Living

6 Snake-Infested Lakes in Michigan (One May Surprise You)

By Kathleen Joyce PetHelpful

Updated June 11, 2026 3:24 AM

Water snake sightings are common in Michigan lakes. Getty Images Robert Schneider

Michigan may not have the hot, humid conditions often associated with snake country, but it is still home to more than 18 native snakes species, including one venomous snake: the massasauga rattlesnake, which is closely tied to wetland habitats. Seeing how the state is home to thousands of lakes, you may be curious if snakes can be found in any of them.

The truth is, they can! In fact, there are many snake-infested lakes in Michigan as these creatures are a regular part of the ecosystem and can be found in marshy shorelines, overgrown lake edges and even in the water because these environments provide the perfect conditions for them to thrive.

So, which Michigan lakes are most associated with snake sightings? And is it possible to have a rattlesnake swim near you while you're relaxing in the water? Whether you're a curious nature lover or just want to know what to expect on your next lake day, here are six Michigan lakes where aquatic snakes are most frequently reported. You might even be surprised to see a popular destination listed!

Which Lakes in Michigan Have the Most Snake Sightings?

Watch out! These Michigan lakes tend to have the highest number of reported snake sightings, especially around marshy shorelines and quiet, undeveloped areas. While snake bites aren't super common, our Michigan lake wildlife guide revelas the spots where they are often observed.

Lake Orion

A quaint resort getaway located in Oakland County, Michigan, Lake Orion (or Orion Lake) is a charming summer getaway spot that just so happens to be one of Michigan's snakiest lakes. Despite covering less than 500 acres of surface area, Lake Orion is home to lots of (mostly) nonvenomous snake species that thrive in the low-lying wetlands areas surrounding the lake and hunt in Orion's calm, shallow waters.

Common garter snakes and eastern garter snakes are often spotted in the area, as are northern watersnakes, which, while often being mistaken for cottonmouths, are entirely nonvenomous. However, as one local pest removal company in Lake Orion warns, massasauga rattlesnakes do technically live in the area.

Lake St. Clair

Certain lakes in Michigan are more likely to have snakes swimming near shorelines and docks. Image via Getty Images/Adventure_Photo

What's one snake-infested lake in Michigan? Lake St. Clair! It's part of the Great Lakes system, forming a boundary between Ontario, Canada and Michigan's Lower Peninsula. But it's not just humans who go fishing down at Lake St. Clair-snakes love it, too!

With their highly aquatic lifestyle and their diet of small fish, crayfish, and small amphibians, water snakes thrive in the environment, so it's no surprise that residents have spotted them there before. Along with the docile water snake, another Lake St. Clair snake is the eastern fox snake.

Though Lake St. Clair is technically within the massasauga rattlesnakes' habitat range, they don't appear much in the area, so you can breathe a sigh of relief. However, it's always a good idea to learn how to identify one, just in case.

Lake Michigan

Some of Michigan's most popular lakes also happen to have frequent snake sightings. Image via Getty Images/William Goldsmith

Does Lake Michigan have snakes? With more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Michigan is home to countless native wildlife species, including common wetland snakes like the aforementioned water snakes and garter snakes, along with some unique species like the Kirtland's snake.

While massasauga rattlesnakes technically do reside within some parts of the Lake Michigan shoreline along the LP, they predominantly dwell within bogs and marshes, meaning that you're not likely to run into one on your trip to the beach.

Lake Fenton

If you're planning a trip to Lake Fenton, keep your eyes open in the water, as it's a Michigan lake where water snakes are common who are just as skillful at swimming as they are at slithering on land!

Water snakes, in addition to being nonvenomous, aren't really aggressive towards humans, though they can become defensive when surprised! But since they become more active during the warm summer months, it's not uncommon for Lake Fenton visitors to see them.

Houghton Lake

Covering a whopping 20,000+ acres, Houghton Lake is the largest inland lake in Michigan. A very popular resort destination for outdoorsy folk, this area offers ample opportunities for fishing all year round. However, Houghton Lake wildlife includes snakes too.

In addition to the usual suspects (including this water snake chowing down on a fish he caught in Houghton Lake), the smooth green snake is another interesting nonvenomous species that inhabits the area (though the last reported sighting of one in nearby Roscommon County was in 2018). Though massasaugas do live within the area as well, sightings are not reported in high numbers.

Long Lake

Another Michigan lake with snakes is Long Lake, which is in Grand Traverse County. The surrounding area supports a wide range of native Michigan wildlife, including species such as the eastern milk snake and the eastern hognose snake, which is mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans.

The only venomous snake of medical significance in the region is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. However, sightings are uncommon that far north, as the species is typically associated with more southern wetland habitats and tends to remain well hidden even where it does occur.

Why Massasauga Rattlesnakes Are Relatively Common in Michigan

Massasauga Rattlesnakes are usually found in low-lying wetland areas. Image via Getty Images/Shoemcfly

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake was once widespread across the Great Lakes region, but habitat loss and human development have greatly reduced its range. However, Michigan stands out as one of the last strongholds for this species, largely because of its extensive network of wetlands, marshes, and wet meadows, which are habitats the massasauga depends on for survival. These quiet, low-lying areas provide the cover and conditions it needs to hunt and avoid predators.

This species is likely to stay out of sight than cross paths with people as they like to spend most of their time hidden in dense vegetation or soft, wet ground far from heavily trafficked areas.

When Rattlesnakes Are Most Active in Michigan

Warm weather brings increased rattlesnake activity in Michigan. Image via Getty Images/Ethan Ramirez

Rattlesnakes in Michigan are most active during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. After spending the winter in a state of dormancy known as brumation, they begin to emerge as temperatures rise and conditions become suitable for hunting and movement.

Activity increases through the summer, when snakes are more likely to be seen in sunny, sheltered areas near wetlands, forests, and lake edges. This is also their primary active season for feeding and reproduction before they gradually become less active again as cooler fall temperatures set in.

How to Stay Safe Around Snakes in Michigan Lakes

Most snake encounters around Michigan lakes are harmless, and snakes will usually move away if they notice you first. The easiest way to stay safe is to simply be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking through tall grass, rocky shorelines, or marshy areas near the water.

Sticking to marked trails, watching where you step, and avoiding reaching into areas you can't see, like under logs or rocks, can greatly reduce any chance of an unwanted encounter. If you do spot a snake, keeping a respectful distance is the best approach, as most species in Michigan are non-aggressive and prefer to avoid contact with people.

What to Do If You Spot a Snake Near the Water

If you see a snake while spending time near a Michigan lake, the most important thing is to stay calm and give it space. Most snakes will not approach people and will typically move away on their own once they sense movement or vibration.

Slowly stepping back and avoiding sudden movements is usually enough to prevent any interaction. It's best not to try to touch, chase, or photograph the snake too closely. Instead, allow it to pass naturally, as it is likely just moving through the area in search of food or shelter.

Sources

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:10 AM.