The Texas Lakes With the Most Snakes

Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) tasting a male Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) with forked tongue. Shot at Brazos Bend State Park near Houston, Texas.
Paul S. Wolf/Shutterstock.com

Written by Jessica Tucker

Published: June 18, 2025

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Texas is home to 96 species of snakes. Of those 96, 15% are venomous. While this is a small fraction of the snake population, that is still 14 species of snakes to be on the lookout for when spending time outdoors. What those outside of Texas may not realize is that the state is home to a population of water snakes. Fortunately, the water snakes are not venomous. Unfortunately, the cottonmouth snake is a semi-aquatic, venomous snake. It is often confused with the Northern water snake, which is why knowing the difference between the two is crucial when spending time at Texas lakes, where most snakes are found.

Caddo Lake

Yellow cypress tree in a swampy bayou on Caddo Lake.

Cadoo Lake is home to 32 species of snakes, some of which are known to swim in the lake.

Caddo Lake is a 25,400-acre lake that straddles the border between Texas and Louisiana. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in the South, and legend has it that it was created by the New Madrid Earthquake of 1811, per the publication. However, geologists believe that the lake was formed over time by the “Great Raft,” a massive log jam in the Red River from the 12th century until the logs were removed in the 1830s. In addition to being a large lake, Caddo Lake is home to 32 different species of snakes. It is a mixed bag of whether they are venomous snakes or not. Some of the most common snakes at Caddo Lake include:

Type Of SnakeVenomous/NonvenomousDiet
Western Rat SnakeNonvenomousRodents, amphibians, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and bird eggs
North American RacerNonvenomousSmall mammals, insects, amphibians, birds, and bird eggs
Graham’s Crayfish SnakeNonvenomousCrayfish, fish, and amphibians
Northern Cottonmouth SnakeVenomousReptiles, fish, small mammals, and amphibians
Timber RattlesnakeVenomousSmall mammals, birds, lizards, and amphibians
Pygmy RattlesnakeVenomousSmall mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, and snakes

Given the mix of venomous and nonvenomous snakes at Caddo Lake, it is imperative to pay attention to surroundings both in and out of the water to give snakes their space to not become the victim of a snake bite.

Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is home to 32 species of snakes, some of which are venomous.

Lake Texoma, situated on the Texas-Oklahoma border, is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. Built in 1944 after the completion of the Denison Dam on the Red River, the lake provides flood control, hydroelectric power, water supply for local communities, and a place for water recreation.

Lake Texoma is also home to a population of 32 different species of snakes. Some of the most common include:

Type Of SnakeVenomous/NonvenomousDiet
Western Ribbon SnakeNonvenomousAmphibians, lizards, small fish, spiders, and earthworms
Pygmy RattlesnakeVenomousSmall mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, and snakes
Texas Coral SnakeVenomousSnakes and lizards, with occasional small mammals
Western Diamondback Racer SnakeVenomousSmall mammals, amphibians, lizards, insects, fish, and snakes
Southern Copperhead SnakeVenomousMice, birds, insects, amphibians, lizards, and snakes
Northern Cottonmouth SnakeVenomousReptiles, fish, small mammals, and amphibians

Along with the venomous snakes, Lake Texoma is known for its alligators as well. Therefore, taking care and being observant when visiting is highly recommended so that a day of fun does not turn into something else.

Lake Livingston

Lake Livingston

There are 32 species of snakes at Lake Livingston that are a combination of nonvenomous and venomous reptiles.

Lake Livingston is a man-made lake that was completed in the early 1970s. The lake swallowed up towns as it was being filled. Consequently, locals claim the lake is haunted, from voices being heard to a woman in white being seen near the lake’s edge.

