Are you planning a trip to one of the many rivers or ponds in Idaho? Then you may be interested in knowing what lurks just beneath the surface. Keep reading below to meet the water snakes in Idaho!
Top Water Snakes in Idaho
There are many different types of snake species in Idaho. However, not all of them can be found in the water. Some species, like the garter snake, are found in areas near water but prefer woodlands and moist soil. As a result, it’s important to know what species are included when talking about water snakes in Idaho. For this state, purely aquatic or semi-aquatic snakes are few and far between. That is why this list will also include species that live around water and hunt aquatic species.
Thankfully, the only venomous snakes that pose a medical risk to humans in Idaho are rattlesnakes. As a result, you won’t need to worry about any venomous species lurking beneath the surface of Idaho’s freshwater.
Idaho also has no species of “true” water snakes. These are snakes in the Genus Nerodia.
Instead, only one species of snake in Idaho lives close to the water. These are terrestrial snakes, but they prefer habitats near freshwater sources where they can hunt their choice of prey. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in.
Only one species of snake in Idaho lives close to the water.
©Colby Hess/Shutterstock.com
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are the main species of snake found around water in Idaho. They can live in a variety of habitats, but they are adept swimmers that prefer certain aquatic species. This includes fish, frogs, tadpoles, and other species.
Not all garter snakes live in or around water, however. It depends on the subspecies, as there are many living in Idaho.
Garter snakes have red tongue with a black tip.
©Natalia Kuzmina/Shutterstock.com
