The 6 Most Snake Infested Lakes In New York! Swimming With Snakes?

This has been one steamy, muggy, hazy summer in New York State so we are fortunate to have more than 7,500 fresh water lakes, ponds and reservoirs to take a dip in and cool off. Did you know we share these bodies of water with snakes?

According to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) we have 17 different species of snake in New York State. One of the most common is the northern water snake. Are they venomous? Where will you find them? These are the most snake infested lakes in New York State.

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports that the massasauga rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead snake are the 3 venomous snakes in the Empire State and they do like to be near water sources.

The northern water snake is a fairly common sight in and around New York lakes but they are not poisonous or dangerous to humans. Here are the most snake infested lakes in New York State according to A-Z Animals.

#6 - LAKE GEORGE - There are 10 documented species of snakes in Lake George, including the venomous timber rattlesnake.

#5 - CANOPUS LAKE  - Putnam County, NY - Northern water snakes and black rat snakes can be found here.

#4 - ONEIDA LAKE - Central New York - Although rare, the venomous massasauga rattlesnake has been spotted here.

#3 - LAKE ERIE - Great Lakes - The non-venomous Lake Erie water snake is a very common sight, especially near islands of Lake Erie. You might even find one or two in a docked boat.

#2 - LAKE CHAMPLAIN - Plattsburgh, NY - There are 11 documented species of snake in Lake Champlain, including timber rattlesnake, red-bellied snake and the eastern rat snake.

#1 - ECHO LAKE - Catskills - Timber rattle snakes have been documented at Echo Lake. Typically they use the lake as a water source for drinking but they do have the ability to swim above and under water.