Latest news with #snakes
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
These 5 Florida lakes are most ‘snake-infested' waters in the entire state, ranking says
Reptiles and Florida might as well be synonymous, especially when it comes to our slithering neighbors. According to the WorldAtlas, Florida has 46 native species of snakes, as well as four invasive species — and don't forget the six categories of venomous snakes in the state. "The state of Florida is a hotbed for snake activity. Lush ecosystems spread across a mix of tropical and subtropical climates are tailor-made for these cold-blooded slitherers," the geography website states, adding that snakes are a vital part of our ecosystem. We have more in common with these scaly serpents than we realize. Snakes and humans both love to seek out bodies of water to cool down in the sweltering summers. However, before you go swimming in your local lake, which is already questionable due to our massive alligator population, make sure it isn't also known for its large number of snakes. The Lakes of the Everglades It wouldn't be a list of the most "snake-infested" lakes without the Everglades popping up. WorldAtlas highlighted the lakes of South Florida's national park mainly for their large, unwelcome inhabitant — the Burmese python. These invasive species have dominated the waters within the Everglades for decades. "Because of a combination of intentional releases by dissatisfied pet owners (pythons are popular exotic pets in this region) and 1992's Hurricane Andrew destroying a breeding facility (which released untold specimens into nearby swamps), the population of these snakes has grown at unmanageable rates," the report shares. "Given their overwhelming reproductive habits and the fact that they can grow to over 15 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds, these stealthy constrictors constitute one of the worst-case examples of invasive species on the planet." Besides the Burmese python, here are some other species you'll find in the Everglades, with those highlighted being venomous: Coral Snake Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Eastern Garter Snake Eastern Indigo Snake Florida Brown Snake Florida Cottonmouth Pygmy Rattlesnake Rat Snake Lake Okeechobee Moving a smidge north, we're highlighting the largest lake in the state, Lake Okeechobee. It is the tenth-largest freshwater lake in the country. When compared to freshwater lakes contained entirely within the U.S. boundary, it becomes the second-largest lake, surpassed only by Lake Michigan. This 730-square-mile, shallow body of water, situated in the South-Central part of the state, is famous for its largemouth bass and speckled perch, as well as bluegills, Okeechobee catfish, and black crappies. However, other less-popular creatures also lurk nearby. Central and Southern Florida have roughly 34 native species (four of which are venomous) and three invasive species of snakes. With that said, WorldAtlas says the most commonly sighted snakes are Florida green watersnakes, brown watersnakes, the Eastern kingsnake, Brahminy blind snakes, and the Florida king snake. Lake Seminole Northwest of state capital Tallahassee is Florida's Lake Seminole (not to be confused with Lake Seminole on the West coast of Central Florida) is a long and narrow reservoir. Forty-five out of the state's 46 known native species and all six of the venomous varieties are found in the region. WorldAtlas says three different rattlesnakes are reported around Lake Seminole: timber, diamondback, and pygmy. Cottonmouths (also known as the water moccasin) are also found around the lake, sometimes confused with non-venomous watersnakes. Lake Iamonia Leon County's Lake Iamonia is a seven-mile-long prairie lake that drains through a natural sinkhole during dry seasons and reforms when the rains return (despite an unsuccessful attempt at damming and regulating the levels between 1939 and 1980). WorldAtlas states that the lake is popular among photographers, paddlers, and nature lovers. Identified species include banded watersnakes, Florida green watersnakes, cottonmouths, Eastern kingsnakes, corn snakes, red-bellied snakes, Southern ribbon snakes, ringneck snakes, and scarlet snakes. Lake Talquin North Florida's Lake Talquin is our final stop. This former floodplain-turned-manmade reservoir west of Tallahassee is well-stocked with fish and birds, along with their slithering companions. Cottonmouths, red-bellied watersnakes, and brown watersnakes are the big three commonly found in this 15-square-mile lake and around its 40 miles of shoreline, according to WorldAtlas. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida snake population highest in these 5 lakes, study shows Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
These 5 Florida lakes are most ‘snake-infested' waters in the entire state, 2 are in PBC
