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.

Photo by Gerald Berliner on Unsplash
Photo by Gerald Berliner on Unsplash
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#6 - LAKE GEORGE - There are 10 documented species of snakes in Lake George, including the venomous timber rattlesnake.

Photo by Jackson Hendry on Unsplash
Photo by Jackson Hendry on Unsplash
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#5 - CANOPUS LAKE  - Putnam County, NY - Northern water snakes and black rat snakes can be found here.

Photo by Ian M Jones on Unsplash
Photo by Ian M Jones on Unsplash
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#4 - ONEIDA LAKE - Central New York - Although rare, the venomous massasauga rattlesnake has been spotted here.

Photo by Juan Davila on Unsplash
Photo by Juan Davila on Unsplash
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#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.

Photo by Megan Swanson on Unsplash
Photo by Megan Swanson on Unsplash
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#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.

Photo by Andrew Reshetov on Unsplash
Photo by Andrew Reshetov on Unsplash
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#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.

Be On The Lookout For These Three Venomous Snakes In New York

Lake George Island Retreat

Kaydeross Park On Saratoga Lake, New York

Kaydeross Park in Saratoga springs New York was a hidden gem in the Capital Region. In the shadows of Storytown USA and Six Flags Great Escape in Lake George, Kaydeross park managed to thrive from 1900 to 1987.

Today you will find homes built on the property where Kaydeross park once stood but for decades families made their way to this part of Saratoga Lake for swimming in the pool or lake, skeeball, food and family fun.

Let's go back to 1985!

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