Discover the 10 Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Canada

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: July 13, 2023
© Chris Hill/Shutterstock.com
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Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Canada infographic
Here are the Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Canada.

Canada is home to several species of snakes. They most commonly live near lakes, rivers, and wetlands, where they hunt for amphibians and fish. In this article, we will discover the 10 most snake-infested rivers in Canada.

1. Red River

Red River Canada
Several species of snakes live in the Red River.

©NayaDadara/Shutterstock.com

The Red River is a major river that flows through the central region of North America. It has two main branches: the Bois de Sioux River and the Otter Tail River. These waterways converge at the border between North Dakota and Minnesota, before flowing northward into Manitoba. Here, it empties into Lake Winnipeg.

Several species of snakes reside in the surrounding area. These include the northern water snake, garter snake, and eastern milk snake. However, little information exists on the types of snakes found in the Red River itself.

2. Assiniboine River

Assiniboine River
This beautiful river in Western Canada is many snakes swimming beneath its surface.

©FANKS/Shutterstock.com

The Assiniboine River flows through the prairie region of Western Canada. Several species of snakes slither through the area, including the northern water snake, garter snake, and eastern milk snake. It is worth noting that not all of these species are venomous. In fact, many are harmless and play important roles in their ecosystems.

3. South Saskatchewan River

South Saskatchewan River
Residents have reported prairie rattlesnake sightings in the South Saskatchewan River valley.

©My Lit’l Eye/Shutterstock.com

The South Saskatchewan River is a major river that flows through the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan in Western Canada. Several species of snakes are found in the surrounding area, including bull snakes, northern water snakes, and eastern garter snakes. Residents have reported Prairie rattlesnake sightings in the river valley, though they are not common.

4. North Saskatchewan River

North Saskatchewan River
Prairie rattlesnakes have been reported in the Saskatchewan River area, though they are not common.

©

The North Saskatchewan River is a glacier-fed river that flows from the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. It joins with the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatchewan, which then flows eastward into Manitoba and eventually into Lake Winnipeg. Several species of snakes can be found in the surrounding area. These species include the northern water snake, and eastern garter snake. Though uncommon, prairie rattlesnake sightings have been reported in the North Saskatchewan River valley.

5. Cowichan River

Cowichan River
The western garter snake is a common species found throughout Canada, like in the Cowichan River.

©Simply Photos/Shutterstock.com

The Cowichan River is located on Southeastern Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Several species of snakes can be found in the surrounding area, including the western garter snake. This non-venomous snake is a common species throughout Canada.

6. Kettle River

Kettle River
The Kettle River State Water Trail guide mentions that the river can change quickly.

©Mark Herreid/Shutterstock.com

The Kettle River is located in British Columbia, Canada. It is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. Several species of snakes can be found here, including the western garter snake, which is non-venomous and common throughout Canada. Because the Kettle River State Water Trail guide mentions that the river can change quickly, it’s important to take caution while enjoying the area’s recreational activities.

7. Okanagan River

Okanagan River
Locals love the Okanagan River for its recreational activities.

©Lynda McFaul/Shutterstock.com

The Okanagan River is in British Columbia, Canada, and is known for its recreational activities, such as fishing, rafting, and floating. Several species of snakes live in the surrounding area, including the western rattlesnake, gopher snake, and western garter snake.

8. Grand River

Grand River
Dekay’s brown snakes live in the sprawling Grand River.

©Chris Hill/Shutterstock.com

The Grand River flows through Ontario, Canada and features many recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Several species of snakes reside in the surrounding area, including the eastern garter snake, northern water snake, and Dekay’s brown snake.

9. Sydenham River

Salmon in Sydenham River
The Sydenham River in Southwestern Ontario has diverse aquatic species including salmon.

©Perry J Gale/Shutterstock.com

The Sydenham River in Southwestern Ontario has diverse aquatic species, including several snakes such as the eastern milksnake. Additionally, the Sydenham River supports at least 34 mussel species and 80 fish species, making it one of the most species-rich watersheds in Canada.

10. Thames River

Thames River
Several species of snakes live in the Thames River, so swimmers should be mindful.

©steve estvanik/Shutterstock.com

The Thames River flows through Southwestern Ontario, where visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Several species of snakes reside here, including the eastern hog-nosed snake, eastern garter snake, and northern water snake.

Summary of the 10 Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Canada

Here are the 10 Most Snake-Infested Rivers in Canada:

Rank
1Red River
2Assiniboine River
3South Saskatchewan River
4North Saskatchewan River
5Cowichan River
6Kettle River
7Okanagan River
8Grand River
9Sydenham River
10Thames River

In Conclusion

It is worth noting that not all of these species are venomous, and many are harmless and play important roles in their ecosystems. However, you should be cautious if you see a snake in the area and respect their natural habitat to avoid any conflicts.


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About the Author

A substantial part of my life has been spent as a writer and artist, with great respect to observing nature with an analytical and metaphysical eye. Upon close investigation, the natural world exposes truths far beyond the obvious. For me, the source of all that we are is embodied in our planet; and the process of writing and creating art around this topic is an attempt to communicate its wonders.

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