Reptiles and Florida might as well be synonymous, especially when it comes to our slithering neighbors. According to the WorldAtlas, Florida has 46 native species of snakes, as well as four invasive species — and don't forget the six categories of venomous snakes in the state. "The state of Florida is a hotbed for snake activity. Lush ecosystems spread across a mix of tropical and subtropical climates are tailor-made for these cold-blooded slitherers," the geography website states, adding that snakes are a vital part of our ecosystem. We have more in common with these scaly serpents than we realize. Snakes and humans both love to seek out bodies of water to cool down in the sweltering summers. However, before you go swimming in your local lake, which is already questionable due to our massive alligator population, make sure it isn't also known for its large number of snakes. The Lakes of the Everglades It wouldn't be a list of the most "snake-infested" lakes without the Everglades popping up. WorldAtlas highlighted the lakes of South Florida's national park mainly for their large, unwelcome inhabitant — the Burmese python. These invasive species have dominated the waters within the Everglades for decades. "Because of a combination of intentional releases by dissatisfied pet owners (pythons are popular exotic pets in this region) and 1992's Hurricane Andrew destroying a breeding facility (which released untold specimens into nearby swamps), the population of these snakes has grown at unmanageable rates," the report shares. "Given their overwhelming reproductive habits and the fact that they can grow to over 15 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds, these stealthy constrictors constitute one of the worst-case examples of invasive species on the planet." Besides the Burmese python, here are some other species you'll find in the Everglades, with those highlighted being venomous: Coral Snake Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Eastern Garter Snake Eastern Indigo Snake Florida Brown Snake Florida Cottonmouth Pygmy Rattlesnake Rat Snake Lake Okeechobee Moving a smidge north, we're highlighting the largest lake in the state, Lake Okeechobee. It is the tenth-largest freshwater lake in the country. When compared to freshwater lakes contained entirely within the U.S. boundary, it becomes the second-largest lake, surpassed only by Lake Michigan. This 730-square-mile, shallow body of water, situated in the South-Central part of the state, is famous for its largemouth bass and speckled perch, as well as bluegills, Okeechobee catfish, and black crappies. However, other less-popular creatures also lurk nearby. Central and Southern Florida have roughly 34 native species (four of which are venomous) and three invasive species of snakes. With that said, WorldAtlas says the most commonly sighted snakes are Florida green watersnakes, brown watersnakes, the Eastern kingsnake, Brahminy blind snakes, and the Florida king snake. Lake Seminole Northwest of state capital Tallahassee is Florida's Lake Seminole (not to be confused with Lake Seminole on the West coast of Central Florida) is a long and narrow reservoir. Forty-five out of the state's 46 known native species and all six of the venomous varieties are found in the region. WorldAtlas says three different rattlesnakes are reported around Lake Seminole: timber, diamondback, and pygmy. Cottonmouths (also known as the water moccasin) are also found around the lake, sometimes confused with non-venomous watersnakes. Lake Iamonia Leon County's Lake Iamonia is a seven-mile-long prairie lake that drains through a natural sinkhole during dry seasons and reforms when the rains return (despite an unsuccessful attempt at damming and regulating the levels between 1939 and 1980). WorldAtlas states that the lake is popular among photographers, paddlers, and nature lovers. Identified species include banded watersnakes, Florida green watersnakes, cottonmouths, Eastern kingsnakes, corn snakes, red-bellied snakes, Southern ribbon snakes, ringneck snakes, and scarlet snakes. Lake Talquin North Florida's Lake Talquin is our final stop. This former floodplain-turned-manmade reservoir west of Tallahassee is well-stocked with fish and birds, along with their slithering companions. Cottonmouths, red-bellied watersnakes, and brown watersnakes are the big three commonly found in this 15-square-mile lake and around its 40 miles of shoreline, according to WorldAtlas. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida snake population highest in these 5 lakes, study shows Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Yahoo
These are the 4 most snake-filled lakes in Arizona, new ranking says
People living in Arizona have more in common with our slithery neighbors than we realize. Not only can both snakes and people handle the heat, we also often seek out bodies of water to cool down in the sweltering summers. According to geography website World Atlas' list of the most snake-infested lakes in Arizona, we have an estimated 41 species of snakes, which puts the Grand Canyon State second to Texas for highest diversity of snakes and greatest number of venomous snakes. The next time you visit these four lakes, keep an eye out for some friendly — and not so friendly — serpent friends. Lake Mead Located in both southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, Lake Mead's water comes from the Colorado River. Lake Mead's approximately 247 square miles is plenty of room for the recorded 41 species of reptiles to take a cool dip. According to World Atlas, five different species of snake have been recorded at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Venomous snakes: Mojave snake Western diamondback Southwestern speckled Sidewinder rattlesnake snakes: Long, black and white striped common king snake Lake Powell Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir along the Colorado River that reaches across Utah and Arizona state lines. The maximum water capacity in Lake Powell is 24 million acre-feet, which, like Lake Mead, is plenty of room to sustain a