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

Maryland is home to many different species of snakes, but what residents may not know is which bodies of water in the Free 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 Maryland.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland has 27 different species and sub-species of snakes, including two with medically significant venom, the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.

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

Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder River, which flows just east of Baltimore, contains a network of freshwater habitats that support a strong snake presence, particularly in its upper tidal and wetland zones.

According to WorldAtlas, "You may run into eastern garter snakes, ribbon snakes black rat snakes, and potentially even eastern copperheads. And like pretty much every other corner of Maryland, you will also be able to see northern water snakes in abundance here."

Patuxent River

The Patuxent River ranks seventh in fresh water flow into the Chesapeake Bay, according to the Patuxent Riverkeeper. Patuxent River State Park is located in Howard and Montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the river. The park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. A portion of the park is a state wildlands area.

According to WorldAtlas, "Northern water snakes are particularly common here, often seen basking along banks or gliding through the water in search of fish and amphibians, the species' main food source. Though nonvenomous, they are known to be defensive if approached. The river’s tidal marshes and oxbow lakes also support eastern garter snakes and the occasional queen snake, too, especially near rocky or wooded areas."

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is located within the tidal reaches of the Patuxent River, in southern Anne Arundel County. The Sanctuary protects about 1,700 acres of tidal freshwater marshes and other land that is a safe haven for a range of plants, insects, and animals.

According to WorldAtlas, "Its expanses of freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, and shallow coves create prime conditions for a variety of snake species, particularly the common watersnake." Nonvenomous species found there include the eastern ribbon snake, the eastern rat snake, queensnakes, rough greensnakes, northern ringneck snakes, gartersnakes, and wormsnakes.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Over 20,000 acres open for public recreation offer 5 miles of hiking trails and 17 miles of paddling trails. If you prefer to travel by car, take the 3.6-mile Wildlife Drive in southern Dorchester County.

According to WorldAtlas, "Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge contains one of the most snake-populated wetland systems on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. …Northern water snakes thrive here, often seen swimming across ditches or hunting near muskrat lodges. The area’s shallow creeks and abundant vegetation also attract eastern ribbon snakes, black rat snakes, and rough green snakes. Occasional sightings of eastern cottonmouths (also called water moccasins) have also been reported."

Mattawoman Creek

Paddle Mattawoman Creek from Mattingly Park upstream and experience the Chesapeake Bay in miniature. … The extensive wetlands and the large beds of submerged aquatic vegetation are a critical nursery and feeding grounds for fish, according to the DNR. These areas are attractive to anglers for national fishing tournaments as well as to large fish-eating birds like herons, egrets, and bald eagles..

According to WorldAtlas, "Eastern ribbon snakes and common garter snakes inhabit the adjacent swamps and forest edges. Northern water snakes are most widespread throughout the area, however, and are frequently spotted near submerged logs and shoreline vegetation."

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