What You Need to Know About Water Snakes in Lake Erie

Introduction to Water Snakes in Lake Erie

Lake Erie is the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes, and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. But did you know that it's also home to some fascinating creatures? There are a number of species of water snakes that can be found in the lake and its tributaries. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the more common water snakes in Lake Erie, as well as how to identify them and some interesting facts about them.

Types of Water Snakes Found in Lake Erie

The most common water snakes found in Lake Erie are the northern water snake, the northern redbelly water snake, and the eastern garter snake. All of these species are non-venomous and harmless to humans, so there's no need to be worried if you see one while swimming or boating in the lake.

Northern Water Snake

The northern water snake is the most common of the water snakes found in Lake Erie. They are usually a dark brown or gray color, with a white or yellowish belly. They can grow to be up to four feet long, and their skin has a rough, scaly texture. They are most active during the day, and can often be seen basking on rocks or logs.

Northern Redbelly Water Snake

The northern redbelly water snake is a smaller species of water snake, usually only growing to be about two feet in length. Their bodies are usually a dark brown or black color, with a bright red or orange belly. They are usually found in shallow water, and are very good swimmers. They feed mainly on amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders.

Eastern Garter Snake

The eastern garter snake is another species of non-venomous water snake that can be found in Lake Erie. They are usually a dark green or brown color, with a yellow or white stripe running down the length of their bodies. They are smaller than the northern water snake, usually only growing to be about three feet in length. They are active during the day, and feed mainly on small fish, frogs, and insects.

How to Identify Water Snakes in Lake Erie

The easiest way to identify a water snake is to look for its distinct color pattern. Northern water snakes have a dark brown or gray body with a white or yellowish belly, while northern redbelly water snakes have a dark brown or black body with a bright red or orange belly. Eastern garter snakes have a dark green or brown body with a yellow or white stripe running down the length of their bodies.

Interesting Facts About Water Snakes in Lake Erie

Water snakes in Lake Erie are an important part of the lake's ecosystem. They help to keep the lake's amphibian and fish populations in balance, and are an important food source for larger predators such as birds and mammals. Water snakes also play an important role in aerating the lake, as they help to keep the water oxygenated. They are also an important part of the lake's food web, as they feed on small fish and amphibians.

Conclusion

Water snakes are an important part of the Lake Erie ecosystem, and there are a number of species of water snakes that can be found in the lake and its tributaries. They are all harmless to humans, so there's no need to be worried if you see one while swimming or boating in the lake. Knowing how to identify them and some interesting facts about them can help you to appreciate them even more.