range of wildlife. Visitors might spot any of the following snakes in Lake Powell: Black-necked garter snake Common king snake Gopher snake Glossy snake Long-nose snake Night snake Patch-nosed snake Striped whipsnake Wandering garter snake Western rattlesnake Lake Pleasant Over the years, semi-aquatic snakes have made headlines at Lake Pleasant, according to WorldAtlas. The lake is located less than an hour north of Phoenix on the Agua Fria River. According to World Atlas, a gopher snake once slithered aboard a motorboat on Lake Pleasant, and rattlesnakes have been filmed swimming across the surface. Arizona history: Lake Pleasant wasn't named for its calm waters. How the popular lake was named Mittry Lake Mittry Lake is located in the far southwest corner of Arizona, just north of Yuma near California state lines. The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area covers 600 acres of surface water and 2,400 acres of restored marsh, upland terrain, riparian woodland and desert-scrub habitats, according to World Atlas. Mittry Lake is an important ecosystem for a wide range of plants and animals, including birds, amphibians and snakes. In 2016, 20 southern banded water snakes were pulled from the area. While these snakes are non-venomous, the Florida natives are invasive to the Mittry Lake and the Yuma area. The Arizona Game and Fish Department estimated that the population of water snakes in Mittry Lake was in the thousands. Can rattlesnakes swim? Unfortunately, according to previous Arizona Republic reporting, rattlesnakes can and regularly do swim. The Arizona Game and Fish Department said rattlesnakes will swim when necessary in pursuit of food, mates or refuge. However, they usually don't travel through water faster than their land speed of two to three miles per hour. Additionally, in Arizona, species like the gopher snake, coachwhip and common kingsnake are known to take a dip, especially near rivers, lakes or backyard pools. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about snakes living in Arizona lakes Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Oak Park, Illinois firefighters come to rescue snake gets stuck on CTA train
Back in 2006, Samuel L. Jackson starred in an action thriller called "Snakes on a Plane." In real life 19 years later, some Chicago Transit Authority 'L' passengers in Oak Park, Illinois, starred in a real-life situation of "snakes on a train." On Saturday, the Oak Park Fire Department was called to the Harlem/Lake Green Line terminal, on the boundary of Oak Park and Forest Park. A ball python named Lucius, after the Harry Potter character Lucius Malfoy, had gotten away from his owner and had gotten stuck inside the train's control panel. Firefighters were able to open the box, free Lucius, and return him to his owner — who happened to be dressed like a pirate. The Oak Park Fire Department posted on Facebook, "Not a typical rescue, but a memorable one for sure!"
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Yahoo
Louisiana lakes with the highest snake populations according to WorldAtlas. What to know
Louisiana is home to approximately 48 species of snakes, and seven of those species are venomous. Louisiana also is home to a diverse array of water bodies, including rivers, bayous, lakes, bays, sounds and the Gulf of America, formerly the Gulf of Mexico. Within these bodies of water, a variety of Louisiana's snake species can be found, and some waters are more infested than others. The four most snake infested lakes in Louisiana according to WorldAtlas In Louisiana lakes, the most common non-venomous snakes that are found include the banded water snake, the diamond back water snake and the common garter snake. Conversely, the most common venomous snakes found in Louisiana lakes include cottonmouths, also referred to as water moccasins, and copperheads. Lake Pontchartrain Lake Pontchartrain is considered to be the No. 1 most snake infested lake in Louisiana, according to WorldAtlas. The body of water encompasses approximately 630 square miles, and has multiple bayous and rivers flowing into it. The mostly freshwater lake is inhabited by a variety of snakes, including the ball python, brahminy blind snake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, glossy swamp snake, eastern copperhead, gray rat snake, western rat snake, scarlet snake and mud snake. Lake Maurepas Lake Maurepas is another large, snake-filled lake in Louisiana. The remote lake spans more than 15,000 acres and is home to over 18 different species of snake. A few of these snake types include the ball python, gray rat snake, glossy swamp snake and mud snake. Calcasieu Lake Calcasieu Lake sits on the Louisiana-Texas border and is located on the Chenier Coastal Plain. This lake has a natural surrounding, with a variety of wildlife thriving within its marsh habitat. Nearly 26 species of snake inhabit Calcasieu Lake, some include the eastern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, northern cottonmouth, Texas coral snake and glossy swamp snake. Lake Claiborne Lake Claiborne is a man-made lake that covers approximately 6,400 acres. This lake is home to approximately 26 different types of snakes, including Graham's crayfish snake, diamondback water snake, rough earth snake, flat-headed snake, Texas coral snake and the pygmy rattlesnake. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Which Louisiana lakes have the most snakes? Snake infested lakes here Solve the daily Crossword