In addition to the potential paranormal activity, there are at least 32 different species that call Lake Livingston home. Some of the most common include:

Type Of SnakeVenomous/NonvenomousDiet
Western Ribbon SnakeNonvenomousAmphibians, lizards, small fish, spiders, and earthworms
Texas Indigo SnakeNonvenomousSmall mammals, birds
Trans-Pecos Black-Headed SnakeNonvenomousReptiles, small mammals, and birds
Northern Cottonmouth SnakeVenomousReptiles, fish, small mammals, and amphibians
Southern Copperhead SnakeVenomousMice, birds, insects, amphibians, lizards, and snakes
Rock RattlesnakeVenomousSmall mammals, lizards,and frogs

Along with the snake population, there is also an active alligator population. Therefore, keep animals on a leash when visiting the lake to protect them from both getting bitten by snakes and becoming a snack for alligators.

Lake Fork

Lake Fork, Dale Creek Area

Lake Fork is home to at least 32 different snakes, some of which are venomous, but the majority are not.

Lake Fork is a man-made lake created to provide water to local municipalities and corporations. It has become one of the most beloved fisheries in Texas, with some of the largest largemouth bass coming from the lake.

Lake Fork boasts at least 32 different species of snakes in and around the water. Some of the most common snakes include:

Type Of SnakeVenomous/NonvenomousDiet
Texas Blind SnakeNonvenomousAnts and termites
Western Rat SnakeNonvenomousRodents, amphibians, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and bird eggs
North American RacerNonvenomousSmall mammals, insects, amphibians, birds, and bird eggs
Mojave RattlesnakeVenomousSmall mammals
Northern Cottonmouth SnakeVenomousReptiles, fish, small mammals, and amphibians
Western Diamondback Racer SnakeVenomousSmall mammals, amphibians, lizards, insects, fish, and snakes

There are also several other venomous snakes at Lake Fork, including the desert massasauga rattlesnake, southern copperhead, western rattlesnake, and the rock rattlesnake. Consequently, it goes without saying that Lake Fork is a snake’s playground, and the probability is high of running into one or more when visiting.

Amistad International Reservoir

An aerial view of Amistad Reservoir with the Governor's Landing Bridge in Texas at sunset

There are 12 species of snake that call Amistad International Reservoir home, many of which are venomous.

Amistad International Reservoir was constructed in an agreement between the United States and Mexico, allowing each country to benefit from a reservoir that provides “flood control, water conservation, power,” irrigation capabilities, and a recreational area. Completed in 1969, the reservoir is over 89,000 acres of water that both Mexico and the U.S. oversee to provide the surrounding areas with the water they need.

The Amistad International Reservoir is home to 12 different types of snakes. While this is fewer than other lakes in Texas, the snakes that live here are no less venomous than those in other parts of Texas.

Type Of SnakeVenomous/NonvenomousDiet
Western Ribbon SnakeNonvenomoussAmphibians, lizards, small fish, spiders, and earthworms
Texas Indigo SnakeNonvenomousSmall mammals, birds
Texas-Pecos Black-Headed SnakeNonvenomousReptiles, small mammals, and birds
Northern Cottonmouth SnakeVenomousReptiles, fish, small mammals, and amphibians
Texas Coral SnakeVenomousSnakes and lizards, with occasional small mammals
Southern Copperhead SnakeVenomousMice, birds, insects, amphibians, lizards, and snakes

For anyone looking to spend time at the reservoir, as with all other bodies of water where snakes are present, being alert is essential to stay safe. Generally, most snakes are not inclined to attack humans. The venomous ones will strike, though, if they feel threatened, which is why vigilance is of the utmost importance at Amistad International Reservoir and other lakes around Texas.

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About the Author

Jessica Tucker

Jessica is a features writer for A-Z Animals. She holds a BS from San Diego State University in Television, Film & New Media, as well as a BA from Sonoma State University. Jessica has been writing for various publications since 2019. As an avid animal lover, Jessica does her best to bring to light the plight of endangered species and other animals in need of conservation so that they will be here for generations to come. When not writing, Jessica enjoys beach days with her dog, lazy days with her cats, and all days with her two incredible kiddos.

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