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

ILLINOIS —Illinois is home to many different species of snakes, but what residents may not know is which bodies of water in the Prairie 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 Illinois. While the state is home to 40 species of snakes, take solace in knowing most are harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem.

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

Lake Shelbyville

Created by the damming of the Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, Lake Shelbyville spans 11,000 acres and is known among bird watchers as being a place to sight a variety of unique species, including herons, waterfowl and bald eagles, in their natural state.

The eastern garter snake is commonly found at Lake Shelbyville, often hanging out near the water's edge. The species will release a smelly odor to deter threats, and while they are known to be mildly venomous, the venom is harmless to humans. The northern water snake, which doesn't possess venom, can also be spotted here swimming. Crucial in controlling the insect population, this snake is usually docile and prefers to hide.

Rend Lake

Located in southern Illinois just north of Carbondale, Rend Lake is an 18,900-acre lake that supplies water to both nearby communities and wildlife. It's a prime location for hiking, animal watching and boating — you might even see a bobcat here.

A snake typically found here is the eastern ribbon snake, a highly skilled swimmer that is easily identifiable by its stripes. You might also come across the northern water snake, fully adapted to aquatic areas.

According to WorldAtlas, "You should take caution around the Rend Lake water's edge and wooded areas as the venomous copperhead uses these areas to hunt for small mammals, birds, and large amphibians. Their bodies, hourglass-shaped bands, and coloring offer the ideal camouflage in leaf litter. Interestingly, their young have yellow-tipped tails designed to lure prey in."

Carlyle Lake

One of the largest manmade lakes in Illinois, Clinton County's Carlyle Lake is a 25,000-acre reservoir where people fish, hike, boat and bird watching. Snakes you might see here include the rat snake, the western fox snake and a water snake known for its unmarked belly. All are non-venomous.

The western snake, which vibrates its tail when threatened, is often confused with a rattlesnake, so there's no need to fear if you come across one.

Clinton Lake

Situated 30 miles south of Bloomington, Clinton Lake has 4,900 acres of water containing fish and eastern newts and is surrounded by deer, rabbits and red foxes.

WorldAtlas said those planning hiking trips here should take note of the snakes that call the lake their home. The common garter snake can be sighted in long grassy sections of the lake, and the non-venomous eastern milk snake can be found in more rocky water areas.

An interesting-looking snake that lives here is the hognose, identifiable by its uniquely shaped snout. The non-venomous species can be found along rocky parts of the lake.

Lake Decatur

Located between Champaign and Springfield, Lake Decatur encompasses 2,800 acres of water and 30 miles of shoreline open to boating, wildlife watching and hiking. The lake is home to several snake species, including the prairie kingsnake, the midland brown snake and the diamond-backed water snake.

The prairie kingsnake, despite its appearance, is a non-venomous species separate from the copperhead. The diamond-backed water snake, another expert swimmer, can also be found at Lake Decatur. It's considered non-venomous and docile, and it will likely only show signs of aggression if cornered.

According to WorldAtlas, "An interesting species at Lake Decatur is the midland brown snake. This species grows between 9 and 15 inches and eats earthworms, slugs, and other invertebrates in the wet mud along the lake. As you can imagine, it's not very dangerous to humans, and some even keep it as a pet."