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

Virginia is home to about 30 species of snakes, but what residents may not know is which bodies of water in the Commonwealth 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 Virginia.

According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the state has three venomous species of snake: the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, and the water moccasin (also known as the cottonmouth.

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

Smith Mountain Lake

The state's second-largest lake is a popular spot for boating and swimming. WorldAtlas said the lake is home to a variety of snake species, including the Eastern rat snake, Northern water snake, Eastern worm snake, rough green snake, and more, including the copperhead, although sightings of it are rare.

The park offers cabins and campsites for rent, with a beach and concession stand open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, according to Virginia State Parks. The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, about 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke.

Douthat Lake

Located in the Alleghany Mountains, Douthat Lake draws anglers fishing for trout. It's also home to Eastern garter snakes, Northern water snakes, Northern copperheads, and the venomous timber rattlesnake, the publication said.

The state park site said amenities include Douthat Lodge, Lakeview Camp Store, The Lakeview Grill, and boat rentals. But, it is a nature area, so visitors are warned the park has bears, so visitors need to be aware.

Lake Gaston

Straddling the North Carolina and Virginia border between I-85 and I-95, Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre lake bounded by the Kerr Dam and Gaston Dam and borders the counties of Mecklenburg and Brunswick in Virginia.

According to WorldAtlas: "Lake Gaston is home to the Black rat snake, the Northern water snake, and the Banded water snake."

Happyland Camp Five Lake

The small lake is located in Prince William Forest Park, a national forest reserve.

According to WorldAtlas, "Around Happyland Camp Five Lake, you may find several species, like the Northern copperhead, Timber rattlesnake, Northern ringneck, Black rat snake, and Eastern garter snake."

The park gives offers 15,000 wooded acres filled with wildlife and hiking trails, as well as history. The town of Dumfries and the land that is now Prince William Forest Park were strategic areas during the Civil War that the Confederate army hoped to control. The park has 37 miles hiking trails, 21 miles of bicycle-accessible roads and trails, four campgrounds, and over 100 cabins

Lake Anna

Lake Anna State Parkin Spotsylvania offers boat access, a beach with lifeguards on duty Thursday through Sunday, plus cabins, lodges, campsites, yurts and camping cabins available for rent seasonally.

According to WorldAtlas, "Common species found here include the North American racer, the Scarlet snake, and the copperhead. Only the copperhead carries potent venom, which can harm you, so be careful where you are walking."

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