There are just eleven snake species in New Hampshire, compared to 20 to 60 in most other states (Texas has 107).
With the exception of the Timber rattlesnake, which has a relatively strong venom but is known to bite people infrequently due to its gentle nature, almost all of them are safe for humans.
The Northern Water Snake, or Nerodia Sipedon, is one of the innocuous New Hampshirite snakes that inhabit semi-aquatic environments, typically those that are close to rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Although it is widespread throughout the more lake and river-heavy midsection of the state, it is not known to reside anyplace in the northern part of New Hampshire.
Squam Lake
Squam is the second-largest lake in New Hampshire, after Lake Winnipesaukee, and is situated in the “Lakes Region” of central New Hampshire.
Squam Lake is well-known for being a nesting location for loons and is home to wildlife such as bald eagles and great blue herons.
Largemouth bass, landlocked salmon, and lake trout are a few of the fish that inhabit the lake.
Naturally, the northern water snake can be seen hunting around the water’s edge, where it hunts small fish, frogs, tadpoles, turtles, and even small birds.
Since the lake is located directly south of West Rattlesnake Mountain, it is reasonable to believe that the Timber Rattlesnake, New Hampshire’s sole rattler species, may also call this area home.
Massabesic Lake
Massabesic Lake is part of the northern water snake’s New Hampshire range, even though it is located on the eastern edge of Manchester, New Hampshire.
The lake itself is well-known for its fishing, kayaking, and sailing, and its banks are lined with hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the city and the lake.
Although swimming is not allowed in this lake, this is because the lake supplies drinking water to Manchester and has nothing to do with the dangers the snake population poses to swimmers.
Lake Winnipesaukee
The largest lake in New Hampshire is Lake Winnepesaukee, which is located south and east of Squam Lake. It is larger than Squam and has more people living there.
In addition to being a popular place for fisherman and birdwatchers, Lake Winnipesaukee is renowned for its robust ecosystem and has even been known to host moose.
The lake is also within the range of the northern water snake, which roams among its hundreds of islands and hunts a variety of prey, including insects, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Ossipee Lake
Lake Ossipee lies northeast of Lake Winnipesaukee. This lake is located a few kilometers north of the town of Ossipee itself and has no villages along its shoreline.
Nonetheless, there are a lot of recreational opportunities near the lake, including campgrounds, cottage rentals, RV parks, and natural preserves.
Though they aren’t known to inhabit much further north than Ossipee’s northern coast, a population of northern water snakes would probably find Lake Ossipee to be an ideal hunting area due to its comparatively low level of human influence.
Piscataqua River / Great Bay
Although it is not a lake, the Piscataqua River flows into the Great Bay tidal estuary, which is located between Portsmouth and Newmarket and is a body of water where fresh and salt water coexist.
The eastern hognose snake, which inhabits the river, is most active during the summer. They are poisonous, although humans are not at all harmed by their venom.
Although the Great Bay region is home to New Hampshire’s water snakes, they have only been seen along the western coast of the estuary; they do not range along the northern, eastern, or southern shores, most likely because of the saltwater there.
