has seven venomous species: Copperhead, Northern and Florida cottonmouth, Eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake, timber/canebrake rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake and Eastern coral snake

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

Lake Hartwell

Just off of I-85 on the South Carolina-Georgia border, 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell in a state park that's a renowned fishing spot for striped and hybrid bass, largemouth, crappie, bream and catfish. The park offers single-room camper cabins.

According to WorldAtlas, "Lake Hartwell is one of the most snake-infested lakes in the country. This body of water is home to multiple non-venomous and venomous species. … Venomous snakes are just as abundant, including well-known species such as the eastern copperhead and timber rattlesnake. The eastern copperhead is considered to be the most common and can be identified by its distinctive brown coloration and hourglass markings."

Lake Lanier

With more than 700 miles of shoreline sprawling across 38,000 acres of water, spectacular Lake Lanier is the largest lake in Georgia and about 60 miles outside Atlanta. It's a popular destination for boating, swimming, and lake vacations. The site has multiple options for camping and cabins, amusement parks, boats to charter and more.

According to WorldAtlas, "This reservoir was created in 1956 by damming the Chattahoochee River and has since become a haven for wildlife. … It is a habitat for multiple snake species in Georgia. The most prominent species in the region is the common black rat snake. Although large and avid swimmers, these snakes aren’t venomous, and their bite tends to be harmless. Another species found in this lake is the DeKay’s brown snake, a small and also non-venomous reptile."

Lake Sinclair

Lake Sinclair encompasses 15,300 acres of winding coves and several vast stretches of open water. Created by Georgia Power in 1953, Lake Sinclair is two hours southeast of Atlanta, making it easy access for fishing, tournaments, swimming, boating, camping, and has several marinas, some of which rent boats by the half- or full day. The site also has campgrounds, picnic areas, and unsupervised beaches, said Explore Georgia.

According to WorldAtlas, "There is ample space for reptiles to call home. Among these reptiles, snake species, such as the common watersnake, are the most abundant. This nonvenomous snake is very agile in water and can reach lengths of up to 4ft 5in. They have a brownish coloration with dark bands, making them quite easy to spot in and around Lake Sinclair."

Lake Allatoona

There are 25,000 acres of public land around Lake Allatoona near Cartersville that are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake offers a range of camping services and amenities from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer campgrounds and Georgia's Red Top Mountain State Park, to facilities for overnight stays at Allatoona Landing and Holiday Harbor marinas, according to the Corps.

According to WorldAtlas, "Lake Allatoona is one of the most snake-infested lakes in Georgia. Some of the most common species spotted in and around the lake are the DeKay’s brown snake, eastern hognose snake, eastern garter snake, grey rat snake, and ring-neck snake. Among these, the eastern hognose and eastern garter snakes are mildly venomous; visitors should look out for them."

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