Alabama’s Top Snake-Infested Lakes Revealed

Alabama boasts some of the most breathtaking lakes in the country. These lakes serve a place for various pastimes, like enjoying the natural beauty, boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports.

The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division oversees 23 Public Fishing Lakes (PFLs) spread across 20 counties throughout the state. These lakes vary in size from 13 to 184 acres, collectively covering a total of 1,912 surface acres.

However, the beauty of the lakes is almost often met with snakes.

A-Z Animals Things You Should Know About Alabama Lakes & Snakes

Tracking snake populations is challenging for various reasons. “Their nocturnal and avoidant nature has only recently earned them the status of priority species for protection,” said A-Z Animals.

Numerous lakes in Alabama were created by dams forming reservoirs. A-Z Animals said, "Habitats and ecosystems where many snakes lived were condensed into edges of the reservoir, forming dense populations.”

Water snakes inhabit many lakes in Alabama, and these aquatic serpents can often be more venomous than their terrestrial counterparts.

Alabama's Top Snake-Infested Lakes Revealed

Lake Guntersville

Lake Guntersville, formed by the Guntersville Dam on the Tennessee River, is renowned for its rich history and scenic beauty.

“This lake is home to various snake species, including both water and land snakes. Among them are the venomous water moccasins, copperheads, and non-venomous water snakes, as well as terrestrial snakes like rat snakes and garter snakes,” said A-Z Animals.

Lake Martin

Lake Martin, created by the construction of Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River, is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States.

According to A-Z Animals, you can find “water snakes such as the cottonmouth (water moccasin), copperheads, and non-venomous water snakes.” Also, “land snakes such as rat snakes and garter snakes.”

Lay Lake

Lay Lake is located on the Coosa River.

“Venomous species like the copperhead and water moccasin, as well as their non-venomous counterparts, may inhabit the lake’s diverse ecosystem,” said A-Z Animals.

Weiss Lake

Weiss Lake is situated on the Coosa River and is renowned for its excellent fishing and abundant wildlife.

A-Z Animals said, “While venomous snakes like the copperhead and water moccasin may be found in the area, it’s essential to remember that these snakes typically avoid human encounters and do not act aggressively unless provoked.” Also, there are “non-venomous water snakes and land snakes, such as rat snakes and garter snakes.”