The state of Indiana is home to some of the most unique water snakes that you can find in the US. The snakes in the state are either aquatic and others are semiaquatic. It is important to understand that these water snakes are very important to the state of Indiana because they provide a perfect balance of different species in the region.
The Hoosier state is home to over forty snake species. They are known to inhabit different parts of the state. A snakebite usually occurs more often in this state because of the large forest cover and the amazing climatic conditions that have made the snakes thrive in the region. Here are some of the water snakes that you can find in different parts of Indiana.
Table of Contents
Timber Rattlesnake
Perhaps this is one of the most dangerous water snakes that you are going to find in Indiana. The timber rattlesnake is one of the most venomous snakes that you are going to find here. These snakes are mostly found in different parts of the United States, especially in the eastern United States and other parts of North America.
The timber rattlesnakes are species that are known to thrive in different parts of Indiana. You will find these snakes in the Brown County State Park and some other parts across the state. These snakes are known to produce venom that whenever they bite, they inject into the body of the victim. This results in instant failure of the vital organs and which could lead to fatalities.
These snakes are not aggressive in nature. However, it is important to understand that whenever they feel in danger, then they are likely to attack you. They do not rattle until they feel that you are interfering with their habitat. It is important to note that when you are exploring different parts of the state then you should watch out for this species because one bite is enough to cause death.
Queen Snake
The queen snake is one of the most common water snakes that you will find in different parts of Indiana, especially on the eastern banks of the Mississippi River. These species are well adapted to the moist environments and you will find them closer to the water bodies in the region.
This snake is a regular occurence for hikers and people who are exploring the different parts of Indiana. They have yellow stripes that run throughout their bodies. The underside of the snake is yellow and you can find some with olive green and dark brown colors.
Eastern Hognose Snake
The eastern hognose snake is a very common snake in the state of Indiana. They usually grow up to 70 centimeters long and come in a wide array of colors and patterns. These snake species come in green, yellow, brown, and black color. Some of them come with patterns on their bodies.
These snakes are considered nonvenomous. They have rear-facing fangs and they can bite whenever they are feeling threatened. This means that the bacteria they have can cause dangerous infections in your body.
The eastern hognose snake hisses before attacking and in some cases, you can find them rattling. You will find them closer to the waterbodies around Indiana.
Western Cottonmouth
The western cottonmouth snake is one of the popular snakes that you are going to find in different parts of the state of Indiana. These snakes might be rare; however, it is critical to note that they are highly venomous, hence the need to watch out for them.
The western cottonmouth snake is the only viper that is known to live closer to water bodies. It is often classified as a semiaquatic snake. In this case, you are likely to find them in damp environments such as areas closer to swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams.
The cottonmouth snake is named so because they usually form a whitish color with the mucus on the lining of their mouth which looks like cotton whenever they feel threatened or ready to attack. They can grow up to a meter long and they have venom that is dangerous enough to kill an adult size individual.
The deaths from bites from cottonmouth snakes are few in the state of Indiana because people understand the areas they can encounter them. Whenever they bite, they can cause tissue necrosis and the victim will face very horrid symptoms.
Northern Brown Snake
The northern brown snake is a common snake that you can find in Indiana. The snake is nonvenomous and it is known to thrive in areas closer to the waterbodies around the state. These are the most common snakes in the state of Indiana.
They are found in different places across the globe, from Central America, Eastern United States, and the state of Indiana. They can grow up to 12 inches long. While you might confuse it for a worm, this snake is different, because it can bite.
Northern Diamond-Backed Watersnake
The northern diamondback snake is another common snake that you are going to find in the state of Indiana. These snakes are nonvenomous. You can find them in different habitats ranging from the Eastern United States and even in Indiana.
They are similar to the most dangerous snakes and many people often confuse them for such snakes. They are similar to the dangerous coral snakes and they can hiss and bite as well as rattle their tails whenever they feel threatened.
The diamondback water snake is found in different habitats across the state that includes swamps, pools, streams, and rivers. They usually consume frogs, toads, tadpoles, newts, and salamanders.
While northern diamondbacks are nonvenomous, they are likely to bite you and deliver their saliva which has an anticoagulant. This will cause nonstop bleeding and it can be dangerous to your health.
Eastern Garter Snake
The eastern garter snake is one of the common snakes that you are going to find in different parts of Indiana.
They usually consume a wide array of creatures ranging from worms, toads, frogs, and insects. They are mostly found in numerous areas along the Eastern United States as well as parts of Eastern Canada. They are medium-sized snakes and they often grow up to a meter in length.
It is important to note that these creatures are very adaptive in nature and they are comfortable in different environments where you are likely to find them. They usually prefer green and moist places, especially in the vegetation closer to rivers, ponds, streams, lakes, and other waterbodies. These snakes can be found even in urban areas as well, especially around parks and other rural districts.
Eastern Massasauga Snake
The eastern massasauga snake is a venomous snake that you will find in the state of Indiana. These are some of the largest snakes in the region and they are mostly found in a wide array of areas in the eastern United States as well as parts of Canada.
These snakes are easy to spot because they have a unique pattern of large brown or black patches on their bodies. The eastern massasauga snakes live in different environments and the most common location where you can find them include the swamplands, grassy regions, and forested land.
These snakes are known to consume a wide array of creatures ranging from smaller snakes, toads, lizards, toads, and salamanders. The venom from this snake is very dangerous because it affects the central nervous system and it often results in the failure of the vital organs.
They are known to induce internal bleeding and when this happens the victim will mostly die. Human attacks from this snake are rare, however, you should ensure that you stay far away from them because they can be very dangerous.
Eastern Milk Snake
The eastern milk snake is one of the most colorful snakes that you are going to find in the state of Indiana. This snake is known for their unique bold reddish-brown pattern as well as white and black stripes along their bodies. These snakes can be found in some of the greener spaces closer to the waterbodies as well on land in the woods.
They resemble rattlesnakes and many people can often fear them because of these colors. However, you should not worry because these snakes are nonvenomous and they are not aggressive in nature.
Northern Copperhead Snake
The northern copperhead snakes are some of the unique species that you are going to find in different areas around the state of Indiana. They are found closer to the waterbodies and they are found in the southern areas of the state.
The northern copperhead can grow up to a meter long. As the name indicates, the head of the snake is tanned brown with distinct markings. These snakes are highly venomous and even though this is the case they are not aggressive therefore they will not attack you unless you have interfered with their habitat.
When this happens, they usually strike and deliver a highly potent venom to your system which in turn causes the death of tissues and cells as well as failure of the central nervous system.
Let’s learn more about the snakes you can encounter in the US:
